Chapter 601 - 197 Truth Sets Free

Chapter 601: Chapter 197 Truth Sets Free

Daniel’s POV

I opened my mouth to interrupt, but Mom silenced me with a raised hand before I could utter a word.

"Wait, Daniel." She turned toward my sister with the commanding presence that had made her feared in Martinez family circles for years. "Sybilla, I acknowledge my failures, but I’m nothing like that manipulative Claire woman! Yes, I pushed for your alliance with Grant, but I would never have resorted to her extremes."

"Really, Mom?" Sybilla’s voice carried the hurt of someone who had witnessed too much family political maneuvering. "Dad told me you were planning to confine me to the family compound."

"I considered it, yes," Mom admitted, her tone carrying the weight of someone accustomed to making hard decisions in our world. "But I didn’t act on it, and I won’t. I need you to understand something crucial. Before I came here today, I’d already reached a decision. After speaking with Lila at the hospital—even before learning about her true Sullivan family heritage—I knew exactly what needed to be done. So, before your brother reveals what his investigation has uncovered, I want you to know that I’m abandoning all expectations about your marriage alliance with Grant. I won’t interfere with your personal choices anymore. If you want to return to the family estate, you’re welcome, but if you feel your place is here with the Thorne organization, I’ll respect that decision."

We all stared at Mom as if she’d announced her retirement from the family business. Sybilla, Gregory and I couldn’t process what we were hearing. In our world, family matriarchs didn’t simply abandon strategic marriages without catastrophic reasons.

"Are you being sincere?" Sybilla asked cautiously, her experience with family politics making her wary of sudden policy changes.

"I give you my word, and you know that in our family, once given, it’s never retracted." This was true—both our parents had built their reputations on honor and commitment. In the Martinez organization, your word was your bond, and breaking it meant losing everything. "Besides, I think Jude is exceptional, such a capable young man and—"

"Mom, Jude is just a colleague!" Sybilla protested. "We work together at Thorne’s legal division, that’s all. Don’t start planning another alliance! And please don’t begin searching for another marriage candidate. I’m perfectly satisfied with my current situation."

Mom gave Sybilla a knowing look, clearly not convinced by the "just colleagues" explanation. I couldn’t blame her—working closely within family organizations often led to deeper connections.

"Fine, Sybilla, whatever you say," Mom sighed with the resignation of someone who had spent years orchestrating family strategies. "I’ve fulfilled my duty raising all of you for this life. It’s time I trust that you can navigate our world independently."

"So you’re telling me I can make my own choices without family interference, and you’ll respect my decisions? Dad too?" Sybilla’s face lit up with hope that hadn’t been there in months.

"Yes, though that doesn’t mean I won’t offer my opinion when I believe you’re making strategic errors." Classic Mom—she would never stop being the family strategist.

"Lila, I love you!" Sybilla rushed over to embrace Lila with genuine affection.

"I thought I’d be receiving that embrace," Mom said with a hint of wounded pride.

"You’re next," Sybilla replied, "but Lila gets the first one because I know she’s the reason you’re suddenly being reasonable."

"Does this mean you’ll speak with me again?" Mom asked hopefully, the vulnerability showing through her usual commanding facade.

"Mom, you were the one who created the distance between us. I love you—you’re my mother and always will be—but I can’t allow you to treat me like I lack intelligence anymore." Sybilla had transformed since leaving the family compound. She’d evolved into the person she was always meant to be. She embraced our mother, who held her as if she never wanted to release her.

"Well, it’s fortunate you’ve changed your perspective on this marriage business," I interjected, "because my investigation has revealed that Grant has been Sasha’s secret lover for years."

Everyone’s expressions registered pure shock as I revealed everything my detective work had uncovered, including Sasha’s full confession. My parents appeared stunned while Lila remained composed, only showing discomfort whenever Sasha’s name was mentioned.

"How could we have been so blind to this deception?" Mom seemed to be questioning herself and years of family intelligence failures.

"I’ve asked myself that same question countless times," I admitted, reflecting on how Sasha had manipulated everyone in our circle.

"At least now you know I didn’t assist in forging those legal documents," Dad said, looking directly at me with something approaching relief.

"But you exploited the situation to try binding me to her permanently," I countered, unwilling to let him off completely.

"Yes, and I deeply regret that decision." He looked genuinely remorseful, but my trust had been severely damaged by months of family manipulation. "I hope someday you can forgive both of us."

"As far as I’m concerned, it’s water under the bridge, Mr. Martinez," Lila spoke first with the diplomatic grace I’d come to admire. "Let’s leave the past behind us. And Beatrice, I truly enjoyed getting to know you today."

"The feeling is absolutely mutual, Lila!" Mom beamed with genuine warmth.

"Hold up," Gregory interrupted with typical directness. "Sybilla got her freedom, Daniel and Lila got apologies, but what about Sloane and me? You’ve been making our lives miserable with your expectations lately."

"I promise to stop pressuring you about grandchildren. And Sloane, I won’t criticize your career choices anymore. I understand that modern women in our world can do more than just manage family social obligations." Mom raised her hand as if taking a solemn oath, and I heard Sloane exhale with obvious relief.

"But you’re staying with the family business, Gregory!" Dad quickly established his non-negotiable terms.

"I can accept that arrangement," Gregory agreed, then glanced my way with a smirk. "I’ll keep supporting your modest detective salary, since law enforcement pays so poorly compared to family enterprises."

I couldn’t help laughing at his familiar jab. Dad had been making similar comments since I joined the police force, as though I needed family financial support.

"What about you, Daniel? You’re the only one who hasn’t forgiven us yet." Dad looked genuinely anxious about my response.

"I think we all need some rest. Today has been overwhelming, and I need time to process everything." I needed space to think, and more importantly, I needed to talk with Lila privately first.

"You’re absolutely right. I am exhausted." Mom picked up on my hint. She understood my tendency to thoroughly consider matters before making decisions, never acting on impulse.

I kept Lila close while everyone said their goodnights and departed. After they all left the living room, I pulled her onto my lap—our preferred position for serious conversations, connected and intimate.

"Thank you for today—for helping my mother and welcoming my family here," I said, holding her tightly. I craved her touch, needed that physical connection after the emotional intensity. "Please don’t be angry with me, little one."

"I’m not angry. Now I understand why you confronted that woman." She sighed against me. "But you should have told me before going. I don’t like you being around her."

"My jealous girl," I smiled. "You were at college. I needed answers from her to finally close this Chapter. And when I returned, the precinct was chaotic. By the time I could call you, your phone was dead. I was terrified something had happened."

"I didn’t realize my battery died," she explained. "I really like your mother."

"And from what I observed, she really likes you too."

"Will you reconcile with your parents?" she asked, though I wasn’t certain yet.

"Are you really letting go of everything? Can you truly forget what they did?" I needed to know her feelings before answering.

"I already have!" Lila was incredibly forgiving—sometimes I wondered if I deserved her, if I was worthy of someone so good. But I didn’t dwell on it, because I refused to lose her for anything in this world.