While I Was on a Business Trip, They Stole Everything

“Your ordeal is over. God has shown you mercy!”

“It’s useless just sitting there. What? Still trying to act all high and mighty?”

It became clear—they were fence-sitters, always siding with whoever seemed stronger.

But without me, would they even have the status they boast about today?

“One of you lost your fortune gambling. Another was kidnapped overseas. And one’s mother was on her deathbed until I called in a top surgeon to save her…”

“Who helped you through all that?” I asked coldly.

“So what? You were just being sentimental. We never asked for it,” one replied smugly.

“Fine,” I said, a bitter laugh escaping. “So this is how you repay kindness—with betrayal.”

The truth cuts deep. Their treachery chilled me to the bone.

Then, at Lucas’s command, my own confidant began to step forward, preparing to strike me.

“Brother,” Lucas said with mock pity, “since I’ve reclaimed my rightful place, your mother can no longer remain in the Langston family’s ancestral hall. I’ve already ordered her coffin exhumed to make space for my mother’s burial. As for her memorial tablet—” he smirked, “—I threw it in the trash.”

His cruelty ignited a fury I could no longer contain.

“You can touch me, but you cannot touch my mother.”

I grabbed a stool and hurled it at him. The blow landed hard, knocking him to the floor.

“Damn you! You dare hit me? Get him!”

Before my so-called confidant could move, Selena snatched up an ashtray and smashed it against my head.

“Theo, hurt my man and I’ll never forgive you!” she shrieked.

I raised my hand to strike her back, but Lucas shouted, “She’s pregnant! How dare you?”

I froze for a second—just enough for Selena to flash a sly smile and retreat into his arms.

“Haha! Fool. You think you’re clever, but you’re nothing. Even if I were pregnant, it wouldn’t be yours!” she spat.

Lucas roared with laughter. “I just made that up to stop you from hitting her, and you fell for it!”

The room erupted in mocking laughter. I shrugged, masking my rage.

“Lucas, I have only one regret—not destroying you sooner. I should never have allowed you to run wild in the Langston family.”

Grandfather had refused to acknowledge him years ago—not for his illegitimate status, but for his vile character. A boy who could push his benefactor off a cliff at twelve was already rotten to the core. Some people are born cruel.

That was my first mistake—bringing him back into the Langston family.

Now, thinking of me defeated, the others scrambled to curry favor with him.

“What are you waiting for? Break Theo’s limbs so he can’t trouble Mr. Langston again!” one urged.

“If he’s too stubborn to die, bury him with his mother so they can keep each other company!”

“Hahaha! Yes! Kill him!” Lucas bellowed.

But minutes passed. My henchmen didn’t move.

Selena’s voice rose sharply. “Are you deaf? I said Hit Theo!”

I smiled coldly. “You heard me. Do it.”

In the next instant, the henchmen surged forward—not at me, but at Lucas, kicking him across the floor.

Selena’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you doing? I said Hit Theo! Not Lucas!”