“Mr. Lennon, I think you’re a complete idiot!” Andrew stated bluntly.
After a moment of stunned silence, Lennon exploded with rage. “Andrew, what the hell did you just say?” Everyone else, including Yara, was shocked beyond belief. They could not understand why Andrew would insult Lennon so brazenly, especially in the middle of the Wright family’s grand hall.
The audacity was almost outrageous.
Andrew remained expressionless as he looked at Lennon with disdain. “Did you even listen to what you just said? Was any of that remotely human? Kevin and I have already told everyone that we’re sworn brothers. When we went treasure hunting together and he died, I was devastated and heartbroken too. But what could I do? The dead don’t come back, so all I could do was mourn him in silence. And you, you ungrateful bastard, you’re out here accusing me of killing him? You say something that disgusting, Lennon, and you expect me not to call you an idiot?”
He added, “Let me ask you–Kevin and I had a bond deeper than blood. Our brotherhood was well-known throughout your family; even Captain Tora can vouch for it. But you, Lennon, had the nerve to throw mud at me. Calling you an idiot was me being polite. If it weren’t for Kevin watching from the heavens, I swear I’d slap the taste out of your mouth today.”
Andrew’s face filled with righteous anger as he spoke, and his eyes grew red with tears. He looked like someone whose deep brotherhood had been defiled, showing clear signs of wanting to fight Lennon to the death.
Lennon’s face turned red with embarrassment, and though he wanted to mock Andrew several times, he could not find the words to start. Inside, he was screaming–this damn Andrew really knew how to put on a show!
Yara nearly burst out laughing. She was convinced Andrew was just full of it.
Isaac stepped in to bail Lennon out, or more likely, to once again tag-team with him against Andrew. “Fine, Andrew, let’s say everything you said is true. But the fact that Kevin’s gone still needs to be formally investigated by the Wright family.”
Andrew snorted. “Investigated? What exactly are you investigating? Whether or not I murdered Kevin?”
Isaac felt awkward, wondering how this guy could just blurt out exactly what he was thinking. “You and Kevin were extremely close, so of course we’re not accusing you!” he added quickly. “But I hope you understand–our family’s a major household. There are procedures we have to follow.”
Now he was changing tactics, getting slick with his words.
Andrew shot him a look and said bluntly, “Mr. Isaac, cut the crap. I’ve already told you the truth. Kevin was just unlucky. And I’m only here for one reason–to deliver his last will. If your family doesn’t even want to hear his dying wishes, then I’ll turn around and walk right out of here.” Isaac and Lennon both looked like they had swallowed something bitter. This damn Andrew even knew how to play the emotional card–unbelievable.
A respected elder of the Wright family finally stood and said, “Mr. Lloyd, please share Kevin’s will. Our family has no suspicions about you. In fact, we’re grateful you’re here.”
Tora stepped forward as well. “Everything Mr. Lloyd says, believe. During that expedition, he saved my life. And Mr. Wright Senior relied on him several times–more than can count.”
Tora was always known in the Wright family for his loyalty and integrity. Now that he openly stood behind Andrew, many other family members began letting go of their doubts.
Lennon tried to say something again, but another family elder barked at him. “Lennon, enough! Kevin’s gone. The priority now is choosing a new head of the family. And you and Isaac–show some respect to Mr. Lloyd. He was Kevin’s sworn brother. That makes him family. Stop acting paranoid and embarrassing us in front of everyone!”
Lennon was fuming. He silently cursed and wondered how the whole family could believe this punk so easily.
Isaac gave a cold chuckle. “Fine, let’s hear it then. Tell us what Kevin’s will says. Let me guess–it names Yara, the illegitimate child, as his successor?”
Andrew raised a brow in mock surprise. “Wow, Mr. Isaac, you really do have foresight. That’s exactly right. My late brother Kevin made it very clear. He instructed that from this day forward, leadership of the Wright family would be handed entirely to Ms. Yara. He said that even though she’s a woman, she’s more capable than any man in this family. And under her leadership, the Wrights will rise to even greater heights.”
Two loud bangs echoed through the hall–it was Isaac and Lennon, slapping their water glasses off the table. The two of them shot to their feet, pointing fingers at Andrew, their faces twisted with rage.
“Andrew, that’s bullshit!”