Chapter 6: The Truth Finally Surfaces

Ivan's expression changed the moment he heard my words.

For years, he had always been the calm and innocent one in everyone's eyes.

But now, for the first time, I saw panic flash across his face.

Serena noticed it too.

"Ivan, are you all right?"

He quickly shook his head and forced a smile.

"I'm fine. I'm just worried about Leon."

I almost scoffed.

Even now, he was still pretending to care about me.

Then Yuna's phone rang.

She answered it, and her expression gradually became more serious.

"What?"

She listened silently for several seconds before turning pale.

"The company accounts have been frozen too."

Serena's eyes widened.

"How much?"

"Almost everything."

Ivan clenched his fists behind his back.

'This can't be happening. Leon must have done something. If they recover everything, I won't have anything left.'

I heard his thoughts clearly.

I looked at him and smiled.

"Still pretending?"

His face turned stiff.

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing."

I walked past him.

This time, no one stopped me.

Outside the guesthouse, the evening wind brushed against my face.

For the first time in years, the world felt peaceful.

I took out my phone and checked the message sent by my lawyer.

The inheritance recovery had already begun.

Every property Serena had transferred away was being returned to my name.

The shares she had secretly sold were being traced.

Even the money she had moved into overseas accounts was being recovered.

Serena followed me outside.

"Leon."

I stopped but did not turn around.

"What?"

"How long have you known?"

"About what?"

"About Ivan."

I finally turned around.

"I knew the truth from the beginning."

She stared at me.

"Then why didn't you expose him earlier?"

A bitter smile appeared on my face.

"Because I thought you'd believe me."

Her eyes reddened.

She lowered her head.

"I'm sorry."

"You already said that."

"I really mean it this time."

"It doesn't matter anymore."

Serena's tears finally fell.

"Leon, can you give me another chance?"

I looked at her quietly.

Once, those words would have been everything I wanted to hear.

Now, they meant nothing.

"No."

She froze.

"Why?"

"Because I spent twenty-six years waiting for you to choose me."

My voice was calm.

"You already made your choice."

Serena covered her mouth as she began to cry.

Behind her, Yuna stood motionless.

She had heard everything.

Laura was there too.

For once, none of them looked angry.

They looked ashamed.

Then Laura slowly walked toward me.

"Leon..."

I looked at her.

"What do you want?"

Her eyes were filled with tears.

"I was wrong."

I remained silent.

"You were always my son," she whispered. "I don't know why I stopped seeing that."

I gave her a tired smile.

"Because Ivan made you believe I was the enemy."

Laura shook her head.

"I should have trusted you."

"Yes."

That single word made her cry even harder.

Yuna stepped forward next.

"Leon, I remember now."

I looked at her.

"Remember what?"

"The day you saved my legs."

Her voice trembled.

"I remember you carrying me into the hospital. I remember you staying beside me all night. I remember promising that I would protect you."

I lowered my eyes.

"You forgot."

"I know."

Yuna's tears fell freely.

"I'm sorry."

I did not answer.

Behind them, Ivan suddenly shouted.

"Stop!"

Everyone turned toward him.

His face had lost all its color.

"You're all believing Leon now? After everything he's done?"

I looked at him calmly.

Then I heard his thoughts.

'If they remember everything, I'm finished.'

A cold silence settled over the garden.

Serena slowly turned toward Ivan.

"What did you just say?"

Ivan froze.

She stared at him.

"Why are you so afraid of us remembering the past?"

For the first time, Ivan had no answer.

The system notification suddenly appeared in my mind.

'Warning. Remaining life span: 52 hours.'

I looked toward the sky.

Only a little more than two days remained.

I didn't want revenge anymore.

I just wanted to go home.

But before I left, the truth had to be revealed.

And Ivan's carefully constructed lies were finally beginning to fall apart.