C474 Either Of Them Must Come Back

Samson remained silent for a while. Victor continued, “Isn't this the perfect opportunity for your daughter to come back and claim it?” For a moment, Samson froze. He had no idea Alicia had returned the Gold and Diamond Dagger. But he quickly recovered and laughed. “So that's what you want? To lure my daughter back by using Gold and Diamond?” Victor's expression hardened. “What is she afraid of?” Samson stared at him. Victor stepped closer. “Wasn't she brave when she killed an innocent three-month-old baby?” Samson's face darkened. Miller shook his head. “If you two don't stop, both of you can get out.” Silence filled the villa. Neither brother said another word. Miller took a deep breath. “Samson, you are right about one thing. A leader is needed to lead our army.” He looked at both of them. “We cannot simply trust another soldier with that responsibility. Once someone tastes that kind of power, greed can take over.” Miller paused. “I don't know how the two of you are going to fix this mess, but one thing is certain.” His voice became firm. “Either Alicia or Hanna must come back and lead our army.”

Victor and Samson exchanged a look. Miller continued. “Both of you will contact them. Try to convince them to return.” He looked directly at Samson. “And as for Emmanuel's death, the Mooney family wants answers.” Samson's expression changed. “Father...” “Samson.” Miller's voice stopped him. “If you cannot bring Hanna out of hiding, then you will have to answer their questions yourself.” Samson shook his head. “But Father, I don't know anything. Hanna never discussed this with me. I don't even know where she is. I can't contact her. I'm sure she has changed her number.” Victor smiled bitterly. “You started all of this. Now it is your responsibility.” Samson turned toward him angrily, but Victor continued before he could respond. “Father, I will go and speak to Alicia. I'll ask if she is willing to come back.” He paused. “But I cannot promise you anything.” Miller nodded. “Samson, you try to contact Hanna as well. Whoever comes back first will take command at the border.” He looked at both of his sons. “We cannot allow our enemies to keep taking advantage of us. And we cannot keep disappointing the government.” Both brothers nodded. “Yes, Father.” They turned and left the villa.

Miller remained alone. He slowly shook his head. “What a mess.” His eyes dropped toward his wheelchair. For a moment, he said nothing. Then a thought crossed his mind. “Did I make a mistake by allowing my sons to follow separate paths?” He remained deep in thought. Then his second son, Darry, came to mind. A weak smile appeared on Miller's face. “Look at Darry. He is doing very well on his own path.” He paused. “He doesn't want wars. He is only interested in wealth and business.” Miller slowly shook his head. “Why can't my two sons simply decide that one of them will lead while the other supports him?” He sighed. “Instead, they would rather destroy everything they have built.” Miller leaned back in his wheelchair, staring toward the empty doorway. He knew the Gupta family had reached a dangerous point. At the Mooney residence, we had just come downstairs for dinner. Everyone was seated around the table. The house felt almost peaceful. Then my phone began vibrating. Alicia's phone started vibrating at almost the exact same time. We exchanged confused looks. Neither of us had been expecting anything. I picked up my phone. Alicia did the same.

The notifications continued appearing one after another. “What is going on?” Peter asked. I quickly opened the notification. Alicia did the same. We both looked at the screen. Then everything changed. The post from Charlie was there. The photograph. The words underneath it. I read the message once. Then again. I couldn't breathe. My hands became cold as I stared at the screen. Beside me, Alicia's eyes filled with tears. She covered her mouth, trying to hold herself together. I looked at her. She was already crying. Everyone around the table noticed. Peter looked confused. “We're about to eat,” he said gently. “What is going on? Why are you crying again?” Alicia couldn't answer. She stared at her phone, tears running down her face. Then she broke down. “Grandpa…” Her voice cracked. “They're celebrating my child's death.” Peter's expression immediately changed. “What?” Alicia turned her phone toward him. “Look at what they said.” The room fell silent. Everyone looked toward the phone in Alicia's trembling hand. The photograph from Emmanuel's funeral stared back at them. And beneath it was the message from the Harris family. The Harris family has been reborn. Alicia began sobbing uncontrollably. I stood beside her, frozen. I wanted to speak. I wanted to comfort her. But I couldn't find the words. Because whoever had posted that message had not only attacked us. They had taken the funeral of our three-month-old son and turned it into a declaration of war.

Mark and Peter exchanged uneasy looks as they stared at the photograph Charlie had posted. The room had gone completely silent. No one knew what to say. Alicia wiped the tears from her face, but more continued to fall. “Father… Grandpa…” Her voice trembled. “I have to avenge my son.” Mark immediately looked at her. “Alicia...” “Please don't blame me for being cruel.” Mark froze. “Alicia, what are you saying?” She stood up slowly. “They touched my bottom line.” Her voice became firmer. “My son was three months old. He did nothing to anyone. He didn't deserve to die.” She looked down at the phone in her hand. “And now they have taken a photograph from his funeral and posted it for everyone to see.” Her breathing became heavier. “How could they do that?” She looked around the room. “Who took that picture?” Nobody answered. Alicia looked at her father. “Who was there?” Mark shook his head. “We don't know.” “Then we'll find out.” “Alicia...” “No.” She began walking around the living room. Mark watched her carefully. “Alicia, calm down.” “How can I calm down?” She stopped walking. “Tell me, Father. Why would they post that photograph?” Mark took a deep breath. “To provoke you.” Alicia stared at him. Mark continued. “Think about it carefully. They know you are grieving. They know Emmanuel's death has already broken you. Whoever posted that message knew exactly what they were doing.” Alicia's eyes narrowed. “Well…” She wiped another tear from her cheek. “They succeeded.” Mark frowned. “That's exactly what I'm warning you about.” “No.” Alicia shook her head. “They succeeded because now I am going after them.”