His Destructive, Toxic Love

Casper lay sprawled on his bed, his arms shielding his eyes. Tears trickled down his cheeks, one drop after another. Maybe, only here, in his own little sanctuary, could he let go of his pain and sorrow completely.

Tristan couldn't find Casper at Welton International. Frustrated, he floored the gas pedal and sped straight home.

Dillon was lounging in the living room when he noticed car headlights sweeping across the floor-to-ceiling windows. He got up and headed outside. Tristan stormed out of his car, shouting, "Casper! Get out here! The whole town's laughing at your engagement party, and you're hiding like a coward." "Mr. Casper is grieving right now," Dillon said, raising a hand to block Tristan's path. "Maybe you should come back another day."

"Grieving? For what?" Tristan scoffed. "A woman he didn't love is dead. Isn't that what he wanted? Stop this charade and come down to see me!" "Mr. Casper..." Dillon started, but then he saw Casper coming down the stairs with his eyes red and swollen. "Let him in," Casper said quietly. "Yes."

Dillon stepped aside, and Tristan barged into the living room with a huff.

"Casper, do you have any idea how many business partners from Welton International I invited to your engagement? What kind of stunt are you pulling? You disappeared for a week? Do you know how much damage this has caused?" Casper slumped into the sofa, rubbing his temples. "Oh, didn't get those department store shares? Or did the Henderson family refuse to sell you that land?"

"You..." Tristan's eyes narrowed as

he realized Casper knew everything. "Nova's assets were supposed to become yours and the Welton family's. Where does buying and selling come into this?"

"Really?" Casper tossed a contract onto the table. "The contract doesn't mention your cut."

"Casper, are you trying to play games with me? Are you settling scores? I was playing this game before you were even born," Tristan snarled, slapping the table.

"Just so you know, the Henderson family's will clearly states all their assets go to Eliza. Nova had no right to deal with any of those assets, including the shares and land she sold to you."

Tristan burst into laughter. "To Eliza? Didn't you just bury her? How could it go to her?"

"She's dead, but I'm still alive." Casper's eyes, dark and intense, bore into Tristan. "Which means all her inheritance comes to me, including the shares and land Nova sold to you. They don't count."

"You..." Tristan was livid. "...you've gone too far. How could I have a son like you plotting against me?"

"You broke the rules first," Casper said flatly.

Raising a finger, Casper signaled Dillon to escort Tristan out. "Mr. Tristan, you should go. Mr. Casper isn't in the mood for this. Don't stir things up."

"So now it's my fault he's upset?" Tristan's fingers trembled as he pointed at Casper. "Eliza's suicide has already messed with Welton International's stock prices. You need to fix this, not sit here

mourning that reckless girl.

"Leave, now..." Casper almost growled, pointing to the door. "...Get out..."© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Dillon grabbed Tristan and hauled him out as Tristan cursed all the way.

Casper was exhausted. He needed some proper rest. Maybe he could see her again in his dreams and ask why she chose to end things this way...