Chapter 247

Chapter 247
Louis's POV 

Looking at Grace excitedly talking about me going back to work, I couldn't control the anxiety rising in my chest. Work. The Mitchell family business. Another significant part of my former life that remained frustratingly blurry in my memory.

"I think we need to wait for the doctor to say it's okay for you to go back to work, sweetie," Jasmine intervened, noticing the panic flashing in my eyes.

Grace nodded, accepting the explanation easily. "What can we do today then?"

"Why don't you show your dad your playroom?" Jasmine suggested, winking at me.

As Grace cheered and pulled me upstairs, Jasmine's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and mouthed: "Richard."

I nodded, signaling her to take the call, then followed Grace upstairs, listening to her enthusiastically introduce her toys and games. Even in this peaceful family moment, I could feel the pressure of the outside world, the shadow of the Mitchell family business. Despite Ryan being exposed, I still felt trapped in a web we couldn't truly escape.

Half an hour later, we returned downstairs to find Jasmine and Richard talking quietly in the kitchen. They immediately stopped when they saw us.

"Everything okay?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm, not wanting to show concern in front of Grace.

Richard smiled and extended his arms toward his granddaughter. "Of course. Just some boring business stuff. Grace, I heard Aunt Emma wants to take you to the zoo. How does that sound?"

Grace jumped up excitedly. "Really? Today?"

"Yes, if you want to go. She'll be here in ten minutes." Richard smiled as she rushed off to get ready.

When Grace ran upstairs to change, I turned to Richard and Jasmine. "What's going on?"

"Issues with the nightclub," Richard explained. "Since Ryan's arrest, there have been some operational problems."

"What kind of problems?"

Richard looked hesitant. "Some suppliers are feeling insecure, unsure if continuing business with the Mitchell family is wise. And some clients Ryan regularly dealt with are asking questions."

"You need a new manager," I said slowly, trying to process this information. "Do you have someone in mind?"

Richard and Jasmine exchanged a look that immediately made their thoughts clear to me.

"You want me to go back." It wasn't a question.

"Only when you're ready," Jasmine quickly said. "The doctor says you need complete rest, no stress."

"But the business can't wait, can it?" I said with a bitter smile. The nightclub had been my pride, the place I built, the place I maintained. The thought of it declining in my absence stung.

"The business can wait," Richard said unexpectedly. "You're what matters, son. Your health, your recovery. We've lost you for four years. Nothing is more important than you now."

The sincerity in his words touched me.

"I want to see the nightclub," I found myself saying. "Not to work now, just... to see it. Maybe it will trigger some memories."

Jasmine looked worried. "Are you sure? Dr. Patel said not to rush back into your routine activities."

"Just to see," I repeated. "I won't do anything. I just... I need to connect with my past, Jas. I need to try."

Her expression softened, and she reached out to take my hand. "Okay. If that's what you want, we'll go tomorrow. During the day, when there are no customers."

Richard nodded, looking relieved. "I think that's a good idea. Take it slow, at your own pace. I'll arrange for Wayne to temporarily manage in Ryan's place until we decide what's next."

Wayne. The name triggered vague memories—a trusted employee, a loyal team member. I couldn't recall his face, but the name felt right.

"Thank you," I said, both for the suggestion and for his understanding.

Just then, Grace came bouncing back, wearing her favorite dress, ready for the zoo. Soon after, Emma arrived to pick her up, still wearing that expression of surprise and joy at seeing me.

When the house quieted again, I turned to Jasmine. "Tell me about Ryan. The full version."

She sighed, leading me to the couch. "You said, he started as a bartender, before we met. You promoted him to manager because you trusted him. He helped a lot after your 'death,' keeping the nightclub running, supporting me... We all trusted him."

"And he was working for Heinrich all along." The thought of such betrayal made my voice cold.

"Not just for money," Jasmine added. "Apparently Heinrich helped his family out of some trouble—gambling debts his brother owed. Ryan felt indebted to Heinrich, so when Heinrich asked him to provide information, he agreed."

"When did it start?"

"At least a few months before our wedding."

"So he helped orchestrate my 'accident' in Switzerland. He probably helped Alan access the nightclub's security systems. He knew the true nature of our marriage."

Jasmine nodded, anger flashing in her eyes. "He exploited everything, Louis. He attended our wedding, smiled at our parties, even held me at your funeral. All while knowing you might be alive, imprisoned somewhere."

I closed my eyes, trying to suppress the rage building inside me. Such betrayal wasn't just against me but against everyone I loved. Ryan knew my family, knew Jasmine, knew Grace. The thought that he had been exploiting that trust made me sick.

"Where is he now?" I finally asked.

"In protective custody with the FBI. He's cooperating with prosecutors, providing information about Heinrich's operations in the US."

"Too bad Heinrich is unlikely to face justice." It was a bitter reality—men like Heinrich Weiss knew how to keep their distance, how to protect themselves.

Jasmine's hand caressed my cheek. "Maybe not in the way we'd hope, but Ryan's betrayal is over. He can't hurt us anymore. That's the point."

I nodded, wanting to believe her. But on some level, I knew this was far from over. It might never truly be over. This was the Mitchell family way of life—always staying vigilant, always watching for those who would exploit any sign of weakness.

"Things will get better, Louis," Jasmine said, as if reading my thoughts. "We can have a normal life, if we want it. If we choose it."

Maybe she was right. Maybe we could choose a different life, one not shadowed by the family business. But first, I needed to face my past—not just my missing memories but the life I once led, who I once was.

Tomorrow, I would return to the nightclub. Not to return to that life, but to understand it, to understand what it meant to me, and whether it was still something I wanted to be part of.