Gage’s words weighed heavily on Christopher and made everyone present uneasy. All eyes were focused on Christopher, the most influential person in the Murray family. His decision would decide the fate of the entire family.
“You insolent bastard!” Christopher thundered, his voice trembling with anger and frustration. He continued, “You attacked your brothers and threatened the family with such disgraceful actions! And now you dare to demand an explanation from me? Are you trying to play the victim?”
He had always thought of Gage as his successor. Courageous, clever, and quick-witted-Gage could have led the family to greatness. Sadly, he had lost his way and caused an irreparable rift within the family. Christopher was angry and heartbroken.
“Father, you must understand that my actions were a response to your own,” Gage replied with surprising composure. “Had you not driven my late wife to her tragic end, none of this would have happened.”
“Her death may be connected to me, but what of it?” Christopher’s voice remained frosty. “It was what she deserved.”
“Deserved?” Gage laughed bitterly. ” Father, she was your daughter-in-law. Do you really think she deserved to die?
“She may have been my daughter-in- law, but she was also a spy for an enemy nation, a threat to Dragonmarsh!” Christopher raised his voice. “Don’t you realize how many brave countrymen have died on the battlefield because of spies like her?”
“She has repented. She posed no threat. Why couldn’t you give her a second chance?” Gage’s emotions surged.
“She didn’t do anything to others, but she’s just using you!” Christopher slammed his hand on the table.
He continued, “You could have had a promising future, but look at what you’ve become. You’re a disgrace to the Murray family!”
Christopher had always been willing to support Gage’s romantic choices. But falling in love with a spy was unforgivable.
“I’m not worried about my future. I just long for her to be alive and by my side!” Gage’s determination shone through.” It’s you… you orchestrated her death! It’s all your fault!”
“You fool! Can’t you see? That woman was just using you from the start. Even in death, she tried to tear the family apart!” Christopher retorted.
Then, he revealed the painful truth.” Yes, I wanted to kill her, but I didn’t force her to die. I gave her a chance to leave for your sake.
“But, she was cunning and unyielding. She was willing to sacrifice herself to accomplish her sinister plans. Wake up, my son! Free yourself from her web of deceit!”
Even now, Christopher clung to a shred of hope that Gage would come to his senses.
“Nonsense! You’re lying!” Gage erupted in anger. “You drove her to her death, and now you want to further damage her reputation. You’re a monster!”
“Gage! Dad is telling the truth. I can attest to that!” Caden, who had been silent, finally spoke up.
“I remember everything. Even though she was a spy, Dad spared her for your sake. But we never thought she would choose death to hurt you. This is madness!”
“Yes! We can confirm that too!”
The other members of the Murray family joined in. Gage, seething with anger, yelled, ” Enough! All of you, shut up!”
His face contorted with rage. “You’re all hypocrites defending Christopher and his lies. Without your pressure, my wife would never have died. Today, I’ll make you pay!”
With a quick gesture, he commanded, ” Arrest them all!”
