Chapter 556 Not a Misunderstanding, but a Conspiracy
Benedict and Jake hopped into the car, and Dario watched as it sped off, disappearing from view.
Dario headed back to his car, still staring in the direction the other car had gone. He dialed Sebastian's number and said, "Mr. Kingsley, Professor Harrington and Dr. Harris just took off. They're heading towards Main Street."
Sebastian tapped his pen on the desk, creating a steady rhythm. "Professor Harrington isn't the murderer. Jake's more likely. Make sure to keep an eye on Professor Harrington."
"Got it. I'm digging into Jake's background now and will send you the info soon." Dario opened his laptop and started searching while holding his phone.
Sebastian swiveled his chair and moved to his computer. "No need. I'll handle it myself. If he's after me, he won't leave much behind. Just keep watching them."
"Yes, sir."
Sebastian entered the secure network password and began investigating Jake's background.
Sure enough, the info he found was a bit different from Jake's public records, but not by much. Jake wasn't a professional killer.
However, the identities of Jake's parents caught Sebastian's attention.
Jake's parents had once run a small fashion company in Britonia. Eight years ago, during a financial crisis, their company took a hit. They sought help from MBK's Britonia branch but got turned down. Shortly after, MBK's Britonia branch expanded and bought their company for cheap.
This led to Jake's father dying of a heart attack, and his mother passing away soon after.
Sebastian remembered the events from eight years ago. He had just taken over the company and was focused on the headquarters in Libertya, not foreign operations. The Britonia branch was managed by his father's team.
While companies often help each other, competition is more common.
Jake's parents' deaths due to MBK's refusal to help must have been a significant blow to Jake.
But Sebastian stroked his chin as he read the information on his screen. Jake's extreme method of revenge was unwise.
Fortunately, Jake's plan hadn't succeeded. Otherwise, Sebastian would have felt his death was unjust.
But how had Jake been so sure eight years ago that Sebastian was responsible for his parents' deaths? Who had given him that information or misled him?
Sebastian called Owen. "Get the car ready. I'm heading out."
Jake's hatred stemmed from a misunderstanding of the situation. It wasn't his fault.
Sebastian hoped Jake would realize the truth before it was too late.
Jake drove out of the city with Benedict. They chatted sporadically, mostly Benedict talking and Jake occasionally responding.
Benedict took out a cigarette but remembered the bomb in the car and put it away. "Jake, you're pretty good with medicine. You could have a great future if you wanted. Why go against Sebastian? You're no match for him."
Jake kept his eyes on the road. "Professor Harrington, you don't get it. You don't need to. Everyone has their mission and direction in life. Just because you know my secret doesn't mean you can interfere."
Benedict laughed. "Talking about life with an old man like me? How naive!"
Jake stayed silent for a long time.
Benedict asked, "Won't you tell me why you want to kill Sebastian? Are you sure you don't want to explain?"
"No need. Talking won't help."
Benedict clicked his tongue. "Jake, don't make life too hard. Look at me, how simple it is."
Jake didn't respond.
Soon, they reached an open field in the suburbs. Jake parked the car and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Professor Harrington, I can only activate the bomb, not defuse it. If something happens, please don't let anyone know about my death."
Benedict shrugged, opened the car door, then closed it again. "Your death isn't the issue. It's a shame about the car; such a good car."
He sighed and leaned in. "What kind of bomb did you install? Let me see."
Jake glanced at him and pointed behind the display screen. "It's right there."
But before he finished speaking, Jake's expression turned pale. He froze as if something had gripped him.
"What's wrong? It hasn't exploded yet. Why are you so tense?"
Jake swallowed hard. "It's gone!"
"What? Gone? Then it must have been discovered by that clever Sebastian. You're in trouble now, Jake. He knows you have a motive to kill him. You won't get away with this."
Jake slumped in his seat, rubbing his temples. "Sebastian's gonna kill me. He won't let me off the hook."
