Chapter 218 Always Your Brother

Chapter 218 Always Your Brother

Ralph lowered his eyes, his voice steady as he explained, "They experimented on us. Finnian was smart—he pretended to cooperate with them, and that's how he survived."

He paused, his breathing growing shallow. "But I couldn't. I had mental problems, and they thought I was useless, so they threw me away."

He continued, "Later, Raven arranged for Finnian to go to the Mitchell family with the purpose of stealing their business secrets. But Finnian said Zander treated him very well, like his own son, and he couldn't bring himself to betray the Mitchell family."

Ralph's eyes dimmed. "But Raven threatened him with your and your mother's lives. Finnian had no choice but to do what Raven told him. But he left himself a way out—he'd been secretly collecting evidence of Raven's crimes."

As he spoke, his voice kept trembling, but every word was clear.

Eleanor's eyes reddened. "Why didn't he tell me?"

Ralph answered quietly, "Finnian said telling you would only put you in danger. Raven is the kind of person who's capable of anything."

He looked up at Eleanor. "Finnian never betrayed the Mitchell family. The night he left, he stood outside your house for a long time. Eventually he just sank to his knees and leaned his forehead against the door, unable to move for a long moment before he finally forced himself to walk away."

Eleanor's tears finally fell. Terrence gently put his arm around her shoulder, letting her lean against him.

Eleanor asked hoarsely, "Where is he now?"

Ralph shook his head. "I don't know. Finnian said he can't see you until he's done what he needs to do. But he asked me to tell you that he's never forgotten what the Mitchell family did for him."

Eleanor closed her eyes, and the image of Finnian's back the night he left the Mitchell mansion floated into her mind.

Only now did she understand—it wasn't a resolute departure, but a helpless forced exit. It wasn't betrayal, but leaving to protect them.

"Eleanor." Ralph took out a USB drive from his bag. "This is what Finnian asked me to give you. He said it contains evidence of Raven's crimes. But he said he only has part of it now. When he gets all the evidence, he'll come find you himself."

Eleanor took the USB drive, her fingertips trembling slightly.

"Thank you, Ralph."

Ralph shook his head. "It's nothing. As long as you're willing to believe me, I'm already satisfied."

When they left the coffee shop, Eleanor looked up at the overcast sky and took a deep breath.

Terrence looked at her. "What are you thinking about?"

Eleanor spoke softly. "I was thinking about my dad. When he brought Finnian home back then, he really treated him like his own son. If he knew Finnian left to protect us, he would be so proud of him."

Terrence took her hand. "He'll know."

Eleanor nodded and clutched the USB drive tightly.

She knew that Raven's true face would soon be revealed. She also believed that Finnian would return to them.

That afternoon, back at the studio, Eleanor opened the USB drive and went through its contents.

There were many files—transfer records, call recordings, and screenshots of emails between Raven and his subordinates.

Each file was marked with dates, amounts, and people involved. The information was clear and organized.

In the innermost part of the folder, there was a separate document titled "Letter to Eleanor."

Eleanor clicked on it, her fingertips trembling.

"Eleanor, when you read this letter, I might still be wandering outside. I'm sorry for letting you misunderstand me all these years. But I've never regretted leaving the Mitchell mansion, because your safety is more important than anything.

The day your father passed away, I stood outside the hospital all night. I didn't dare go in. I was afraid to see you and your mother's eyes. I was afraid you'd ask me, 'Finnian, why did you leave?'

I didn't know how to answer.

If I said I left to protect you, would you believe me? If I said I never betrayed the Mitchell family, would you believe me?

I didn't dare take that chance.

So I chose to keep hiding it.

When I finish what I need to do, I'll come back and apologize to you.

Then you can hit me or yell at me—anything is fine, as long as you still recognize me as your brother.

Your brother who loves you forever, Finnian."

After reading the letter, Eleanor collapsed on the desk and cried uncontrollably.

Terrence walked in and saw her crying. He didn't ask why, just held her in his arms and let her release her emotions.

After a long time, Eleanor looked up. Her eyes were still red, but her gaze had become determined.

"Terrence, I want to find him. I want to tell him in person that I don't blame him."

Terrence nodded. "I'll go with you."

Westhill Cemetery.

The sky was overcast, dark clouds hanging low, and the air carried the oppressive weight of approaching rain.

Harold stood alone in front of Zander's tombstone, holding a bouquet of white chrysanthemums.

In the photo on the tombstone, Zander's smile was gentle and peaceful.

Harold placed the flowers down and stood there for a long time before slowly kneeling down.

His voice was low and hoarse. "I'm sorry to Eleanor, and I'm sorry to you."

He stared at the name on the tombstone. "You married your daughter to me because you thought I could make her happy. But I didn't. For the sake of a liar, I neglected her, hurt her, and let her down."

Harold's voice carried suppressed pain.

"She doesn't want me anymore, and that's what I deserve. I have no right to ask for her forgiveness."

He looked at the photo again. "And I don't dare ask for yours either."

He slowly finished his last words. "I came today to tell you that I'll let go. I won't bother her anymore. She deserves someone better."

A raindrop fell on his face, sliding down his cheek. It was hard to tell whether it was rain or tears.

Harold knelt before the grave for a long time, until the rain grew heavier, before he finally stood up.

His knees were numb, but he didn't care.

Before leaving, he bowed deeply before the tombstone, then turned and walked away.

Back in the car, Harold took out his phone and composed a text message.

"Eleanor, I'm sorry. It's my fault for holding you back all these years. I won't bother you anymore. I wish you happiness. I'll take good care of our daughter, don't worry."

He clicked send.

The screen only showed the words "Sent."

Harold stared at the screen for a long time before putting his phone aside and starting the car to leave the cemetery.

Back at The Hernandez Mansion, Harold sat alone in the empty living room.

This villa once had Eleanor's presence, the smell of her cooking, and her notes left by the entrance: "Porridge is in the pot, I'm going to pick up Jessica."

Now all of that was gone.

He went upstairs and pushed open the master bedroom door.

He hadn't slept here since Eleanor left.

The bed was empty, and the clothes she'd left in the closet had long been taken away.

Harold found something in the dresser drawer—an old photo frame.

The frame held a family photo of three.

It was taken when Jessica was one year old. Eleanor was holding Jessica, and he stood beside them with a cold expression, not smiling.

Eleanor was smiling brightly though, her eyes curved, as if just having him by her side was enough to satisfy her.

Harold stared at that photo, his eyes uncontrollably reddening.

He put the frame, a few books Eleanor had left behind, and a scarf she hadn't taken with her all into a box.