Chapter 931: The End of War
"I only said that to make Lillian give up," Rowan explained, playing the family card. "I never wanted her dead. If I did, why would I have let her go?"
"We're family," he continued. "How could I harm my own kin? Everything was for your good, a lesson for all of us."
Mathew smirked coldly. "My choice is being made now."
Rowan pleaded nervously, "Mathew, if something happens to me, do you think you'll have a chance for redemption? Oscar is too powerful. Without my connections, you can't fight him. Besides, you're my only son. This land will be yours eventually. Killing me now ruins everything for you!"
"From the moment you let Oscar break my legs, I felt nothing for you," Mathew retorted. "You'd sacrifice anything for your own gain, even my life. You think I'm stupid? I know you'd shoot me the second I let you go. Power and ambition are all that matter to you." He'd seen through Rowan's act.
"And you think I can't rise again?" Mathew continued coldly. "You're too full of yourself! I've learned from you – your cunning and deceit. Even if you die, I can still lead the Collins family!"
"You can't!"
"Why not? Grandfather threatened you, and look where you are now! This is karma," Mathew said, disregarding Rowan's threats. "You killed your father and siblings, and now your son will kill you."
"Mathew!" Rowan cried, his patience exhausted.
"Go to hell!" Mathew killed Rowan swiftly and fled, wasting no time escaping.
A loud bang echoed as Mathew shot Rowan dead. Rowan's life, a tapestry of cunning and ruthlessness, ended with wide, terrified eyes. It all happened before Lillian.
She watched helplessly as her brother killed their father. She'd believed they were a close family, that they understood each other, even after Sarah's imprisonment and Mathew's injuries. She'd thought they were sacrificing for the family.
Now she knew better. They only cared about themselves. Her father, her brother—all driven by their own ambitions.
Lillian looked coldly at Rowan's body. He'd lived a glorious life, only to die so brutally.
"Lillian!" Mathew called out, his voice chilling.
Lillian held Una close, trembling. If she hadn't witnessed her father's murder, she wouldn't believe their betrayal.
"It's your turn," Mathew said, raising his weapon.
Lillian stared at him, knowing there was nothing she could do. She felt terrible, failing to protect Una. But what was left to protect? A child no one valued. Perhaps death was preferable to a life devoid of beauty.
She'd accepted her fate.
Just as Mathew pulled the trigger, countless gunshots rang out. The sudden noise made him jerk, missing his shot. He yelled, "Hurry, get me on the plane!"
Oscar's men had arrived. He had to escape. Lillian's survival was luck. Escape was paramount.
Mathew was quickly lifted onto the plane. Lillian grabbed Una and fled. Their escape route had cars, not just planes. She sped away.
Mathew boarded a waiting helicopter. Oscar emerged from his car.
"Lillian and Una aren't on board?" Oscar asked, watching the helicopter.
"Lillian left by car; we've sent men after them," one of Oscar's men reported.
"Good," Oscar said, his eyes narrowing. "Shoot down that helicopter."
"Got it!" Theodore grinned, aiming a powerful weapon. Those who overestimated themselves deserved destruction. They fired, the helicopter exploding in a shower of sparks and debris.