Benedict lit a cigarette and took a drag to steady himself. "He knows someone messed with his car and still lent it to me. He's trying to flush out the culprit. But now he suspects two people. Listen, you can't admit to being the murderer. I'll take the blame. I have a favor with Sebastian; he won't harm me. Just keep quiet. Got it?"
"No. I did it. I have to own up to it."
"Are you nuts? Let me take the fall."
As they argued, a black Lexus sports car sped towards them, stopping abruptly in front of their car. The speed left them both stunned.
Benedict's mouth twitched. "God, who is this maniac?"
The door opened, and out stepped a tall, imposing man—Sebastian.
"Jake! Sebastian's here. Remember, don't admit it. No matter what, don't admit it!" Benedict warned, getting out of the car.
With a cigarette in his mouth, Benedict grinned at Sebastian. "Sebastian, what brings you here?"
Sebastian's figure was striking against the wind, his hair and suit fluttering. His expression was calm and composed. "Mr. Harrington, Brooklyn said you wanted to test this car. Are you satisfied?"
Benedict chuckled. "Very satisfied! I love it."
Sebastian nodded slightly. "Since you like it so much, I'll give it to you."
His eyes shifted to the car interior, his expression unreadable.
"I couldn't possibly accept. No, no."
Sebastian slipped one hand into his pocket, his voice low and steady. "Isn't your friend coming out to say hello?"
Jake's palms were sweaty as he got out of the car. "Mr. Kingsley, I know why you're here. I put the bomb in the car. It has nothing to do with Professor Harrington. I'm the one who wants to kill you. I'll take full responsibility."
Sebastian frowned slightly. "Kill me? Dr. Harris, what do you mean? I don't understand. Did you put something in my car?"
Jake sneered. "Stop pretending, Sebastian. You've killed so many. No mask can hide your true nature."
Sebastian's lips curved into a slight smile. "Dr. Harris, how old were you eight years ago?"
"Nineteen."
Sebastian nodded. "Nineteen, probably a college sophomore, still sheltered. Your parents' deaths must have been a huge blow. I understand your feelings. But did you ever investigate who refused your parents' request at MBK? Who decided to acquire your company? Did you see my name on any document?"
Jake laughed bitterly. "Sebastian, you're the CEO of MBK. Who else would dare make such decisions? For money and power, you've killed many."
Benedict finally understood. Jake's foolish plan was to avenge his parents.
"Listen, both of you! Jake, Sebastian didn't kill your parents. I guarantee it! And Sebastian, even if you didn't kill them, his parents died. You should apologize, right?"
Sebastian's breath was cold as he chuckled. "Mr. Harrington, he put a bomb in my car to kill me. He's the one who needs to apologize."
Jake clenched his fists. "Sebastian, MBK caused my parents' deaths. You must take responsibility!"
Sebastian nodded. "Fine. What responsibility should I take? I'll handle it. Dr. Harris, please explain."
Jake stepped closer. "As MBK's CEO, you let your subordinates act recklessly. That's your responsibility!"
Sebastian nodded. "Alright. I'll fire those responsible and give you justice."
Jake stepped closer again. "If MBK had helped them, they wouldn't have died! MBK's greed is the root cause!"
Sebastian nodded again. "So, as you said, what responsibility should I take? MBK's management philosophy? The lack of aid leading to their deaths? Or should I be blamed for murder? If so, isn't attempted murder more serious?"
Jake, enraged, punched Sebastian, drawing blood.
Sebastian staggered but smiled, wiping the blood away. "Dr. Harris, I could have you jailed for attempted murder and assault. Want to try?"
Benedict quickly intervened. "Stop! This is a misunderstanding! Let's talk this out. No more fighting!"
Sebastian wiped his face, looking at the furious Jake. "Dr. Harris, you've lived with this revenge plan for eight years. Didn't you investigate the truth? Or did someone push you to this point?"
Sebastian took out his phone, playing with it casually. "Dr. Harris, you're smart. Admitting the truth is better than prison. You have three minutes. Tell me everything, or I'll make sure you never leave Aucester Prison."
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