CHAPTER 53: MIND WAR

Linus’ voice cuts through the air like a blade, breaking everyone free from Theo’s captivating story. The atmosphere shifts again, lighter now, more breathable, but only slightly.

Theo notices it. He slowly turns to Linus, meeting his gaze.

Yes, I’m on to you, little minx. Linus looks at Theo without blinking.

Theo smiles slowly, the sweetest and most innocent smile he can manage. I’m not doing anything.

"Liam, you’re a Sentinel. You’re not supposed to use your imagination. Form a hypothesis, gather evidence, use those facts, then draw a conclusion," Linus says sharply.

Liam nods. "Yes, I know, Dad. My hypothesis is that Aldriana is manipulating Heartstone energy and bending it to her will. She wields it so expertly that it looks like magic. One of the reasons I’m looking for her is to confirm this."

Arthur chimes in, "Let’s say, for discussion’s sake, she can. You think she’ll just share her knowledge? Especially if no one else knows how?"

"It’s her duty to share it, to better the lives of others," Liam answers firmly.

Arthur chuckles. "I’m sorry, but that’s just absurd." He steals a glance toward Linus, who is quietly enjoying his dessert, saying nothing.

Seeing this, Arthur continues, "That might happen in a perfect world. But we all know how imperfect ours is. People will always prioritize their own needs first. And Liam, people are greedy—very greedy. They won’t share just because it’s the right thing to do."

"If she really can do what you’ve said, then she’s the most powerful person in Altheon. She won’t answer to anyone."

"You’re right," Liam admits. "But the fact is, she hasn’t come forward to claim the Heartstone. That’s a lot of money. To me, that means her goal isn’t wealth. Meaning she’s not greedy. And I was hoping she’d share –"

"Just out of the goodness of her heart? Again, absurd! You can’t just assume what her goal is, Liam! Be honest, at least with yourself. What is it that you want from her?" Arthur presses.

Bravo, Arthur! I couldn’t have done it better! Theo applauds in his heart. This is beyond what he expected, but he understands what Arthur is trying to do, he wants to know what Liam is really after.

And that old fox is still saying nothing.He’s not helping his son at all. Theo can’t help but glance at Linus. What are you up to? Theo doesn’t believe that Linus has no agenda, not for a moment.

"Arthur." Leila’s soft, gentle voice cuts through the tension, bringing it down instantly.

"I’m not asking you to back down. I’m asking you to be polite. Liam is our guest. At least tell him what your intentions are, so he won’t see you as hostile, but as a friend offering a reminder."

Arthur looks at his mother, then smiles. "You’re absolutely right, Mother. I apologize, everyone. Especially to you, Liam. I’m sorry. I got too caught up. My bad."

He leans forward, linking his fingers together and resting his forearms on the table.

"We all share a few problems here: the mining rights and the azure Heartstone. Stille is waiting to bite. I, for one, don’t want to hand either of them over to him. We all know he’d use them to fill his own pockets."

"The rightful owner has refused to come forward, and we can all agree that Aldriana isn’t a simple person. If Liam accidentally provokes her bad side, given what she can do, I don’t want to make an enemy out of her."

"Agree." Linus suddenly joins in. He understands perfectly what Arthur means, and their thoughts align completely with his own. A flicker of envy crosses his mind; Montrose Corporation is in excellent hands. Under Arthur, it will grow into a massive and powerful company.

"Let’s not hand anything over to Stille. He’s a corrupt official. The mining rights and the azure Heartstone should stay between us, Montrose and Monfort. My proposal is simple: let Liam go and search for Aldriana. We need to know what her goal is. That’s the priority. Only then can we decide our next move."

He suddenly extend his hand to Arthur, waiting to shake hands. Arthur looks at him for a second and shakes his hand.

Linus then turn to Maurice and extend his hand. Maurice takes it, smiling widely.

"Congratulations, Lei! Montrose Corporation is in very very very capable hands." Miranda suddenly pats Leila’s hand. Both ladies smiles at each other with great understanding.

The tension in the room has dissolves completely.

Linus says to Liam, "Now it’s your turn."

Liam understands what just happened, and he blames himself for not catching it earlier. I still have a lot to learn.

He clears his throat. "I want to be able to do what Aldriana can. I want to learn from her. I want to make her my teacher."

When no one saying anything, he continues. "If I can do just a fraction of what she can, the Sentinels’ mortality rate can be lowered."

Hearing this, a plan slowly forms in Theo’s mind.

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Dinner ends on a high note. Everyone is satisfied with the outcome, especially Liam, Theo, and Arthur. Each of them gets what they want.

After the Monforts leave, Theo walks back toward his room. He has just opened the door when he feels someone behind him. Turning around, he sees Julian standing there, his face troubled.

"Jules, what’s wrong?" Theo asks, worried. Julian hasn’t been himself all evening.

"I need to talk to you. Can I?"

"Well, of course! Let’s talk inside."

Arthur is on his way to his room when he notices Julian walking toward Theo’s, looking visibly upset. Arthur isn’t usually nosy, but something tells him he should know what’s going on. He changes direction and heads for Theo’s room.

Theo and Julian have just sat down when there’s a knock.

"Who is it?" Theo asks.

"It’s me."

Theo glances at Julian, silently asking for permission.

Julian nods.

"Come in."

Click.

Arthur enters the room.

"You okay, Jules?" he asks, taking a seat.

Julian looks at Arthur, his eyes glossy with tears. "No, I’m not okay, Art."

Arthur’s heart sinks. The last time he saw Julian like this was when Thea was in a coma.

"Tell us, Jules. We’ll help however we can," Theo says.

Arthur nods. "Tell us."

Julian swallows and nods. "I’m trying."

Silence fills the room.

"I guess I should just show you."

He reaches into his pocket, takes something out, and places it on the bed beside Theo.

Theo and Arthur both look at it.

"Hey! That’s my watch! I was looking for it!" Theo blurts out – then freezes. A chill runs down his spine.

Oh, shit.