Chapter 930: The Outbreak of War (6) – The Collins Family Fighting Each Other

Matthew was excited by his father's words.

"What do you mean, Father?" he asked.

"Oscar gave me half an hour to live, the fool! If it were me, I wouldn't leave the other side a chance to survive," Rowan spat, malice lacing his voice. "Get ready; we're leaving through the secret passage."

Matthew was stunned. A secret passage? After all these years, he'd been unaware. He only saw his father's men hastily preparing their departure, revealing his father's true nature: he treated them as mere tools.

Minutes later, the men approached respectfully. "Mr. Collins, everything is ready."

"Good!" Rowan snapped. "Let's go!"

"Yes, sir."

Rowan led Matthew toward a hidden passage in the Collins estate. Several of Rowan's confidants already awaited at the tunnel's entrance.

"What about Lillian?" Matthew asked.

Rowan hesitated, grappling with the decision of whether to take Lillian.

"I think Lillian could still be useful," Matthew suggested. "If something unexpected happens, Oscar might show leniency, especially toward Una. Let Lillian take Una and leave together."

"Oscar won't spare them; they're just underlings!" Rowan countered confidently. His perception of Oscar determined his own actions.

"Bringing them won't benefit us, but it won't harm us either! Leaving them behind only benefits Oscar," Matthew argued. "If we escape without harming anyone on his side, Father, surely you can accept that?"

"Then kill Lillian and Una!" Rowan cruelly suggested.

Matthew nodded firmly. Regardless of Oscar's feelings, he would make him pay.

Just as Rowan was about to give the order, he changed his mind.

"Let them come with us." He reconsidered killing his daughter. Oscar's granted half-hour reprieve might indicate some hesitancy. While unsure if Una and Lillian posed a threat, taking them posed no risk.

"Whatever you need, Father," Matthew agreed.

"Bring Lillian and Una," Rowan ordered.

"Yes, sir."

Lillian was brought to the passage entrance. She instantly understood her father's intentions, seeing Una brought there as well.

"Lillian, as my daughter, I'll spare you. But don't play games!" Rowan threatened.

Lillian bit her lip, silent. A subordinate brought Una, who slept in Lillian's arms. Tears welled in Lillian's eyes.

"Let's go!"

Following Rowan's order, everyone entered the secret passage.

Meanwhile, Oscar sat in his car outside the Collins Manor gardens, betting Rowan wouldn't risk his life. However, something caught his attention. Theodore noticed it too.

"The locator on Una is moving rapidly; they're escaping the garden. But we've blocked all outside passages. It could only be..." Theodore stated, alert.

"A secret passage inside!" Oscar's face darkened.

"Call Manuel to predict their route. Send all guards to the possible exits, now!"

Manuel had been on call for twenty-four hours. He'd also sent Una's location updates.

"Right away," Theodore replied, working on his phone. Oscar's car sped away.

Minutes later, Manuel called. "I've investigated potential courtyard exits. I've marked three likely areas and sent them to you. The most likely is marked red; go there first! I'll continue tracking and update you."

"Got it," Theodore said, hanging up. He quickly deployed personnel and rushed the driver to the location. They should catch up; the destination wasn't far.

Cars raced through the streets.

Rowan and his team reached an area near the Manor. A helicopter, prepared in advance, waited. He could escape within ten minutes if needed. People stood by, ready.

Rowan didn't hesitate, walking toward the helicopter. But his face suddenly changed. Lillian was startled.

"Matthew!" Rowan called, coldly.

Matthew raised his pistol, aiming it at Rowan's back.

"Do you know what you're doing?!" Rowan asked, unfazed, turning to glare fiercely.

"Of course," Matthew sneered. "I'm killing you."

"Do you think you can kill me? If you dare, my men will shoot you!" Rowan threatened.

"Really?" Matthew scoffed. "You might not know, but most of your subordinates are mine."

Panic flickered across Rowan's face, though he remained outwardly confident. He looked around, seeing many subordinates aiming pistols at him. Only two remained loyal.

"Surprised?" Matthew asked, smirking. "I don't think you should be."

Rowan glared.

"Besides those two, did you treat others like people? You distrusted everyone, expecting unconditional loyalty. Even to your children, you're cruel. Do you think anyone would remain loyal? Father, you're arrogant."

"Matthew!" Rowan trembled with rage.

"I won't kill you today, but perhaps you'll kill me later. You're right, cut down the grass and the roots; don't be soft-hearted." Matthew pulled the trigger.

"How dare you!"

"You'll find out if I dare," Matthew remained steady, fingers twitching.

"Don't kill me!" Rowan pleaded, flustered. "I'm your father, you can't kill me!"

"Humph! Lillian is your daughter, and you almost killed her!" Matthew retorted cruelly.