But in the next second, Albert’s entire expression shifted to one of panic.


    He hurriedly tossed the documents aside and looked at Grace with pleading eyes. “Madam Grace, what… what is the meaning of


    this<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    “It means exactly what it says.”


    Grace tapped the stack of documents on the table.


    “Ipiled all this myself. Isn’t Hayes Enterprises supposed to be so capable?


    “Since you seem so ready to stand on your own, let’s dissolve these projects. Go leech off someone else—I’m done.


    “And one more thing…”


    She rose to her feet. “You’d better give me a proper exnation soon about what happened to my two daughters. “I’d hate for this to get ugly. Because if it does, well…”


    Grace leaned down slowly, her voice dropping to a chilling whisper beside his ear.


    “You’re a smart man, Albert. I’m sure you understand exactly what I mean.‘


    ”


    With that, she gave his shoulder a condescending pat and walked out with her assistant and bodyguards in tow.


    She didn’t leave him a single chance to respond.


    Albert had still been trying to find the words to plead his case when the door mmed shut behind her with a resounding bang.


    It was clear that Grace had left in fury.


    Just from the force of the door alone, Albert could tell how furious she truly was.


    Still, he couldn’t me her.


    Anyone in her shoes would’ve been enraged.


    After all, both of her daughters had been hurt.


    Albert stared at the pile of documents and evidence on the table, feelingpletely overwhelmed.


    How had thingse to this?


    He hadn’t even known half of it.


    This was all that damned son’s fault.


    And now, it almost felt like he was being forced to pay for his son’s crimes.


    Though anger boiled inside him<b>, </b>there was nothing to do now but take it


    Whatever else happened, he needed to get in touch with Julian fast.


    one step at a time.


    That bastard caused all this mess, and now he had the nerve to disappear without a trace?


    How was that even possible?


    Albert immediately called Julian, but the line kept showing as “busy,” and no one picked up.


    Eventually, the call disconnected on its own, still unanswered.


    Albert frowned in confusion.


    Wasn’t he the one begging to be rescued front prison not long ago?


    And now he couldn’t even be bothered to answer the phone?


    Was he still expecting to be saved?


    What a joke.


    Grumbling under his breath, Albert dialed a second time.


    Meanwhile, Aurora and the others exchanged puzzled looks as Leonard stared at the phone in his hand.


    He looked conflicted.


    “So… should I answer it or not?”


    They had just gotten off the ne, and Leonard had remembered to power Julian’s phone back on.


    The moment he did, Albert’s call came through.


    Megan muttered, “What’s that old man calling for now?


    “Didn’t Julian already try reaching out to them earlier, and both parents ignored his <b>calls</b>?


    “So what’s this about now?”


    She was fuming.


    Julian might’ve been infuriating<b>, </b>but with parents like that, he really didn’t stand a chance.


    He’d tried calling them before, and they couldn’t even be bothered to pick up.


    They’d driven him to the edge.


    Whatever else, he was still their son.


    How could they be so indifferent?


    The more Megan thought about it, the more unbelievable it seemed.