UNDER HIS RULES

Beatrice smiled widely when she saw that there was still a little bit of lunch left on Alfred’s plate. Although it was a bit challenging to persuade the old man to finish his meal, at least his progress was remarkable. His health was also gradually improving. The stab wound in his stomach didn’t reach any vital organs. However, it was concerning because of Alfred’s age, which had reached seventy.

“Grandfather is happy that his grandson takes care of this old and feeble self. Not David anymore,” Beatrice laughed. She cleared the empty tray to the side table. “In two days, Grandfather will be able to go home. But you mustn’t engage in too many activities yet. Mr. David has also informed me about many things. I don’t really know what to do.”

“That’s exactly why you should get well soon, Grandfather. You should learn everything about what you possess,” Alfred gently stroked Beatrice’s head. “You are my granddaughter, the main heir to everything I have, Leora.”

Beatrice grimaced slightly. It wasn’t because of Alfred’s touch, which she knew was filled with love. It was because she wasn’t accustomed to that name, and it felt strange. Throughout her time with Alfred, he had told her a lot about her parents, even showing her albums with pictures of her biological parents with joy. He depicted their personalities vividly.

There was pride, admiration, sadness, melancholy, and a sense of resentment because the accident befell someone Alfred loved. Moreover, it wasn’t just an accident but an orchestrated event. Alfred was furious and enraged when he learned the truth. A day after he regained full consciousness and could comprehend each past event, Sam presented all the facts.

“Unfortunately, my men didn’t find specific evidence about the accident involving Beatrice’s parents, Sir,” Sam casually sat near the partially reclined man. Some documents he provided were sufficient to impose severe punishment on Joseph, actually. But the executioner had already taken care of that without being asked. He felt that a life should be paid with a life.

Alfred clenched all the papers Sam gave him in anger. His breath was heavy as he suppressed his boiling anger. “Find out everything related to Joseph, Sam. I’ll give you the access to facilitate your movement in punishing anyone who conspired with Joseph.”

“No need to ask, Sir,” Sam waved his hand dismissively.

“Could you be politer? You’re the future husband of my granddaughter. Do you consider my granddaughter just an entertainer, Sam?”

“Why are we discussing Beatrice?” Sam exclaimed in disbelief.

“Leora is my granddaughter. I want you to have my blessing for your future life together,” Alfred said.

Sam sighed heavily. “I don’t need anyone’s blessing to take Beatrice away from you, Mr. Alfred.”

“King Samuel Aaric Cyril, should I reveal your name to the public?”

Sam stared sharply at Alfred.

“If everyone knew who you really are, Sam, they would unquestionably offer all the help you need.”

“Just call me Sam, as the leader of the Twin Dragons, Mr. Alfred. I don’t want to get too involved. King Benjamin has been dead for a long time. I haven’t forgotten my father’s message the day before the accident happened,” Sam paused. The image of a dark night accompanied by heavy rain delivering sad news flashed in his mind. The night when young Sam became an orphan, not knowing which direction to take. Few people knew that a Kingsley, Sam’s maternal grandfather, also intervened and molded him into the man he is today.

“He said, ‘Take the best from around you and discard the worst. Unfortunately, I prefer the worst parts of people’s lives around me.’

Alfred laughed. “Your words are indeed similar to Benjamin’s.”

“Even so, I genuinely respect him. My father and grandfather… they are my role models.”

Alfred smiled faintly. “Benjamin raised you very well. Unfortunately, cancer consumed him too quickly. And I believe your mother’s death was the cause. You know, losing a child is like losing half of your life.”

Sam fell silent. Memories of his childhood resurfaced. The figure of a man whom he felt, if still alive, would be around Alfred’s age. Before he truly took on what his father left behind, he experienced the influence of Benjamin as well. The dark and merciless gaze, which sent shivers down his spine but made Sam an intimidating figure who didn’t back down from any challenge.

Alfred was right, sadly Benjamin’s life was cut short by the illness that struck him, leaving Sam when he was ten years old.

“I have taken care of all of Joseph’s lackeys. I asked Ferdi to punish them severely. I don’t want to get too involved in matters that the police have already delved into,” Sam said.

“Why don’t you simplify it as a token of gratitude since the police helped you, Sam?” Alfred sneered, to which Sam responded with a chuckle.

“I’m just being polite, Sir. You like me to be courteous, right? This is my form of politeness.”

“Make sure of one thing, Sam,” Alfred straightened his back. Though it was somewhat difficult, Sam willingly helped. Alfred and Benjamin had a long-standing good relationship. When news of their colleague’s death in the Southern Division reached Alfred, he was genuinely devastated. But to honor the last message before death claimed him, Alfred had done it for years until this very moment.

He didn’t want his granddaughter to feel uncomfortable about what she should rightfully have. Sam was free to choose his own path in life. Carrying on what his father had built, which Sam was now pursuing.

“Leora, my only granddaughter, the sole heir to everything I possess, and I turn a blind eye to your relationship as long as Leora is happy. Safe. Protected. And won’t experience any harm while in your care.”

Sam grinned. “So, you’re giving your blessing, Old Man?”

Alfred lightly punched him in response. “Watch your words.”

“Alright, Grandfather? Is that what you want, Sir?”

“Be quiet.”

Sam chuckled. But amidst the laughter that filled Alfred’s hospital room, he spoke with full confidence. “For what you said earlier, I will ensure it happens even without you asking.”

Truly, Alfred felt relieved hearing Sam’s words just now. Sam would never betray his own words. Alfred was certain of that.

“Grandfather, lost in thought?”

Beatrice’s words made Alfred blink, then he looked at his granddaughter with affection. “Just reminiscing about a rather serious conversation.”

“With whom?” Beatrice was curious too. Despite giving him a strong warning not to overexert himself, David, Alfred’s trusted associate, had limited visits. Sam occasionally came to visit, but they hadn’t spent much time together. So, who was Alfred talking to?

“No need to worry about it, Leora,” Alfred laughed. “Until the main mansion is renovated, we’ll stay at the usual place where I rest.”

Beatrice furrowed her brow. “I… go home with you, Grandfather?”

“Where do you think you’re going, back to Twin Dragons?”

Before Beatrice could answer Alfred’s question, the middle-aged man spoke again. “No. You’re Leora Quassano. You’ll live with me from the moment I found out you’re my granddaughter. I won’t let you live uncertainly like before.”

“But, Gran-”

“There’s no refusal, Leora. It’s a final decision.”

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