C508 Conflict Between Two Brothers

Victor's expression darkened. “Are you trying to start a war with me?” For a moment, Darry said nothing. Then he laughed bitterly as he turn back and returned to them. “A war? Is that what you think this is about?” He stepped closer to Victor. “Tell me something, Brother. If I refuse to give you Hanna's location, will you send your granddaughter to kill me, too? Will you allow Alicia to eliminate me so that you can be the only son left standing and everything can finally belong to you?” Victor's eyes widened in disbelief. “What are you talking about?” “You heard me.” “Darry, I've never wanted any position or Father's property. I don't want to lead this family. I don't want to replace anyone. I want answers about my grandson's death!” “Then why are you acting as though everyone who stands between you and Hanna is your enemy?” “Because you're protecting the person responsible!” “And you expect me to stand aside while you destroy her? Aren't you protecting Alicia too?” Victor shook his head. “You're twisting everything I'm saying. I want to speak to Hanna. I want to know why she killed Emmanuel. I want to know what she was thinking, and I want to make sure she doesn't hurt anyone else.”

Darry's expression remained cold. “You cannot kill her father and then expect to just speak to her without considering what you will do to her afterwards." Victor froze. For a moment, the room became completely silent. Darry continued, his voice lowering. “Samson was her father. Whatever happened between him and Hanna, whatever mistakes she made, but my brother was not involved. Now he's dead, and you expect me to hand her over to you when she's already convinced that the entire family is against her?” He shook his head. “Where is the humanity in that, Victor?” Victor stared at him. Darry wasn't finished. “If I give you her location, what happens next? Perhaps Alicia will find out and decide to go after her. Perhaps you will decide that Alicia has suffered enough pain already and that the only way to protect Emmanuel's memory is to kill her yourself.” He paused. “Do you honestly expect me to believe that none of those things could happen?” Victor said nothing. “I'm not stupid, Brother. I know how this family works. Once people start demanding revenge, it becomes difficult to convince them to stop.” Darry's eyes hardened. “Samson is already dead. I will not allow his funeral to be followed by another funeral simply because nobody in this family knows when to stop.”

Miller slowly shook his head. “Victor, sit down.” Victor turned towards him. “Father...” “Sit down.” Victor hesitated. After a moment, he returned to his chair. Miller looked between his sons. “I don't like what has happened. I don't like that Hanna killed Emmanuel, and I certainly don't like that Samson has now been killed. But Darry has made one point that we cannot ignore.” Victor frowned. “What point?” “That if you go looking for Hanna now, she may believe you're coming to kill her.” Miller leaned back, rubbing his forehead. “She already knows something has happened to her father. If she discovers that you are coming after her, she may not wait to hear what you have to say. She could fight you, believing that she has to defend herself.” He looked directly at Victor. “And if the two of you meet under those circumstances, only one of you may come back alive. And considering who Hanna is, it is less likely that you will be that person.” Victor's jaw tightened, but he remained silent. Miller continued. “We have already lost Samson. We cannot allow his death to be followed by yours or Hanna's. What would that accomplish? Another funeral? Another grieving family member? Another reason for someone else to demand revenge?” He slowly shook his head. “No. We have to think carefully before making another decision.”

Darry looked at his father, and for a moment, his expression softened. “Thank you, Father.” Then the softness disappeared. “But don't mistake my gratitude for forgiveness.” Miller looked up. “Darry...” “I will not forget that you are considering negotiating with the people who killed my brother.” His voice cracked slightly on the final words. Miller lowered his eyes. Darry turned towards the door. “And until I know that Hanna will be safe, I will not reveal where she is.” He walked out without waiting for a response. Victor watched him leave, his expression filled with frustration. For several seconds, neither he nor Miller spoke. Then Victor turned towards his father. “What do we do now?” Miller remained seated, staring at the untouched tea on the table. “I don't know, Victor.” He sounded older than he had only minutes earlier. “I genuinely don't know.” He drew a long breath before continuing. “But one thing is certain. We cannot allow our personal problems to destroy the responsibility the government has placed in our hands.” Victor listened carefully. “The army has a duty to defend the country,” Miller continued. “Whatever happens between our family members, that duty must come first. And since Hanna ran away. Alicia must remain in her position and unite the soldiers under her command.” Victor nodded slowly. “And what about Samson's death?”

Miller's expression darkened. “Alicia will face consequences for her involvement. I haven't forgotten that Samson was my eldest son, and I won't pretend his death doesn't matter to me. But we cannot make a decision in anger that could bring the entire army down with us.” He looked at Victor. “We will deal with her punishment later. For now, the government's mission comes first.” Victor lowered his head briefly. “I understand, Father.” “Do you?” Miller's voice was quiet. “Because understanding it doesn't make it easier. I am asking you to put aside your grief long enough to protect what remains of this family. Do not go after Hanna.” Victor stood. “I'll inform Alicia of your decision.” Miller nodded. Victor turned towards the door, but before leaving, he glanced back at his father. “Father, I hope my brother can understand this as well.” Miller nodded. “So do I, my son.” Victor left the villa.