Chapter 669

The villa was filled with Ken’s people, so the news didn’t surprise him. However, he still asked, “If Dad asks about this, what should we tell him?”

Margaret’s face darkened. “Just say the truth! I know Wendell well enough. He was so antagonistic towards Melody that he even tried to kill her when he was with the Hunter family. But then he turned around and blamed Ulric, which shows that Ulric was behind everything!”

Margaret had witnessed everything firsthand. Even though she was older and her mind wasn’t as sharp, she could still piece together that Ulric had used Wendell to try and eliminate Melody. “Melody is my savior, and I truly don’t understand why he would go to such lengths against her, especially at such a high cost. That’s his uncle! It’s a misfortune for our family, truly a misfortune!” Margaret’s frustration grew, and she had trouble catching her breath by the end.

Ken quickly started to head upstairs to get Melody, but Margaret stopped him. “I’m fine; I just need a bit of water!” With the servants dismissed, Ken poured a glass of water and gave it to Margaret. Thankfully, after drinking the water, her chest felt somewhat relieved, though the anger she felt in her heart was something she knew would never truly settle.

Margaret sighed and said, “I’ve always tried to be fair to you and Ulric, giving you a bit more care in daily life since he still has his mother looking after him. I wonder if my greater concern for you has contributed to Ulric’s current behavior.” Ken remained silent, feeling it was inappropriate to voice his opinions in front of Margaret.

At that moment, Margaret suddenly asked, “Ken, tell me the truth- what exactly happened with Ulric’s leg back then?” This matter had been bothering her for a long time. On one hand, she couldn’t believe that Ken could be responsible. On the other hand, she found it painful to doubt Ulric. As a result, even years after the incident, she refused to see Ken.

Ken gave a bitter smile and said, “Grandma, after all these years, I’m finally hearing you ask me about it directly.”

Margaret felt a sharp pang of guilt and sorrow. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see Ken; she was afraid to face the truth, fearing it might be even more painful than knowing Ken had injured Ulric’s legs. “I’m sorry… I’ve been selfish, wanting to see the family united but without considering your feelings.”

Ken shook his head, gazing out the window as he began to speak, almost as if recalling a memory. “That day, Ulric broke a vase in my study. It was my mom’s relic. You know, she loved collecting antiques.”

Margaret nodded. Ken continued, “I had treasured that vase because I’d heard my mom liked it. She had placed it on a high shelf to prevent it from being accidentally knocked over. But that day, when I walked into the study, I saw the vase’s shattered pieces lying near Ulric’s feet. He had used the vase and his words to provoke me, and I lost my temper and acted against him…”

Margaret’s heart skipped a beat. “So, you reacted by…”

Ken shook his head again. “Even if I hated him, I wouldn’t have crippled his legs. I only struck him, and you all heard the commotion and rushed over quickly. By the time you arrived, he had already injured his legs. I was young and scared at the time, and by the time I managed to explain, you were already discussing whether to send me to a juvenile detention center.”

In the end, Ramon intervened and prevented Ken from being sent away. However, shortly after, Ken was sent abroad to study. During that time, he spent daily with Sid, Janet, and the others. It could be said that those were the darkest days of his life.

Upon hearing this, Margaret felt even more heartbroken, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. “It’s my fault, I’m so sorry… It’s all my fault…”

Ken shook his head and took Margaret’s hand. “It’s all in the past now.”

After a while, Margaret managed to steady herself, but it seemed she had aged a decade instantly. Her voice was hoarse as she said, “Rest assured, I couldn’t give you an explanation back then, but now I will make things right with Melody. However, you need to be honest with me. Since you and Melody have been married, is it because of my insistence, or do you truly have feelings for her? If you don’t have any feelings for her, I won’t force you. I’ll be the one to take the blame.”

“Grandma,” Ken said with utmost sincerity, “At first, I didn’t accept this marriage, but now, I want to spend my life with her. Our relationship is something we need to handle ourselves.” He pondered, ‘I won’t force her to stay with me if she genuinely doesn’t have feelings for me. As I told her, their happiness matters most if I truly love someone.’

Margaret smiled with relief. “I knew she was a good person, so I arranged for you two to get married. It seems my stubbornness wasn’t in vain after all.”

“Yes, thank you for bringing such a wonderful person into my life.”

Margaret forced a smile and said, “I’m tired. I’m going to rest now. You should get some rest, too.”

“Alright,” Ken said, helping Margaret back to her room before heading to his study.

An antique restorer had repaired the shattered vase, but the cracks were still visible upon close inspection. Ken traced his finger gently over the line of the crack. After the incident with Ulric’s legs, he wanted to escape from the Swanson family, which led him to join forces with Sid and others to establish Ximber Tech.

But over the past six months, he had a sudden realization. Endless retreat and endurance would not bring peace. Only by taking proactive action and dispelling the shadows could he hope to secure a future bathed in constant sunlight.

There was a knock at the door of the study.

“Come in.”

As the command was given, James quietly entered. “Mr. Swanson, per your instructions, the most capable members around Ulric have been dealt with.”

Ken gave a curt nod and, after a moment, finally spoke. “The weather’s about to change. Make sure to dress warmly.” With that, he walked out of the study.

James stood there, puzzled, wondering, ‘Change in the weather? Which one is he referring to?’

After some thought, James realized he wasn’t the best at deciphering such cryptic messages. He turned to his phone and ordered three down jackets, figuring it was always better to be prepared.

The following day, Melody learned that Margaret sent Astrid back to the Hunter family. However, before Melody could fully enjoy the news, a servant informed her, “It seems Mrs. Margaret has fallen ill again; she woke up this morning covered in cold sweat. Mr. Swanson had pressing matters, so he only checked on her briefly before leaving. He asked me to remind you to visit her after breakfast.”

Melody immediately set aside her half-eaten bowl of oatmeal and said, “I’ll go check on her first.”