"Who dares to say that my son is not a Drakes?" The voice rang out in the hallway, piercing through the tense atmosphere like a sudden storm.
An elegant woman glided into the room, her attire reeking of wealth and sophistication. Her features were aglow, with flawless skin radiating vitality, and robust guards flanking her on either side, a testament to her status.
Vanessa's face was a picture of shock, as if all the color had evanesced from her cheeks, leaving her pale and trembling.
In that moment, my heart raced, a mix of excitement and bewilderment.
I turned to Adam, who had assured me with conviction that my mother was dead, even presenting me with a death certificate to substantiate his claim.
"Yvette? No, it's impossible... You're... dead," Vanessa stammered, grappling with the absurdity of the situation.
"My son, you've transformed into such a striking young man, just like your father," my mother said, her eyes glistening as she approached me.
"I lament not being there for you all this time to love and protect you.
I had formidable enemies lurking in the shadows, all desiring my demise." The back of her hand swiped at the tears that began to cascade down her cheeks, a symbol of the pain she had endured.
Looking at my mother in that moment, I was struck by her apparent youth, an aura of strength and dignity emanating from her.
A profound swell of pride and affection washed over me; I realized, even in the aftermath of my father's absence, I was no longer alone.
I had my mother back and a devoted wife by my side.
"Vanessa deceived everyone about my mental health, orchestrating my admission to a psychiatric facility," she continued, her voice shaky with emotion.
"While there, I was subjected to medication that only served to exacerbate my situation, even though I was mentally stable." The anguish in her voice ignited a flame of indignation within me.
How could Vanessa have orchestrated such a treacherous web of lies? She would pay for her wicked deeds.
"You were ill, Yvette! Don't fabricate stories!" Vanessa interjected defensively, her tone growing more frantic.
"You deceived everyone about my health solely to entwine yourself with Edson!" my mother shot back, her voice filled with justified fury.
"There's proof of your manipulations. Amanda discovered your schemes three years ago and alerted the guards who saved me.
I find solace in knowing she's now married to my son. Otherwise, you would have succeeded in your plot to eliminate me."
In that instant, I glanced over at Amanda, who had been standing quietly by my side until now.
A wave of admiration washed over me; I'd punished her for a crime she hadn't committed, while she had steadfastly supported me.
This realization brought a profound sense of gratitude to my heart.
"Thank you," I murmured sincerely, feeling a connection deepen between us as our hands intertwined.
"She assisted me with my surgery some time ago; this kindness is merely a repayment of her favor," Amanda replied with a gentle smile that warmed my heart.
"Not only did Vanessa manipulate my father into making her son a Drakes, but she also orchestrated his death." The projector behind them flickered to life, illuminating the sinister plots Vanessa had devised with Mr. Michaelson.
"If we bring him down," Vanessa's scheming voice reverberated through the projection, "you will attain justice. Remember how he abandoned you during that boy scout trip? He married the woman you've loved all this time."
"He always gets the best of everything, while I'm left with the scraps. I will make him pay; I will bring his son down," Herbert's voice dripped with venomous jealousy.
"What?" Amanda's voice escalated in disbelief. "My father was in love with Yvette?"
"Yes, he has always harbored resentment towards mine, after all, my father outshone him in every aspect," I explained, giving Amanda a reassuring squeeze.
As I looked into her eyes, I realized the depths of our shared story and how intertwined our lives had become.
"We have the power to rewrite the narratives that have long haunted our families," she smiled, though her eyes glimmered with unshed tears.
But then, everything changed in an instant. "Oh, Killian," she whispered, her voice suddenly gripped by fear and horror as she glanced over my shoulder.
"Watch out!" she yelled, shoving me away with all her strength.
Confused and disoriented, I turned, only to see her crumple to the floor, blood seeping from the wound in her arm.
The reality of what had transpired hit me like a freight train, she had taken a bullet for me.
"No!" I cried, rushing to her side and cradling her fragile form against me.
My heart hammered in my chest, each beat echoing the chaos erupting around us.
"Someone call an ambulance!" I yelled, desperation tinging my voice.
In less than five minutes, an ambulance screeched to a halt, paramedics quickly whisking her away as I followed, trying to stay grounded amid the whirlwind of panic surrounding me.
"Boss, it was Klein; he was the one who fired the shot," Reid informed me grimly as we raced towards the hospital.
"No one harms my wife and lives to tell the tale. Take care of him, finish him," I commanded, my voice cold and unyielding.
"Yes, Boss," Reid acknowledged with a nod before heading off to do what was needed.
As we arrived at the hospital, the Michaelson family was already in a flurry of distress.
Mrs. Michaelson, her face tear-streaked, rushed forward,
"Where's my daughter?" she cried out.
"No one is allowed to see her!" I declared firmly, standing my ground. "I don't trust any of you with my wife."
Another wave of resolve coursed through me; I had already lost someone I loved dearly, and I could not afford to lose Amanda too.
I had only just discovered how deep my feelings ran for her, and I vowed to protect her with every fiber of my being.
Moments later, my mother approached, her eyes shimmering with concern.
"How's Amanda? How is she holding up?" she asked, her voice laden with worry.
"She'll be alright," I reassured her with conviction.
"But those who have ever caused her pain will pay dearly for their actions."
At my words, Stella crumpled to the ground, consumed by fits of tears.
"Mum," CJ said urgently as he rushed to her side, trying to comfort her.
"Amanda has endured so much," Stella lamented, "I haven't been the mother she deserves all these years." She sobbed