Zhan's whisper was barely audible, his voice trembling with disbelief. "W-what..." He couldn't even form a complete sentence, his mind reeling from the shock.
Mr. Xiao's response was firm, his eyes locked on Zhan's. "Yes, Zhan. Johnson Menk." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I know it's hard to believe, but the evidence is clear. Johnson Menk was one of Dylan's sources, feeding him and Mrs Lizzy information and helping them manipulate you."
Zhan's eyes were wide with stupification, his face pale as he struggled to reconcile the Johnson Menk he knew with the traitor his father was describing. "B-but how?" He stuttered, his voice laced with disbelief. "He's always been so kind, so caring. He's the one who... who..." Zhan's voice trailed off, his mind racing with memories of the elder's warm smile and gentle guidance.
The room seemed to grow darker, the shadows deepening as the weight of Mr. Xiao's words hung in the air. Zhan's world was crumbling around him, the foundations of his relationships shattered by the revelation. He felt like he was staring into an abyss, the darkness staring back at him with cold, unforgiving eyes.
Mr. Xiao's eyes were filled with a deep sorrow, his voice heavy with regret. "I'm sorry, Zhan. Those three have been planning to take over your wealth, using Lizzy as a pawn in their game. She's innocent, naïve, and has no idea what she's gotten herself into. Her mother is manipulating her, using her as a means to an end, and Lizzy thinks she's just getting into a marriage... but that's just a cover for their real intentions."
Zhan's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. "And what does this have to do with Johnson?" He asked, his voice firm but laced with a growing unease.
Mr. Xiao's face was grim, his words dripping with a sense of urgency. "Johnson has been meeting with you not just about business, Zhan. He's been searching for something, gathering information about your company... and Lizzy was helping him. He wants everything, Zhan. Your wealth, your power, your legacy... everything."
The room seemed to darken, the shadows deepening as the weight of Mr. Xiao's words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Zhan's world was crumbling around him, the foundations of his relationships shattered by the revelation. He felt like he was staring into an abyss, the darkness staring back at him with cold, unforgiving eyes. The silence that followed was oppressive, a heavy blanket that suffocated them all, leaving only the echoes of betrayal and deceit.
Mr. Xiao's words dripped with a sense of sorrow and regret. "Darren couldn't get over the fact that you chose Yibo over him, so he hatched a plan that ultimately led to Yibo's accident. And of course, Mrs. Yan used her wealth and reputation to cover it up."
Zhan's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling from the revelation. "Remember that night you went to Mrs. Yan's party? The night you almost got drugged?" Mr. Xiao's eyes locked onto Zhan's, his gaze piercing.
Zhan's lips parted in shock, his eyes darting to Wangji, who looked equally perplexed. How did his father know about that night? Zhan had never told him, never breathed a word about the incident. Wangji's confusion was palpable, his eyes narrowing as he tried to piece together the puzzle.
The room seemed to grow smaller, the air thickening with tension. Zhan felt like he was staring into an abyss, the darkness staring back at him with cold, unforgiving eyes. The silence that followed was oppressive, a heavy blanket that suffocated them all, leaving only the echoes of betrayal and deceit.
Mr. Xiao's voice was laced with a mix of determination and regret. "I sent someone very close to Lizzy, someone I trust implicitly, to gather intel and keep you and Wangji safe. I know you're wondering how I knew about that party, but let me tell you, Zhan, I have eyes and ears everywhere. Nothing gets past me, especially when it comes to your safety."
