S2- The Truth Revealed

S2- The Truth Revealed
Daring to commit violence in Rosewood Manor, Astrid had already prepared to risk everything. After escaping, she headed straight to Voss Manor-because at this point, the only person in the world who could protect her was the old man.

Inside Voss Manor, the old man was studying a chess board, frowning as he realized he had backed himself into a dead end. He sighed softly. "Fated."

"Master." The butler entered with Astrid.

Disheveled and panicked, Astrid collapsed to her knees in front of the old man, sobbing. "Grandpa, I did as you wanted! This time, Senna is surely dead! I helped you get rid of her! But Magnus won't let me go-he'll kill me, he'll tear me apart! Grandpa, what do I do now?"

The old man frowned, glaring at the butler in displeasure. "Can't you see I'm busy? Why bring her here? Get rid of her." To him, she wasn't even worth as much as a dog.

"Grandpa!" Astrid gasped, as if struck by lightning. "Grandpa, I removed your thorn in the flesh, and you-"

"You think your status entitles you to anything? Killing Senna was your own business-don't drag Master into this. Get lost. You're an eyesore. Young Master has already issued a kill order against you. If I were you, I'd find a safe place to hide," the butler sneered in disdain.

"Grandpa, after everything I've done for you, how can you do this to me? Magnus's men have surrounded Voss Manor! The moment I step out, I'll die! Grandpa, I have worked tirelessly for you all these years-at the very least, I deserve to be spared!" Astrid cried, crawling to the old man, clutching his arm in a pitiful plea.

"But compared to my grandson, you are nothing. Get out." The old man swung his arm, sending her sprawling onto the floor. His aged face remained cold and unfeeling. He despised Senna, but Magnus was the sole heir of the Voss family.

Thinking of Edric's earlier phone call, his heart clenched painfully. He had done everything for the Voss family. And now, his own grandson was threatening to leave the family over this. Never in his life had he felt so utterly defeated.

Astrid lay on the ground, finally realizing-she was worth less than a dog. Slowly, she pushed herself up, her bloodshot eyes filled with hatred as she glared at the old man. "So you never planned to let me live. I was just a pawn to you all along. How foolish of me."

To him, she was nothing. Nothing at all. She had simply overestimated herself.

"The old master told you to leave, so just go. Stop talking so much." The butler grabbed her arm, trying to drag her away.

"Let go, I haven't finished speaking yet." Astrid forcefully shook off his hand, her bloodshot eyes locked onto the old master. "You all think it was Senna who set the fire and burned Matthias to death, but the truth is far from that..."

The old master's expression changed drastically. He shot up from his chair in an instant, his voice trembling with urgency. "What did you say?"

Astrid looked at him and let out a mocking laugh. "Surprised, aren't you? You had two grandsons-one was the perfect heir to the Voss family, while the other was a rebellious youth, crushed under his older brother's shadow, drowning in self-loathing. You were always biased. You gave Magnus everything, while you wouldn't even spare Matthias a glance. He lived in pain, resenting his own existence. If he had a choice, he would have rather been born into an ordinary family than to be your grandson."

A deep sorrow washed over the old master's face. He had dedicated his life to building the Voss family's vast empire, and yes, he had been biased. Matthias was capable, but compared to Magnus, he fell short.

In a business empire like theirs, there could only be one successor, and Matthias was destined to be overlooked. He had always acted like a frivolous playboy, making him the biggest headache among his grandsons. The old master had placed all his hopes on Magnus, leaving little affection for Matthias. But now...

Astrid sneered. "You were a truly 'successful' grandfather, weren't you? Your own grandson had depression, and you didn't even notice."

"Second Young Master had depression?" The butler was stunned.

"Matthias..." The old master's eyes turned red, glistening with tears. This was too much of a blow. He would rather have never known.

Astrid's expression grew unhinged. She laughed maniacally. "Let me tell you another secret-Matthias set that fire himself. He called me before he did it. He told me he was in unbearable pain, that he no longer wanted to live, that he wanted to leave this world forever. He even sent me a video of himself starting the fire. I wanted to stop him, but... I was too late."

"Matthias... why didn't you tell me? Why did you choose such a path? It was my fault... I failed you, Matthias..." The old master lifted his head, gazing at the sky as tears streamed down his face.

"No, that's impossible. Second Young Master was always so cheerful. He couldn't have..." The butler shook his head, unwilling to accept the truth.

"That was all an act. I caught him visiting a psychologist-the best one in the city. If you don't believe me, go find a Dr. Lennox. He can tell you everything." Astrid's voice was ice-cold.

"But... why didn't he tell us? We all cared about him..." The butler's eyes reddened in sorrow. Then his expression darkened. "So it was you who tampered with Senna's phone?"

"That's right. I planned it all along. If I didn't make it in time, she would take the fall for it. After all, she dared to fight me for Magnus. The moment I saw him, I fell in love. He's such a charming man-I loved him so much I went crazy. But his heart belonged to Senna. She deserved to die. She never should have stolen him from me!" Astrid's face twisted with rage, her voice rising into a shriek.

"You're completely insane." The butler wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes and spoke in a low voice. "Get out. You're not welcome here."

"Insane? And what about you?" Astrid's eyes widened with vicious fury, staring them down. "You were the ones who came to me first, asking me to get rid of my sister. That abortion drug-you personally handed it to me, but now you call me insane? You're the masterminds, and at most, I was just your accomplice!"

"You lunatic! You've lost your mind! Get out of here!" The butler roared in panic.

"Oh, I'll leave. But before I go, I have a gift for the old master-after all, he kept his promise these past three years and helped me rise to fame as a superstar." Astrid wiped away her tears and walked toward the old master.

"That won't be necessary," the old master said coldly, waving his hand dismissively.

"Oh, but it is. Consider it my gratitude for all your years of 'support.'" Astrid leaned down slightly in front of him, reaching into her pocket.

In the sunlight, a glint of cold steel flashed.

"Old Master, watch out!" the butler shouted in horror.