บท 179: Utterly captivated

"The truth?" Roderick's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Grandpa, you already know the truth. But you're so blinded by your love for your younger son that you refuse to see it," he said, his voice laced with frustration.

Alekis, seated with the wisdom of years etched into his features, sighed deeply. "Roderick, there was a time when you admired your uncle, even wanted to be like him. You may have grown older, but I still remember my grandson's youthful days. You saw Lucius as a second father, someone you cherished."

"Grandpa, I don't understand what you're trying to achieve by bringing that up now. The man I admired is long gone. Uncle Lucius orchestrated everything. That accident—" Roderick paused, his voice firm with conviction. "His injuries were minor. Far too minor for what should have been a catastrophic incident while my father's injuries were severe. It doesn't add up, and deep down, you know it too."