1RomanceEB Chapter 1280 - 1279: That Dark Truth
Chapter 1280 - 1279: That Dark Truth
Ignatius Leclair was in the tearoom with his confidants, conducting the most complex analysis of various relevant figures in the Imperial City.
Through the glass window, Delphine watched the handsome, cold, pondering man in the tearoom and shook her head, saying, "He didn’t say. Ignatius just found out that Major General Shaw was detained for investigation, so he came to the Imperial City to protect Granny Shaw and you, then collaborate with Griffith Squire to adapt to the situation."
For Richard Shaw, these two most critical tasks could only be entrusted to Ignatius Leclair.
"The details of this matter are likely to be quite intricate, only Richard Shaw and the Shaw Family’s matriarch know. Why don’t you ask Granny?" Delphine held her hand and comforted her softly, "Major General Shaw must have a foolproof plan to clear your father’s name, so don’t worry too much."
Leah nodded, her complexion a bit pale, as she looked at the desolate autumn scene in the courtyard, with the ginkgo trees already bare, signaling the arrival of winter.
"I’ll go see my brother once Granny wakes up," Leah said calmly, "The Cox Family doesn’t only have my brother. His experiences are too complex, I’m the most suitable person for this matter."
Everyone knew there was only one girl in the Cox Family. If Griffith Squire rashly went, he would not only have to explain the issue of an illegitimate child but also the experiences over the years. His credibility wouldn’t be as high as hers, and if anything went wrong, Richard Shaw could be released while Griffith Squire could end up imprisoned.
He had treaded in too many gray areas over the years, with many things that couldn’t be washed clean no matter how one tried.
Everyone understood this matter, so Griffith Squire decided to step forward to protect her.
Delphine hesitated to speak, but knowing Leah’s temperament, her delicate white face showed a trace of light worry, and she said softly, "Leah, today is not like when I was imprisoned. Back then, I had Finnian by my side and Major General Shaw maneuvering for me. I didn’t suffer much during those few days, but that kind of place is best not touched if possible. As powerful as you are, you’re still a woman. I don’t want you to go."
Recalling those few days of imprisonment, Delphine shuddered, determined not to see the proud Leah go to such a place.
"Besides, Griffith Squire wouldn’t let you go. You know nothing about their plans and layout, and even if you went in, it wouldn’t help."
Leah’s face turned somewhat disheartened. She reached out to hug Delphine’s arm, burying her head in her embrace, and said hoarsely, "Delphine, it’s good that you and Ignatius Leclair are like this. You don’t have to bear the deep-seated enmity of the previous generation. If feelings are mixed with other purposes from the start, it’s hard to be happy."
Delphine reached out and gently patted her back without saying anything.
After sleeping for a few hours, Granny Shaw awoke, noticeably rejuvenated, and after drinking some hot water, she called Leah over.
"Leah, did you remember everything?" Granny Shaw, having had a clear-headed nap, asked.
Leah nodded and said hoarsely, "I’m sorry, Granny. I remembered past events half a year ago."
"That’s good, that’s good," Granny Shaw said, her old eyes moist as her withered hand tightly held Leah’s, wiping her tears from the corner of her eye, trembling as she spoke, "Silly child, why didn’t you come ask Granny about what happened back then? How can you keep all the pain to yourself without letting anyone know?"
Leah’s peach blossom eyes also reddened slightly, and she shook her head without saying anything.
"Ah-Jeh has been gone two days now, and for the past two days, I’ve been thinking, what does one strive for in a lifetime? In the end, Granny thought it’s for a clear conscience. Leah, sit down, and I’ll slowly tell you what happened back then."
Delphine was about to close the door to leave when Granny Shaw softly called, "Delphine, come in and listen, stay with Leah. These things will soon be known to everyone."
Delphine hesitated, then nodded and closed the door.
"Leah, do you blame Granny? If it weren’t for Granny insisting that you marry Ah-Jeh, maybe you wouldn’t have ended up like this," Granny Shaw said chokingly. Perhaps the two children would each have their own lives and perhaps both could be happy, rather than one destroying his future and the other suffering for half a lifetime.
"It has nothing to do with Granny. We each walk our own path. I liked him, and I wanted to marry him," Leah said softly, her voice tinged with a sigh. She never regretted what she did; if she was wrong, she would start over.
Granny Shaw was relieved by her words. She struggled to sit up, her fingers trembling as she took out a smooth key, unlocked a drawer, and retrieved an old photo album, one that Leah had never seen Granny Shaw take out before.
Granny Shaw gently caressed the worn cloth and opened to a family photo, pointing at the refined and elegant young man and a very beautiful woman, tearfully saying, "Leah, these are your father and mother, and the other two are Ah-Jeh’s parents. Your father and Ah-Jeh’s father were close friends, practically my sons. If it were possible, Granny would never want the old to bury the young."
Looking at the photo, at the outstanding young man, and recalling what Leah’s mother said, about being from Coldgate and yet so radiant, tears welled in Leah’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks. At last, she knew what her parents looked like.
"It’s our Shaw Family that let you down," Granny Shaw said while wiping her tears, her heart aching as she sipped hot water to soothe her emotions before continuing, "Back then, Ah-Jeh’s father was in the Military District, and your father was in the Imperial City government department. They were as close as brothers, shared grand ideals, and perhaps due to their youthful vigor, they offended many people.
"Ah-Jeh’s father was ordered to conduct a secret research project in the Military District, spanning five years and involving uncountable funds. Since it was the highest military secret, Ah-Jeh’s father trusted no one but your father, who personally managed these vast funds. All was well for five years until you were three years old, when the research results came out. On his way to report, Ah-Jeh’s father was assassinated, and years of achievements were destroyed overnight.
"The darkness of politics is ever more shocking than the dead of winter. At that time, Ah-Jeh’s father’s body was still warm, and I fell ill. The Shaw Family faced numerous accusations, claiming the Shaw Family embezzled public funds over the years and that the vast funds were missing. They wanted to destroy our family, leaving no one behind."
As Granny Shaw recounted the past, her fingers tightly gripped the cane, and recalling such a dark period, the old and compassionate face showed sternness, with sharp brows and eyes.
Leah and Delphine listened in trepidation, realizing that Richard Shaw’s father wasn’t a martyr for the country but a victim of assassination.