Chapter 161

Mr. Richards' study - Edward's old room. It was just Charles and Sebastian in there, father and son face to face. The air was filled with a faint scent of pine. Sebastian had lit incense for his grandfather, looking solemn and respectful. Suddenly, Charles spoke up, tone firm: "Sebastian, I want you to swear you had nothing to do with that Thompson girl's death. Swear it in front of your grandfather's portrait, and I'll believe you." Sebastian lowered his eyes. After a pause, a subtle smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. "Dad, since when did you start feeling sorry for her?" Charles' gaze sharpened. "It's not that I ever liked her-you know I didn't. I'm asking you to swear for your own good. I need to be sure you weren't involved." Sebastian took a step back and looked up at the portrait hanging above, voice low like he was talking to himself. "You're overthinking this. Serena's death had nothing to do with me. I used to make sure no one touched her, but I'm not her shield anymo