C329 A Pool

Victor smiled faintly as memories began to return. “I taught her everything I knew. She was extremely talented. Everything she learned, she seemed to understand within days.” He paused. “Her skills developed rapidly as she grew older.” Alicia quietly wiped another tear from her cheek. “She eventually chose the business path,” Victor continued. “She made investments in several companies, and many of those companies are still benefiting our family today.” Victor sighed. “It is unfortunate that she isn't here to see everything she worked so hard to build.”

Alicia's eyes became watery again. “When Gabrielle was in her early twenties, she met a young and promising man.” Victor's expression changed slightly. “Back then, she was my treasure. I didn't want to lose her, so I opposed her marriage.” Alicia looked at him. Victor lowered his gaze. “She was very upset with me.” He took a deep breath. “I have to admit that I was selfish.” His voice became quieter. “I wanted her to remain by my side and continue helping me with everything. I thought I was protecting her future, but instead, I pushed her away.”

Alicia remained silent. “That disagreement caused a misunderstanding between us.” Victor shook his head. “She left.” He paused. “And she never came back.” Alicia's lips parted slightly. “She even changed her phone number.” Victor continued. “When I sent my guards to look for her, they eventually found out that she had married into the Mooney family.” Alicia froze slightly at the mention of her family. Victor continued speaking. “Then, about two years later, I received the news that she had passed away.”

His voice trembled. “At first, I couldn't believe it.” He looked directly at Alicia. “But now...” His eyes became emotional. “Now that you have come here yourself, I have no choice but to believe that the news was true.” Alicia lowered her head. Tears continued falling silently. Victor allowed her a moment before continuing. “Our family is very large.” He paused. “But my branch is different.” He looked around the quiet room. “I couldn't have children of my own, so my branch of the family remained small.”

He looked at Alicia again. “For many years, it was only me.” There was a long silence. Then Victor asked softly, “My child... may I know your name?” Alicia looked up. She smiled through her tears. “Grandfather, my name is Alicia Mooney.” She paused. “But I am married now.” Victor listened carefully. “My husband's name is Michael Smith. He is the man who came with me.” Victor nodded. “And what do you do?” Alicia smiled. “I am the director of Lucia Goods.” Victor's eyes widened slightly. “God is great.”

A proud smile appeared on his face. “You became the director of a company at such a young age.” Alicia smiled. Victor shook his head in amazement. “That was Gabrielle's dream.” He paused. “She always wanted to become the director of her own company.” Alicia's smile faded slightly. For a moment, she imagined what her mother might have been like. Victor looked at her with a mixture of sadness and affection. “Tell me, my child...” He hesitated. “How can I ever repay you for all those years you lived without me, while I didn't even know you existed?”

Alicia shook her head. “You don't have to repay me for anything.” She smiled. “I didn't come here looking for money.” Victor looked at her. “I simply wanted to meet you.” She wiped her tears. “And I wanted to know more about my mother.” Victor smiled. “I understand.” He leaned back slightly. “When we leave this room, remind me to take you to your mother's room.” Alicia nodded. “I will.” Victor continued. “Our family has never forgotten Gabrielle.” His voice became more serious. “But I made sure that everything she worked hard for was preserved.”

Alicia listened carefully. “Every income generated by the companies she invested in has been left untouched all these years.” Alicia's eyes widened. Victor looked at her. “And now, all of it belongs to you.” Alicia froze. “Grandfather...” Victor raised his hand gently. “You are her daughter.” He smiled. “Everything she built belongs with you.” Alicia didn't know what to say. She simply stared at him. Victor then slowly turned his attention toward a small pool of water located at the far side of the room.

Alicia followed his gaze. She looked at the pool. Then back at Victor. “What is that?” Victor remained silent for a moment. Then he said, “My child, you came here willingly.” Alicia nodded. “That means the gods have shown you the way.” She looked at him, confused. Victor pointed toward the pool. “Now, if you are to be acknowledged by my ancestors, there is something you must do.” Alicia's expression became uncertain. “What do I have to do?” Victor pointed toward the water. “You have to retrieve something from that pool.”

Alicia stared at the water. She couldn't see anything beneath its surface. Victor continued. “I would understand if you find nothing.” He paused. “Gabrielle was my adopted daughter, after all.” He smiled faintly. “But it is still worth trying.” Alicia slowly stood. She walked toward the small pool. The room remained completely silent as she approached it. She stopped at the edge and looked down. “Should I just put my hand inside?” Victor nodded. “Yes, my child.”

Alicia took a breath. Then slowly lowered her hand into the water. The moment her fingers entered, a cold sensation ran through her arm. She shivered. The water was much colder than she expected. She moved her hand slowly beneath the surface. She couldn't see anything. She searched with her fingers, feeling around the bottom of the pool. Nothing. She moved her hand again. Still nothing. Victor watched silently. Alicia continued searching. Then suddenly... She stopped.

Her fingers had touched something. She frowned. “What is this?” She carefully moved her fingers around the object. It felt solid. Heavy. She grabbed it and slowly pulled it out of the water. The moment it emerged from the pool, Alicia stared at it. It was a small golden dagger. The blade itself was bright, while the handle was decorated with a large red diamond. Alicia's eyes widened. She had never seen anything like it before. Behind her, Victor suddenly froze. The cup of tea he had been holding slipped from his hand. It hit the floor. Crash! The sound echoed through the room.

The guards stationed outside immediately reacted. The door opened and several guards rushed inside. “Boss!” They stopped almost instantly. Their eyes moved from Victor to Alicia. Then to the dagger in Alicia's hand. Their expressions changed. Without hesitation, every guard lowered his head. “Madam.” Alicia stared at them in confusion. “Madam?” She slowly looked down at the dagger in her hand. The golden handle reflected the light from the room, while the large red diamond seemed to shine brightly. Despite its small size, the dagger felt surprisingly heavy in her hand.

Alicia looked at Victor. He was still staring at the dagger. He hadn't moved. Victor looked completely shocked. Alicia's confusion deepened. “Grandfather...” She looked at the dagger again. “Why are they calling me Madam?” Victor didn't answer immediately. His eyes remained fixed on the golden dagger. Then, slowly, he stood up. “My child...” His voice trembled. “You don't understand what you have just found.”