Chapter 1433 Poison
"I'm coming with you," Selena declared.
Instantly, both Richard and Raymond grabbed her wrists. "Absolutely not."
As a Smith, Richard understood the family dynamics all too well. With Jason incapacitated and the shares transferred to someone the family considered an outsider, tonight's meeting would undoubtedly turn hostile. The malice they'd face would match Otto's—only the others were clever enough to keep their animosity behind closed doors.
Richard took a deep breath. "Go back with Raymond. Stay away from Smith family affairs for now. Dad has been looking for you in secret all these years—even I only found out about it recently, and Grandfather and Grandmother know nothing about it. Right now, those two share transfer documents would only put you in a difficult position."
Selena frowned with concern. What would happen to Richard and Lawrence if she didn't accompany them to Smith Villa? Could they withstand the scorn and criticism alone?
Richard pushed her gently toward Raymond. "Don't you have more pressing matters? I need Dad to wake up soon. Finding the antidote is in your hands now. I'm sorry you've had to see the Smith family like this, Selena."
Raymond guided her to the car, his arm around her shoulders.
Once inside, Selena couldn't hide her worry, but Raymond placed his hand on her stomach. "I'm not comfortable leaving you in Vistalia, but taking you to that place concerns me even more. You're pregnant—don't be reckless."
Selena touched her belly and fell silent.
As Raymond prepared to drive away, her phone chimed with a message from an unknown number: [Come with Richard. We want to meet you.]
Without question, this came from Nolan and Tatum. Though Selena knew nothing of the Smith family's troubled history, this direct summons couldn't be ignored.
She lowered the window and showed Richard the message. "We have to go now. Get in."
Richard's expression darkened immediately. The scene around the mansion—scattered funeral flowers and puddles of water—was distressing enough, but the prospect of facing Nolan and Tatum was far worse.
Raymond said nothing, simply asking Richard for directions before driving off.
Upon arrival, Selena finally grasped the true extent of the Smith family's wealth. Their fortune ranked among the world's elite, but owning an independent castle in Vistalia transcended mere financial power.
The gates opened slowly, and they drove through the grounds for a full ten minutes before reaching the central building.
Guards in black tailcoats stepped forward as the car stopped. "Mr. Smith, please come in."
Richard exited the car, sighed at the sight of the grand entrance, and Selena asked, "What's wrong?"
"I haven't seen my grandparents in many years—perhaps fifteen. Since they handed control of the Smith empire to my father, they've barely engaged with the outside world."
Selena found it strange that they'd remained uninvolved with family affairs for so long.
The massive doors swung open to reveal an interior of breathtaking opulence, reminiscent of 18th-century aristocracy. Nolan and Tatum sat on the largest sofa, their simple attire contrasting sharply with the lavish surroundings. Both wore religious accessories and maintained benevolent expressions.
The remaining sofas held other Smith family members—over twenty in total, too many to identify individually. Otto stood out among them, his hostility undisguised.
Despite evident dissatisfaction among the gathering, no one dared speak with Nolan and Tatum present. All eyes fixed on Selena, scrutinizing her every move.
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