100 Days to Seduce the Devil

728 Agreement Between the Two Old Men

Day Seventy-Seven...

Maximilian Carlsen was slowly recovering. However, he didn't have the will to continue living after finding out his real daughter was gone. He was no longer talking to anyone. He didn't have an appetite to eat. He won't allow anyone to see him, including Monica.

I've been so foolish. I failed to protect my daughter. Whom should I blame for this?' He asked himself.

He had to admit that he had no power to fight Vincent and Monica. He was just a pawn in their games. "I should have just died. I can't continue living like this." Maximilian was venting out his frustration. He was lost in his thoughts when someone knocked outside the door. He didn't say a word. He just stared at the closed door blankly. After a few seconds, the door slid open and an unexpected visitor entered his room.

"Chairman Xu? Why are you here?" Maximilian wasn't expecting Old Man Xu's arrival.

"I'm visiting an old foe who is sick." Old Man Xu replied with a straight face.

Maximilian looked down, avoiding Old Man Xu's gaze. "Are you happy now? I am miserable right now. I lost everything... my most precious daughter is dead because of your son... Nathan."

"I've heard it. But why are you blaming my son for her death?" Old Man Xu wanted to defend Nathan.

"Because of him, my daughter made a crazy deal with that wicked witch. She was even willing to give up everything including her real identity just to be with him. Her love for your son had caused her demise."

Old Man Xu's forehead creased with concern. "My son is not to be held responsible for this. His charm and good looks are innate qualities. Blaming him for your daughter's decisions is unjust. It was her own volition. My son didn't force her."

"In any case, I am not here to argue with you. My purpose is to inquire about Vincent and Monica. What do you know about their plans? Are you aware that Vincent is my biological son? What happened to his mother?" Old Man Xu would like to know everything. Fortunately, Maximilian was very cooperative with him.

"Indeed, I am well aware that Vincent is your son. His target is you and your family... specifically your son, Nathan. You gave everything to Nathan while you denied Vincent's existence. The resentment he harbors runs profound, fueled by the disparity in treatment between him and his half-brother. His quest for retribution extends beyond personal grievances- it's a pursuit for justice on behalf of his deceased mother." Maximilian started to reveal what he knew.

"How did she die?" He asked curiously.

"She is terminally ill. But she didn't die of natural causes. She committed suicide after meeting you. That's what I heard from Vincent's uncle."

Old Man Xu was taken aback when he heard that. He didn't wish for her to die. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and a newfound comprehension dawned within him regarding the roots of Vincent's seething grudge.

"How are they going to do their revenge?" Old Man Xu asked him again.

Maximilian let out a sarcastic laugh. "Their revenge has started a long time ago. Vincent wants your son to experience being alone and lonely... abandoned by his loved ones. He is hell-bent on taking away everything from your son. He is obsessed with Nathan."

Old Man Xu fell silent, his fists clenched tightly. The conflict between his two sons had arisen due to his own mistake, and he felt the weight of responsibility for the discord within his family.

Despite his sincere desire to make amends and reconcile with Vincent, the words from Maximilian painted a daunting picture. It seemed that winning Vincent's forgiveness would be a challenging task.

"One last question... this is with regards to my grandson, Ethan. Is Monica his biological mother... or is your daughter, Helena?" Maximilian's expression changed at the mention of Ethan's name. He didn't have any idea who was Ethan's biological mother. But when Old Man Xu mentioned Helena might be Ethan's biological mother, his eyes gleamed with hope. What if... this young child was his grandson... and the child of his deceased daughter? o(v)()x.c(o)

"Judging by your expression, it seems you're just as in the dark as I am. Well, there's one way to get to the bottom of this. I'm considering a DNA test. Can you assist me with this? I'll need DNA samples from Monica, including your daughter's."

"Sure, I'm curious about this too. I'll lend a hand," volunteered Maximilian, expressing his willingness to assist Old Man Xu.

"Excellent. I appreciate that. I'll be eagerly awaiting the results," Old Man Xu responded, extending his right hand to solidify their agreement with a handshake. Maximilian accepted the gesture, sealing their deal.

"Remember, you must keep this from Vincent and Monica." Old Man Xu reminded him.

"I know what to do." Maximilian finally got his motivation back. This was the least he could do for Helena.bender

Upon finalizing the arrangement, Old Man Xu discreetly slipped away from Maximilian's ward, ensuring that his departure went unnoticed. However, his visit didn't escape Helena's radar. She had eyes and ears in the hospital, monitoring Maximilian Carlsen.

"What?! Nathan's father visited him! What did they talk about?" Monica asked her underling. She couldn't trust Maximilian especially now that he learned about Helena's death. She was very cautious of the old man.

What if he discloses something to that old man?!' Monica had a nagging feeling about this.

"If he dares betray Vincent and me... I'll kill him myself," Monica swore to herself as she marched into Maximilian's ward.

She barged inside the room, without knocking. But Maximilian just ignored her presence. He pretended to be asleep.

"Mr. Carlsen, did someone visit you today?" Monica inquired, her tone lacking politeness. She even shook his body to rouse him from his so-called 'slumber.

Maximilian turned in her direction as he opened his eyes. He must act naturally in order not to raise any suspicion. He had an important task to do.

"Yes. Someone visited me. It's Chairman Xu." he replied honestly. If he lied, Monica would suspect him more.

"Why? What did he tell you?" Monica began interrogating him.

"He just asked me about Vincent and his mother."

Monica squinted her eyes. She couldn't tell if Maximilian was lying or not. But he was so composed.

"So how did you respond to his query?" She probed.

"Are you worried I disclosed something to him?" Maximilian asked her back, raising his eyebrow. He didn't like the way she was treating him. "Don't worry. I hate him and his son more than I hate you." he tried his best to sound convincing. "My daughter died because of Nathan Sparks."

Monica just smirked when she heard that. "I'm glad you know. If you have to blame someone for Helena's death... it should be Nathan Sparks and Phantomflake. But don't worry. Vincent and I will help you avenge Helena's death."

Maximilian chose to keep quiet. Luckily, Monica's questioning was interrupted by Vincent's phone call. Monica excused herself as she answered his call.

"Hello, Babe. Where are you? Are you not coming here today? I'm a little bit bored. I need to see you. Please... come here," Monica tried to sound pitiful as she begged him.

"I'm sorry, Babe. I have an urgent thing to do. I'm flying to Country J with the Dragon Lord. I just called to let you know. I'm leaving now." Vincent informed her.

Monica's eyes widened in disbelief. She was truly disappointed. She wasn't informed ahead. "I want to come with you!" She stubbornly said.

"No. you have to stay, Babe. Please take good care of Mia on my behalf. I'll compensate you once I'm back," Vincent consoled her.

"Sigh! Fine! I'm upset. But you must pacify me once you return," Monica childishly demanded.

"Yes. I promise," Vincent reassured her.

"When are you coming back?" Monica asked him again.

"I'm not sure. Maybe the day after tomorrow. It depends. I'll let you know." Vincent didn't want to disclose any further details regarding his travel.

After the call concluded, Monica's expression soured. She sensed that something was amiss with Vincent lately.

"Why do I get the feeling that he's hiding something from me?" she mused to herself.

She was trying to figure out something when her underling approached her. "Madam, the overseas parcel has arrived!" 

Monica's face brightened up after hearing that. "Yes! My lethal weapon is finally here!"