Nellie asked, "What do you mean? Don't make such a fuss, or you'll wake Grandpa and get yourselves into trouble."

Zeke, seeing Nellie's reaction, realized she still didn't know. Anxiously, he pulled his phone from his pocket and handed it to her. His voice was filled with despair. "Mom, check the news online. It's everywhere. The Smith family is finished."

Nellie fought back her anxiety, unlocked Zeke's phone, and read the news. Seeing the headline, she understood. She knew some of the information, but she wondered, How did they get exposed at such a crucial time? Dad has hidden those documents so well all these years!

Just then, Dennis hobbled down the stairs, using his cane. He noticed Nellie's pale face and Zeke's worried look and frowned. "What's happening? Why are you two just standing there?" he asked.

Nellie, trembling, muttered, "Dad, we're doomed."

Dennis's expression instantly darkened. He scolded, "What are you talking about? Are you out of your mind?"

Zeke took the phone. "Grandpa," he said cautiously, "last night, someone revealed the Smith family's involvement in tax evasion, selling substandard products, and bribery. The documents and photos are online, and people are furious."

Dennis's eyes widened; he felt faint. Acutely aware of his past actions, he lost his balance and fell from the second-story landing.

Nellie and Zeke froze. Nellie was jolted back to reality by the sight of blood flowing from Dennis's head. She reached for her phone to call 911, but Zeke intervened.

Nellie stared at Zeke in a daze. He held back his excitement. Seeing Dennis lying there, Zeke felt not worry, but a thrill. The Smith family was ruined. With Dennis's downfall, Zeke saw a chance to seize the family's wealth and escape.

Nellie asked, "Zeke, what are you doing? Give me the phone! Grandpa is bleeding! We'll be too late if we don't hurry."

Zeke smirked wickedly. A chill ran down Nellie's spine. She muttered, "You… Zeke… you wouldn't…"

Zeke nodded. Glaring fiercely at Dennis, he turned to Nellie. "Mom, consider this: our reputation is beyond repair. Grandpa should take responsibility. We should gather our valuables and leave the country. Money can give us a fresh start. You know the combination to Grandpa's safe. Let's take everything and leave. Once we're abroad, you can live as you wish. There's nothing left for us here. If you can't see that, I can't save you either."

Nellie was torn. She felt Zeke was right, yet she felt sorry for Dennis.

Zeke sneered, noticing her hesitation. "Mom, do you really want to live with absolutely nothing?"

Nellie made up her mind. "No! Zeke, you're right. Let's pack and leave. I know the code. We'll leave your grandpa to his fate."

They packed, ignoring Dennis. As they were about to leave, Nellie remembered Winona. She hesitated. "Zeke, what about Winona? Should we leave her?"

Zeke replied, "Mom, she's engaged to Victor; she's part of the Carter family now. Don't worry."

Nellie agreed, and they left resolutely.

In the physics classroom, Bonnie asked Yvette, "Your computer was on all night. Did you stay up all night? Want to go back to the dorm and rest?"

Yvette twirled her pen. "Nah. Visiting someone tonight."

Bonnie said, "Did you hear about the Smith family? It's outrageous! They're inhuman!"

Yvette remained expressionless. "Yeah," she murmured, raising her eyes slightly. She looked up at the brilliant blue sky. If the heavens refused to accept the devils, she would take them in.

Dennis awoke in a hospital ward, guarded by two police officers. The police had found him unconscious and brought him to the hospital. It took him a while to recall what happened. His eyes burned with venomous anger. He hadn't anticipated being abandoned by his daughter and grandson. Just before losing consciousness, he had heard Zeke's words clearly. Despite his astuteness, he hadn't realized he'd raised ungrateful children.

The officers showed him the arrest warrant. "Mr. Smith," one announced, "you're under arrest. Considering your health, you'll be questioned in two days. Until then, you're under constant surveillance. Any attempt to leave will have consequences."

Dennis remained silent. The officers left. After they departed, Dennis collapsed, looking at least a decade older. He knew the Smith family's fate was sealed. He had been a dominant force, and now, everything was gone. He wondered who had leaked the information, suspecting the Chambers family, but deep down, he doubted it. Zachary couldn't have done it; it would have happened sooner. He couldn't figure out who had destroyed them.

At 11:00 p.m., a figure swiftly entered his ward, causing the floor's surveillance cameras to go dark. In the darkness, slender hands gently lifted Dennis from the bed. He was unconscious and felt nothing.