After reaching an agreement with Henry, Crystal Foster was finally able to leave her bedroom.
Standing at the second-floor railing, she could see the entire spacious living room below.
In the living room, an elderly man was dragging a younger man through the door, scolding him as they walked. "Everything's been cleared up, so what's there to be upset about? You were so dramatic back then, leaving the family. Now you need investment, so why not say something nice to your uncle?"
The elderly man, with his white hair and beard, leaning on a cane and moving slowly, was none other than the patriarch of the Riley Family.
The Riley Family was once a prestigious name in Lotus City. Though they had declined, they still managed to produce talents like Martin Riley. As for Hyland Riley, he was the typical opportunist!
He would do anything for fame and fortune!
"Grandpa, I told you I can handle it. Who does Martin Riley think he is? Just because he has some money? Give me ten years, and he won't even be worthy to shine my shoes!" Hyland boasted arrogantly, full of disdain at the mention of his uncle.
It's a wonder he had the nerve to say such things!
He probably already had control over the Foster family pharmaceuticals, likely through underhanded means!
Crystal knew she needed to investigate the evidence of murder herself. Until then, she wouldn't be satisfied unless she made Hyland pay dearly.
Crystal Foster took a deep breath, suppressing the hatred in her heart, and slowly descended the stairs. "If my dear nephew is so impressive, why bother stepping through this door?"
She emphasized the words "dear nephew," relishing the feeling of asserting her seniority.
Hyland Riley looked up to see a woman with a captivating figure. Even in her simple white loungewear, her casually tousled wavy black hair exuded an alluring charm.
"Tch, who do we have here? Just a public bus trying to criticize me?" Hyland sneered, his disdain growing.
Everyone in Lotus City knew that Martin Riley's wife was once infamous for being a gold digger, attending various parties to snag wealthy men. She set her sights on Martin, and with a baby on the way, she successfully married into the Riley Family.
Crystal, unfazed by the original owner's notorious reputation, gracefully walked down the stairs and sat on the couch. She casually draped her hand over the armrest and glanced at Hyland with indifference. "At least I was properly married to my husband, unlike some who married into the family."
The term "married into the family" was a sore spot for Hyland Riley."You nasty woman, keep talking nonsense and I'll tear your mouth apart!" Hyland Riley's face twisted with anger, his once handsome features now contorted into something grotesque.
Crystal Foster smiled, sipping her rich coffee. "I'm still your aunt, after all. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at for acting so aggressively?"
Mr. Harrington tried to hold Hyland back, but it was too late. Hyland took two quick strides forward, raising his hand to slap Crystal.
"What's going on here?"
A deep voice questioned from upstairs, causing Hyland's hand to freeze mid-air. Crystal's eyes narrowed slightly. In a split second decision, she splashed her coffee all over herself.
The unexpected move caught Hyland off guard. Coffee dripped from Crystal's chin, flowing down her neck and soaking her collarbone. Her silk nightgown was now stained.
"How could you be so reckless?" Crystal stood up abruptly, pointing at Hyland with a trembling finger, both angry and upset.
Hyland didn't expect to be outmaneuvered by her. He rubbed his thumb across his lips, a playful smirk appearing. "You think I'm scared to play your game?"
"Do you think this is a place for your nonsense?" A man descended the stairs, his face stern and displeased. His perfectly pressed suit showed not a single wrinkle, and he rolled up his sleeves with a practiced, mature ease.Hyland Riley let out a cold snort and retreated behind Mr. Harrington.
Mr. Harrington shot Hyland a fierce glare before turning to Martin Riley. Clearing his throat, he said, "Martin, the cause of the boss's death has been clarified. It was an accidental fire, nothing to do with you. Hyland is here today to apologize."
Years ago, the Riley Family suffered a fire, and Martin was the sole survivor. At that time, Martin became the target of blame, with Hyland accusing him of setting the fire that killed his own parents.
Since then, Martin had left the Riley Family, and it had been ten years.
With narrowed eyes, Martin walked into the living room, casting a cold glance at Sylvia Byrne.
With just one look, he withdrew his gaze and scoffed, "Is this his way of apologizing?"
Crystal Foster's eyes brightened slightly. From Martin's tone, it seemed he was displeased with Hyland.
Since things weren't going well, she decided to go along with it and leaned into Martin Riley, affectionately wrapping her arm around his. With a pitiful frown, she said, "Honey, he's bullying me!"
Her soft body pressed against him, and Martin was momentarily taken aback, catching a whiff of her subtle fragrance.
It was faint but unmistakable.What on earth is this woman up to?