Chapter 0849
+25 BONUS
“But he is right–your mother asked us to take care of your education and finances. We know you don’t want contact with your family, and if you stay in Valentia, you won’t just run into them–you’ll also be at risk from any enemies your grandfather may still have out there.”
“So you’re saying… I have to leave Valentia?”
“Yes. And that’s not up for discussion,” Anthony stated, crossing his arms.
Lucius sighed, running a hand through his hair. “New Zealand… That place is far enough, right?”
“I suppose so… That’s where you want to go?”
“Yeah. If it means I won’t have to keep looking at your angry face, then yes.”
“Lucius!” Anthony growled, irritated.
“What, brother–in–law? Guess you’ll have to put up with me now,” Lucius said smugly.
“There are always other options. I hear psychiatric wards provide excellent care,” Anthony shot back.
That statement sent a chill down Lucius’s spine.
He had seen what this man was capable of. If Anthony Moriarty had sent his own in–laws to prison, there was no telling what else he could do.
“I was joking… But yeah, I’d like to go to New Zealand.”
“Good. From now on, Sebastian Sinclair will be living there,” Anthony said, already heading for the door. “I’ll make all the necessary arrangements. Within a week, you’ll be settled there.”
“Now that you know where I’m going… are you finally going to tell me where my mother is?” Lucius asked.
Anthony turned back with an expression that made it clear he wasn’t going to like the answer.
“As I already told you–both my wife and I–your mother is the only one who knows where she went. I simply provided her with the funds to live comfortably and helped facilitate her escape.”
“Yeah, right. Don’t take me for an idiot. You have to know where she is,” Lucius insisted.
“I don’t. And you might as well drop the subject,” Anthony said flatly. “You leave for New Zealand in a week. I expect to hear from you once a month. If I don’t, that will affect the amount of money you receive. And don’t even think about running away–I had a tracking chip implanted while you were unconscious. If you try to escape, it’s going to be very painful for you.”
Lucius’s eyes widened. “You what?!”
“I have no reason to leave anyway,” he muttered. “Besides, if I disappear, doesn’t that mean you automatically get my inheritance?”
“Exactly. Which is a great reason for you to think twice before trying anything stupid. You have two options–act like the adult you should be and take what’s being offered, or run. But if you do, you won’t see a single cent of what’s legally yours.”
Anthony leaned against the doorway. “One more thing. None of your money is digital. Everything your grandfather left you is cash. So don’t even think about trying to hack into my system. I have full control over your funds, and
you’ll get them month by month–on my terms.”
Lucius or rather, Sebastian–stared at him, stunned.
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Chapter 0849
+25 BONUS
“I’m giving you a fresh start. Take it. Let go of the disastrous life your grandparents forced you into.”
“You just want to get rid of me,” Lucius muttered bitterly.
“In part? Yes,” Anthony admitted. “But no. The truth is, I gave my word to your mother. And even if I have to tie you to a hospital bed, I will keep you out of trouble.”
Lucius was speechless.
His mother loved him, but he never thought she would trust this man with his life.
“Lucius Palmer, you’re arrogant as hell. You don’t realize that your actions often get you into trouble. So yeah, I’d rather send you far away and keep you from walking into a mess of your own making.”
“I just want to know where my mother is… I just want to find her,” Lucius said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Lucius, you need to understand something,” Anthony said his tone softer but still firm. “Your mother does not want you to carry the burden of her existence. That’s why she left you in my care–as if you were a child who needed protection.”
“I… I just want to see her,” Lucius finally broke.
Angela, who had been silent for most of the conversation, shot her husband a warning look. Without a word, Anthony turned and left the room.
Angela sat beside Lucius, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“Lucius, sweetheart… Your mother only wants what’s best for you and your family. She knows you won’t be able to see your siblings anytime soon, so she made sure your future was secure. But… I do understand my husband.”
“Anthony Moriarty is a man of his word. He doesn’t like to fail. That’s why he wants you to start fresh–far away from all the chaos your grandparents caused.”
Lucius swallowed the lump in his throat.
“You’re not alone, Lucius. Maybe I’m just your ‘fake‘ family, but I will be here for you. My husband will, too, even if he won’t say it outright. We’ll take care of you.”
Lucius shook his head, his voice breaking as he whispered:
“I just want my mom…”
