Chapter 4
My funeral was a grand affair. Richard handled everything himself.
He chose the most prestigious funeral home in the city.
Almost every big name in town showed up to pay their respects: business tycoons, politicians, and celebrities.
Richard was dressed in a sharp black suit. His face wore the perfect look of heartbreak and exhaustion.
He'd lost some weight, and there were dark circles under his eyes. He really did look like a heartbroken widower.
He greeted every guest, shook their hands, hugged them, and accepted their condolences.
His words were sincere, leaving no room for doubt.
Anyone who didn't know the real story would be touched by his "devotion."
I looked at him. Amid the crowd, I caught him exchanging a knowing glance with a close colleague. A brief smile flashed at the corner of his lips.
I knew exactly what was going through his mind.
For me, this funeral was the end of the road, but for him, it was his coronation.
He was making it clear to everyone that from this day on, he was the sole master of Evans Group.
My son, Lucas, rushed back from abroad.
He stood in front of my framed funeral photo and lingered there for a long time.
He looked thinner than the last time I saw him. That familiar chill and stubbornness lingered in his gaze.
He didn't cry, only stood there quietly. His eyes stayed locked on me, without blinking. It was like he was trying hard to remember my image.
I knew he was hurting. We hardly got to spend time together.
I was always caught up in work, and I neglected him, but nobody got each other like we did.
Richard walked over and put his hand on Lucas's shoulder.
"Lucas, try not to let it get to you too much," Richard said. "Victoria's up there watching, and she wouldn't want to see you like this."
His voice sounded like a caring dad.
Lucas's shoulders stiffened.
He turned his head aside and brushed Richard's hand off.
He shot Richard a cold look. "You don't look the least bit surprised that my mom's gone."
Richard's sad face froze for a second. He covered it up almost instantly.
"Don't talk nonsense," Richard said. "How could I not be heartbroken? My heart's in pieces. Victoria was my whole world. Now, it's gone."
He was putting on his act again.
Lucas stayed silent and gave him a cold stare.
That look in his eyes said it all, like he was watching a clown make a fool of himself.
Richard started to feel awkward under Lucas's cold stare. He patted Lucas on the back.
"You must be tired. Go take a break in the lounge," he said. "I'll handle things here."
Lucas turned and walked away without hesitation.
He made his way to the corner. Melvin was waiting for him there.
They exchanged a look. Melvin gave him a slight nod.
Lucas's expression softened a little. He knew I had everything arranged and that my final strike was about to begin.
The funeral was over. The guests had all left.
Richard finally dropped the act. He sat alone in the deserted hall and stared at my portrait.
His face was lit up with undisguised glee and satisfaction.
He lit a cigarette for himself, took a deep drag, and smiled.
"Victoria, you can rest easy," Richard murmured. "I'll make sure the company is in good hands, and I'll take care of Lucas too."
He paused. "We'll all be leading a good life."
He pulled out his phone and sent a message to Grace. [It's all over. Get ready. In a few days, I'll bring you both home.]
He thought he'd won and that the world was his now.
Pathetic. He didn't realize he wasn't walking down some smooth road to success. He was standing on top of a volcano that was about to blow.