Chapter 2 Everything Was Premeditated

“Why are you here?” Tia impatiently glanced at the man in front of her. She was about to turn around and leave. The man’s name was Sorian, and his family had been close allies with Tia’s family. However, Sorian’s family later betrayed them, taking away a significant portion of Tia’s family’s wealth. The relationship between the two families had become strained. “If you want to know the truth about Mr. Sterling’s death, you should sit down and have a chat with me.” “What did you say?” Tia turned her head in surprise. The chaos in her eyes was now replaced by flames of hatred. Sorian adjusted his glasses while avoiding her gaze. “Things are not as simple as you think. There are too many complexities involved…” Tia scrutinized him deeply but eventually got into the car. “What exactly do you want to say?” Tia observed Sorian warily. “How’d you even know I was in prison? Were you involved in it too?” The man fell silent for a moment. “Yes.” Tia's face was filled with anger, and she raised her hand to strike him. Sorian raised his hand to stop her. “Right now, the Celeste family is in chaos. Various forces are vying for your family's property. Although your fiancé and sister got you imprisoned, they failed to take control of the property. This is a good opportunity for you to make a comeback!” “I don’t need you to remind me of that! I won’t let anyone who framed me and my father off the hook!" “What happened to your father wasn’t my father’s doing.” Sorian sighed. “You’ll find out everything very soon.” “What are you planning now? Do you think I’ll trust you just like that? Don’t forget, you were one of the masterminds behind my imprisonment!” Sorian nodded with guilt. “I didn’t know about your fiancé and your sister’s conspiracy. When I found out, it was already too late. I had to let you go to prison. I thought sending you to prison would be safer, but I didn’t expect that person to reach their hands into the prison…” It turned out Tia had only been sentenced to five years partly because of Sorian’s maneuvering. “Now, there’s something very important I must tell you.” Sorian’s expression turned sorrowful. “Your father isn’t dead.” “What?” The low-profile luxury car slowly parked in front of a private hospital. Following Sorian, Tia entered the intensive care unit on the third floor, where she saw her father in critical condition. Five years ago, her father had supposedly died in a car accident. Although Tia had been devastated, she had eventually accepted the fact. Later, with her own efforts, she managed to stabilize the family business that was on the brink of collapse. Just as things were starting to improve, she was framed and sent to prison. “How can my father…” “That car accident wasn’t an accident. There's a mastermind behind it. Your father had to fake his death temporarily to protect himself.” “Who's the mastermind?” “Aaron Caius.” Sorian’s eyes darkened. In this country, the Caius family was nearly god-like in stature. Legend had it that the Caius family had existed for over a century, and every member of the family was a gifted leader, excelling in any field they entered. Aaron was the eldest grandson of this family, a formidable force in the world of business with frightening power and methods. “The Cauises…” Tia shook her head repeatedly. “My father has never offended the Caius family. Why would Aaron…” “Years ago, your father went to discuss your marriage with the head of the Caius family.” “My marriage with Aaron?” Tia furrowed her brows. “Your father used to be a subordinate of the Caius family’s head. Once, the head of the family was almost assassinated, and your father sacrificed himself to protect him. So, the other party promised him that he could make one unconditional request.” “And that request was for me to marry Aaron?” Sorian nodded. “And just because of that, he wants to kill my father?” “Aaron already had someone he loved. But because of your father’s request, the head of the Caius family ordered them to break up and for him to marry you. When Aaron’s beloved heard this news, she suffered a heart attack, and the rescue attempt failed. She died in the hospital.” Hence, Tia’s father became the target of Aaron’s revenge. “How could this happen…” One blow after another left Tia in immense pain. “Your father heard about your imprisonment and was very anxious. He tried to find a way to get you out, but he was obstructed. He blamed himself every day. He fell into a coma last month, and the situation is critical.” “Dad…” Tia sobbed as she gazed at her father lying in the hospital bed behind the glass. “Tia, now is not the time to be upset. You must gather yourself. Your family still needs a true leader. Your family business is your father’s lifelong effort, and you can’t let it fall into someone else’s hands.” Sorian gently patted Tia’s shoulder to console her. “Now, Aaron is planning to encroach on the Celeste family’s properties. He has gathered a lot of damaging information about your father. You must gain the upper hand over him, or your father’s hard-earned career will be ruined.” Tia wiped away her tears and began to formulate a plan. Three days later, Tia’s father slowly regained consciousness. “Dad.” Tia rushed to the window, her eyes red from crying. “Did Sorian tell you everything?” Tia nodded. Guthrie tenderly stroked his daughter’s face. “Tia, please don’t blame me for this.” “No, I’ve never blamed you, Dad. It’s all my fault…” Tia shook her head. Looking at her father’s aged face, her heart ached. “Child, don’t cry.” Guthrie smiled lovingly. “Leave this place. Find a quiet place and live a good life.” “No, I’ll stay right here. I’ll take back the family business.” “No, child. It’s too complicated and dark here. I hope you won’t get yourself involved anymore. Let the past be.” Tia shook her head firmly. “Those scoundrels should be punished for what they did, and Aaron too. He must pay for what he did.” “I'm also at fault in that matter. Don’t blame them. Besides, Aaron Caius is not someone you can go up against. Please, let go of the past and find your own life. Promise me now, okay?” Guthrie eagerly grasped Tia’s hand. “I’ve already made up my mind, Dad.” In the end, Tia did not heed her father’s advice. She would not choose to be a weakling; she would make everyone who had caused her pain in this life pay the price.