Chapter 70
As Scarlett walked ahead, Edmund and Percy followed behind. The latter crossed his arms, his gaze repeatedly drifting over to Scarlett.
She looked so serene and composed, like someone untouched by desire, but behind closed doors… Suddenly, Edmund broke the silence.
“Mr. Stroud, Mr. Xavier’s injuries are quite serious this time. Your parents must be very worried. You should return quickly and explain everything that happened today. Reassure both of your parents. With Dr. Gaztrict here, Mr. Xavier will be fine.
“And as for what should be said and what shouldn’t… I’m sure you understand.” Saying too much could only hurt Scarlett.
Edmund believed that if she and Percy had once been close enough to sit together and do homework, then there had to be some feelings there. Percy likely wouldn’t want Scarlett to become a topic of gossip within the Stroud family.
Percy pouted. Of course, he knew what he should and shouldn’t say, but a small part of him couldn’t help thinking differently.
Xavier had been taken advantage of, and obviously, he wouldn’t dare tell their parents. To the Stroud family, Xavier was practically someone had laid a hand on him, they’d come after Scarlett without mercy.
Without saying another word, Percy quickly got into the car. Scarlett watched the car as it drove away, her striking eyes narrowing slightly.
“Mr. Barrett, you sent Percy away on purpose, didn’t you?”
Edmund replied calmly, “There are some things I need to discuss with you–things he’s still too young to hear.”
if they ever found out
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. Clearly, the Stroud family had gone to great lengths to shield Percy. It was no wonder he turned out so mischievous and willful, with just a little touch of foolishness.
“Alright, Mr. Barrett. I’m listening.”
Edmund slowed his pace, walking beside her as he spoke in a low, steady voice.
“Earlier, when you came out, you mentioned that Mr. Stroud lacked a sense of security, which led to his mental breakdown and irritability. Actually, all of this stems from a deeper issue.
“I hadn’t planned on telling you any of this, but I heard that you visited Dr. Wayland’s clinic and were able to calm Mr. Stroud during a critical moment. I think it’s important for you to know, as it could help with treating his insomnia.
“Mr. Stroud is the highest–ranking member of the Stroud family in terms of seniority. I’m sure you noticed that from the way Mr. Percy addressed him.
“Mr. Stroud is four generations above the current head of the Stroud family, who still shows him respect by addressing him as Mr. Stroud. You must be wondering why Mr. Stroud holds such a high position at such a young age… Well, it all goes back to the upheaval 23 years ago.”
As he spoke, Edmund’s voice grew rough, and a deep, painful hatred flickered in his eyes.
“That day was Mr. Stroud’s fifth birthday. As the eldest and only direct male descendant of the Stroud family, his status was incredibly prestigious. Because of this, the Stroud family even chartered an entire island to celebrate his birthday.
“Over a hundred direct descendants of the Stroud family went to that island,” Edmund said quietly.
“My father, my mother…even my child was among them. I stayed behind to watch over this place. By some twist of fate, I was spared from the disaster.”
A bitter smile tugged at his lips as his hand clenched tightly at his side. “That day, pirates of unknown origin raided the island. They killed everyone they came across and looted everything in sight.
“Mr. Stroud was just a mischievous boy at the time. He had hidden himself inside a giant gift box, planning to surprise everyone.
“But when he heard the screams, he peeked through a crack and saw his parents, his siblings, and all his close relatives being brutally murdered by the pirates, who went as far as beheading people, stuffing their heads into sacks, and bragging about how many they’d killed.
“Mr. Stroud’s mother was pregnant with her second child. She was just three months away from giving birth.
“But those monsters… before they shot her, they ripped her belly open, pulled out the bloody infant, and played with it like a toy.
“And then, right in front of Mrs. Stroud, who was still breathing, they tossed the baby into a bonfire. They even joked about roasting and eating it…”
Edmund raised a hand to his eyes, rubbing them wearily, his voice thick with sorrow as he went on.
“Mr. Stroud had been hiding inside a large gift box the entire time. That’s what saved him from their bullets. But the horror he witnessed that day became a nightmare that’s haunted him ever since.
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“The pirates slaughtered everyone and took all the valuables and gifts from the island. By the time I got the news, two days had already passed.
“When I arrived with the Stroud family’s forces, the island was a nightmare. Severed limbs and mangled bodies were everywhere. Rivers of blood ran through the ruins. It was the most horrifying, brutal, and heartbreaking scene I’ve ever witnessed in my life.”
Edmund placed a hand over his heart, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.