In the hall of the Voss family's main property, the phone beside Alfie Voss, who had been impatiently awaiting news, unexpectedly rang.
"How is it?" Alfie inquired impatiently as soon as the phone call connected.
"Great news! Aside from Pegasus, Dreamscape Media, and three entertainment outlets and bathhouses ordered to close permanently, the remaining enterprises are permitted to restart operations. However, we must pay a significant fine," stated a family member of Voss on the other end of the telephone.
"That is good. The fine is irrelevant. "The Vosses can still afford to pay!" Alfie spoke in a more relaxed tone. His face became less tense. Burden was lifted to his shoulder. Hearing the news of Voss family business had been ordered to close means loosing their capability and power. Able to operate for some other businesses is acceptable to Alfie.
Although he had lost several lucrative enterprises that were key to the corporation's success, it was far preferable to losing the entire Voss family!
They would eventually repay their losses if they had enough time to run their firms. At most, they would simply change their companies' names.
Alfie hung up the phone in good spirits. The family members gathered around him quickly stared at him with anticipation.
"Has the matter been resolved?"
"There's hope for our family, right?"
"Our whole company business would not be closed, right?"
"Has Lucius settled everything? Is that individual no longer intending to pursue the case?"
Facing their concerned and eager looks, Alfie nodded slowly and smiled, "Yes, we've safely overcome our crisis this time!"
The ten-odd Vosses instantly looked relieved and applauded Lucius continuously.
Burden was lifted from their chest. They would not want to imagine what will be the outcome should these matter not settled.
"Lucius is reliable and capable. He's only been out for an hour or two, and the situation has already been resolved!"
"He's truly deserving of being the next successor. He's not bad!"
"Of course." This goes without saying. After all, he carries Alfie's genes. "Like father, like son!"
Alfie smiled as he listened to them praise Lucius, but his heart was down.
He wanted to smirk when he heard them say Lucius was competent because he was his son.
It was because the eldest kid, Lucius Voss, about whom they were chanting praises, was not Alfie Voss' biological son but the bastard child of his wife's clandestine liaison with another man!
If Alfie hadn't been competing for the post of family patriarch at the time and required a successor to improve his chances, he would never have allowed this bastard child, Lucius Voss, to live!
Previously, Alfie praised Lucius in public on multiple occasions and even stated that he would be the Voss family's heir to make Lucius believe that he valued him and would be dedicated to working for the family. This is Alfie's plan after all.
When he ultimately turned over the family to his biological son, Gudrich Voss, he hoped Lucius would experience what it was like to create the path for others to succeed!
Alfie believed that Lucius and his evil mother owed him everything! Her mother is so despicable to do this to him!
Lucius had recently returned home. As soon as he stepped into the estate, he was encircled by a crowd of ecstatic Vosses who continued applauding him nonstop. He was elated to their praises!
"Lucius, the fact that we can overcome the crisis this time is all thanks to you!"
"Yes, if it weren't for you, how could our family's crisis be resolved so quickly?"
Lucius was stunned. But he quickly smiled and modestly replied, "Not at all. It's only right that I do this for my family. Furthermore, I took advantage of our family's reputation and standing to get the situation settled by chance. Dad and all of you deserve the credit!"
Alfie affectionately patted Lucius's shoulder. "It's not surprising you're my son. "Well done!"
Lucius quickly lowered his head. "It's all because you taught me well, Father. All thanks to your teaching and guidance!"
They grinned at each other like a loving father and son.
"Hey, where is Gudrich?" Didn't he return with you? When Alfie realized Gudrich was not present, he asked.
Lucius chirped, "I realized Gudrich's legs were severely hurt, and I was concerned that his condition might worsen, so I sent him to the hospital. Although his injuries did not significantly damage his muscles and bones because we were only performing for Ethan Knight, he is nevertheless severely harmed. So I decided it would be best to let Gudrich heal at the hospital for a time."
"Okay, good to hear." Alfie nodded and departed.
However, he had no idea Lucius was staring at him from behind with an icy gaze. Hmm, old fogy, are you thinking of using me to help your son succeed? I'll see how you're going to play mind games with me once your only biological son and grandson have died! I am my mother's son, you remember that!
After walking to an empty spot, Lucius dialed a number and made a phone call. "All right, those two wastrels can be slaughtered immediately. But make sure they die in a hospital and leave no proof behind."
Gudrich and Alaric Voss were both hospitalized due to severe injuries. The Vosses had recently gone through a crisis; therefore, their power was significantly weakened. They were also all overwhelmed by the magnitude of the tasks at hand. They trusted him even more than before.
It was a fantastic opportunity!
Besides, he could blame Ethan for Alaric and Gudrich's deaths.
No one could stand having to kneel low and bow to someone else as Lucius did at the Reed Corporation today! Its ridiculous to do that but needed to perform the act.
…
The following day, news of Gudrich Voss and Alaric Voss's unexpected deaths at the hospital spread like wildfire throughout the area!
The Voss family was regarded as a prestigious family in Emerald Coast County. The deaths of the family's two direct descendants triggered various conversations, speculations and theories around the county. While nobody knows what happened to their family, some has the idea that there is a power struggle within the family.
Anastasia was likewise informed of the news, and her demeanor immediately changed. She did not expected of the news.
When she saw Ethan again, she asked him hesitantly, "Alaric and Gudrich Voss died in the hospital yesterday. Have you heard about it?
"What? "Both of them died?" Ethan was somewhat astonished. He was surprised to learn this piece of news. He went out with Dylan early in the morning without realizing it.
Anastasia stared at Ethan for a long time, unsure what to say. Reading his face if he was telling the truth or not.
Ethan gave a quick laugh. "Why are you staring at me like that?" Do you think I killed them?"
Anastasia shook her head, conscious that Ethan should not have done such a thing, although knowing he could do so. She still trusts his husband for not doing the despicable things.
Looking at Ethan with concern, she continued, "In that case... you have to be extra careful. Alaric Voss' death was caused by complications from an infected wound, which Dylan... inflicted. I'm concerned the Vosses will blame it on you."