Love Began with the First Meeting

Chapter 412 Leaving Is Not An Option (Part One)

It's been almost half a month since she had the operation. With just less than two months until the New Year, events were already being anticipated.

A City was now brimming with festivity.

Every business was busy trying their best to promote their products and lure more customers.

But it was the parliament, which focused on safeguarding the city's security, transportation, and food supply, which was the busiest.

"Mayor, a bus was rear-ended and overturned by a truck shipping supplies to A City on the expressway to F City. Three people are dead, and 18 are injured," Bill reported.

He glanced at Edgar to see if the official heard his report. He seemed not to have paid attention and just stared at the computer screen. Bill wondered what preoccupied Edgar's mind.

"Tell the Department of Transportation to step up their scrutiny of fatigue driving and to prepare for the annual travel peak," Edgar ordered. He spoke so suddenly in a voice calm but imposing.

Bill secretly twitched his lips, then continued reporting. Each time he thought Edgar was not listening, the man would offer a solution with poise.

His job done, Bill left the Mayor's office. Meanwhile, Edgar continued to stare at the computer screen. He was staring at the report about Dragon Empire Group's anticipated investment in a foreign hospital based in A City. The hospital was undertaking extensive research on ophthalmology.

The investment didn't come as a surprise. But the events a few weeks ago only demonstrated how fate changes plans instantly. He had used Jenifer to cause a rift between Brian and Mr. Yan, with the ultimate goal of solving remaining issues of the past and winning Molly back. But barely had she left the hospital when the accident happened.

Now he was worried about her, yet he couldn't see her; he wanted to inquire about her condition, but there was no opportunity to do that.

As Edgar's brows furrowed over her situation, his phone rang. He picked it up to answer.

"Edgar, Jenifer's been taken to the military court," Jonny's voice was firm and steady. "Was this part of your plan as well?"

The mayor's face darkened at the question. Slowly, he answered, "I stopped the incident in Phoenix Mountain from happening."

There was silence on the other end of the line. Then Jonny replied, "Good. Your Gu Family shouldn't be taken lightly at all." He paused again before adding, "I don't blame you for this. I think what you did was smart. To some extent, you appeared to have been the weak side all the time, but in the end, you came out the winner. You not only wrested control from the conservative faction but also managed to steal the limelight from the State Parliament. You unmistakably earned both fame and fortune."

He stopped speaking, and Edgar sensed Jonny was sneering at him. Then he continued, "Nothing comes from nothing. What you want most will eventually be taken from you."

A dark look replaced the frown on Edgar's face. He said, "I don't understand what you mean."

In response, Jonny let out a laugh. Thoughtfully, he told the Mayor, "After what happened, you really think that Congress will still take her back? You should know how much trouble she caused."

His words instantly made Edgar turn green. He knew all too well what would happen once Congress was after someone - death.

"Edgar, you're still young. Think it over." With these words, Jonny ended the call.

As he heard the click on the other end, Edgar mechanically put his phone down. His eyes suddenly squinted as mixed emotions began to engulf him.

Time is fleeting. A festive atmosphere filled the air, and everyone managed to put on a happy face. But was the happiness for real? The answer lay in each person, no one else.

In the last month, the military court had been trying to set up an arraignment, almost every week, for the details of the war 21 years ago. After nearly two weeks, Justin no longer appeared in high spirits, having seemed to age by ten years, with his usually tidy hair now a mess.

Based on the jury's decision, the judge announced as he fixed sharp eyes on the defendant, "I now rule that since Justin Yan has damaged national interest, he will be deprived of all military and political posts and stripped of political rights." The final verdict made Justin smile with contempt.

He kept his expression blank as they led him to the facility for political prisoners. Justin was well aware everything was about politics. A useful person gains respect. And even when you're no longer of any use, they can still squeeze out every last ounce of value from you.

Amid these thoughts, Justin noticed Jenifer walking toward him. With a cold smile, Justin said icily, "Jonny has a good granddaughter. But alas, you will also be sacrificed." His words made no impact on Jenifer, whose youthful face continued to exude charm.

Brows furrowed, she replied insolently, "My ending is none of your concern, Vice President Yan." She smirked. "Oh, my bad. You're not vice president anymore. Now, you're nothing to the government. You don't even deserve an identity."

She cast him a look of loathing as Justin twitched his mouth dispassionately. Sarcastically, Jenifer quipped, "My troubles can't even hold a candle to yours. We both knew I wouldn't eventually be sacrificed."

Pausing intentionally to arouse Justin's interest, Jenifer spoke deliberately. "You were the prey of the reformist faction all along, but you always remained blind to the truth. And Molly, whom you first targeted then used to bait Brian, is your biological daughter." The revelation had Justin's eyes widening.

Mouth agape, he exclaimed, "No way!"

She raised an eyebrow to express bitterness as she said coldly, "You raped Sharon, and to cover up your crime you put your twin brother in her bed. Did it never occur to you that Molly was not his daughter, but yours? Or perhaps, considering the effects of what you did, you just chose not to think about it," Jenifer jeered.

"Shut up!" Justin shouted, his eyes filled with rage. "You're just trying to provoke me because you can't get Edgar for yourself," he spat at her. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

His accusation made Jenifer's face turn pale. She learned about what happened to Edgar from her grandfather. But it never crossed her mind that he would take advantage of her. Jenifer thought she did it discreetly enough, but it never occurred to her that he would do so much for Molly.

"Hrumph!" Justin granted. "Even if Molly is my daughter, so what?" he shot back. "I decided to sacrifice everything when I chose to side with the reformist faction. While Molly might be my daughter, I feel no affection for her. And compared to you, I am neither sad nor pathetic. After all, you have 20 years of bonding with your family."

He cast a look of disdain towards Jenifer, whose face was now twitching. Justin finally turned around and walked into the prison facility followed by his guards. But the moment his back was turned, his face distorted in extreme pain.