Vesper walked back to her, a scrowl on his face. "What nonsense are you spewing, Adira?"He asked hoarsely. "From what Na-ri said, you're the reason he got drunk and drove out in that state. So, why the fúck are you trying to point accusing fingers at me?" Adira rose to her feet, still maintaining a calm look. "You shouldn't get so worked up. I'm just asking because, you seem to be the only one benefitting from all this." "Well, I didn't do it. So, watch your words." He glared at her and left. Adira fell back to her seat, finally letting her weakness shadow her features. Nikolai's condition was making her lose her mind. She knew Vesper had nothing to do with the accident, she was just upset that he was benefitting from it. ****†****†****†Jared was in a bad mood and decided to stay home for the day. He was in his room when his phone started off beside him. Glancing at the screen, he discovered it was his father. He ignored it at first, not wanting to speak with the man. But he called again and grumpily, he took the call. "I'm in front of your gate. Talk to your damn securities to let me in." Jagger bickered on the phone. Jared's eyes widened in disbelief immediately. What?! His father was there? He dropped the call, sprang out of bed and rushed out of the room. Down the stairs, he hurried out to the gate and found a black car there. That was the car he had gotten for his father. "Let him in." He instructed the securities who had been looking at his face for permission. The gate was opened at once, and the black car drove in. Jared was infuriated. He returned to the house and paced tho and fro the sitting room, awaiting his father's entrance. His both hands were on his thighs, and his chest rose and fell heavily. The door opened and he turned swiftly to see his father, coming in. "What's the meaning of this?" He snapped. "What're you doing here, dad? How can you even think of coming over to my place? Wh... What if you got seen by someone?" Jagger paused and watched him speak. When he was done, he simply sighed and advanced into the house, taking seat. He looked completely unbothered. "Dad! Did you hear a word I just said?" Jared scoffed. "You coming to my place is really not cool. Are you forgetting who I am, and who you are? It could put me in trouble." "And who are you?" Jagger tilted back his head. "As far as I know, you're my son and I'm your father. Bonus point, I'm the reason you're in this position." "Well, yeah. I never asked for it." Jared mumbled, but loud enough for the man to hear.Brushing his fingers into his house, he took a deep breath, convincing himself that it was all fine. He made a few paces with his hands on his thighs before stopping in front of his father again. "So... what're you doing here? If you needed me, you should've just called, right?" "When did you become this rude? Get me a drink at least, Jared." Jared looked at him with disbelief. He was seriously asking for a drink? With a huff, he walked over to the wine bar, pulled out a half-bottled wine and decanted some into a glass. He returned to Jagger with the glass. Taking it from him, Jagger swigged it all down in one gulp and requested for another. Grumpily, Jared gave him a refill. "Take a seat." Jagger pointed at the couch opposite to him, like he owned the place. Jared scoffed and took his seat."Nice place you got, by the way." He scoured his eyes around the opulent room. Jared said nothing. He just looked into the man's far, waiting to hear what he had to say. Finally, he went straight to the point. "What's your relationship with Adira?" For the first three seconds, Jared's face was blank. That was a question he never expected from his father. When the gravity of the question seeped into him, he scoffed. "I.... I don't understand. Why bringing this up?" He shook his head. "Well, I've gotten reports, as well as noticed some things going on between the both of you. I'm aware that currently, she's having crisis in her marriage, and you were the reason behind that. I do not think destroying Nikolai's marriage was included in our plans." Jagger stated, taking a sip from his glass afterward. "Yvonne."Jared gritted the name. "Yvonne told you about this, didn't she? That bitch." "How I got to know isn't important, what is important is that I know everything - especially how you've been following her around and trying to get her attention. Are you in love with this woman?" "I honestly don't think that is any of your business, father. Why should my love life concern to you?" Jagger smirked and looked into his glass, taking a sip. "It is my concern because you're not allowed to fall in love. Love is a weakness." "And what the hell is this?" Jared scoffed, pulling a ridiculous look. "Who are you to define love?" "Oh! Trust me, boy, I know better because it almost ruined me. You know it. If I wasn't strong enough to take control of the situation, neither of us would've been here today." Jared laughed hysterically and got to his feet. He paced tho and fro the room, before stopping in front of his father."So what? I'm not supposed to get married?" "Of course, you are. I'll be needing grandkids soon enough. But take a look at Lyra, she got married to Thatcher for the necessity of it, not because she loved him. So, it's easier getting the job done without involving sentiments. Now, that is what marriage should be about, Jared. You should never think of getting married for love. It's a weakness; it'll destroy you." "Well, that's your opinion, not mine!" He half-yelled. "You're right. I do love Adira, and I plan to make her mine soon enough. Now, I don't give two cents what you think about love, dad. Hell, I don't even know why you think you can define it for me. But, I love Adira, I'll get married to her and I'm sure we'll have the best life." Jagger said nothing. His eyes only turned darker as he looked at Jared. "Just let me be, okay?" Jared's voice was a little calmer now. "I've done every other thing you asked for. I took over this..." He pointed at the house. "... man's life, his properties, all for you. So, let me live my life from now on. I already made you have enough money, and tomorrow, Thatcher's Will be will ready, right? He'll sign it and just like you planned, everything will be willed to Lyra. You'll have anything you want, dad. Your mission of bringing the Kensingtons down will finally be accomplished, you'll be super rich. Just go far away and enjoy your wealth, while I enjoy mine. Okay? If truly love is a weakness, then let me face the consequences." For a long time after he finished speaking, all Jagger did was stare at him. Finally, his lips twisted into a smile and he gulped down the last of his drink. "My dear boy." He stood up, taking a deep breath. "How wrong you are. If anything goes wrong in your life, I'll be greatly affected. You may think I'm completely heartless, but I still love my children." Going closer, he tapped Jared's shouler. "It's obvious you've fallen deep for this girl and will have a difficult time leaving her. Don't worry, I'll help you get rid of her." There was a deceptive smile on his face as he spoke. Jared's eyes widened instantly. Without thinking, he grabbed his hand on his shoulder. "You must not touch her." He clipped. "Do not make this little relationship we have get even worst. Let Adira and I be, otherwise, you'll regret it." Jagger arched his neck and laughed so loud, like he heard the funniest joke. He moved away from Jared and didn't stop laughing as he walked out of the house. ****†****†****†****† Done from the office, Adira returned to the hospital and spent a long time with Nikolai. The whole time, she kept looking into his face and praying he regained consciousness. When it was evening, she decided to reach home and grab a few things. She kissed his palm before leaving. The ride home was a long one. As soon as she arrived, she got out of the car and proceeded into the house. The living room was empty.She was trying to make her way through the living room when she heard a loud thud from the staircase. Not just one, but continuous thuds, as if someone was falling. She ran quickly to know what was happening, and getting to the bottom of the stairs, her heart jumped into her throat when she noticed it was Mr. Thacher falling off. The old man rolled continuously in her very eyes and stopped right there in front of her feet. Blood spilled from his head instantly. Shards of ice pierced Adira's skin, freezing her from within. Her eyes widened brightly like they were being pushed out of their sockets. Someone pushed Mr. Thatcher off the stairs!!