Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 387: Betrayal (3)

"I don’t know how to talk to him about this, Addie." Lennox admitted, "Is this what you felt when Mother Wang chose to betray you for her son’s sake?"

Adrienne’s expression softened as she listened to Lennox’s question. She paused for a moment, reflecting on her own experience. She would be lying if she said Mother Wang’s betrayal didn’t hurt her, but Adrienne believed it was more of a disappointment on her part.

"Yes, I can understand why you might draw that comparison," she replied empathetically. "But I understood well that she was forced to make such a decision. Between me and her son, she would surely choose her child over me, but I believe there’s more to Butler Cheng’s story. You’ll have to ask him why he’s done it. There must be a logical explanation for all the phone calls he made before your accident. There’s one thing I’m certain of, Len. He’s truly concerned about you. "

Lennox nodded slowly, his mind deep in thought. He knew a conversation with Butler Cheng was inevitable, but he couldn’t face the old man yet. The thought of confronting one of the few people he trusted was too much to bear.

"I’ll talk to him when I’m ready," he said finally, his voice firm. "But for now, we must ensure he doesn’t suspect anything. We must be careful and gather more evidence before making any accusations."

Adrienne nodded in understanding, her heart going out to Lennox. She knew how hard it was to confront someone you trusted and cared for deeply, only to find out they betrayed you. She wished she could take away his pain and make everything right, but all she could do was be there for him when he needed her.

"I’m here for you, Len," she said softly, taking his hand in hers. "Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. You don’t need to face this on your own."

Lennox gave her a small smile, grateful for her unwavering support. He knew he couldn’t do this alone, and he was grateful to have someone like Adrienne.

The next day, Lennox requested a private meeting with Butler Cheng, and the old man agreed to see him at Jinxiu Garden. As Lennox entered his study, he found Butler Cheng sitting in his armchair, looking much older than he remembered.

"I knew why you called me here, Nox." The old man said, "I expected this day would eventually come, and I will have no choice but to face the consequences of my actions. I wish I could say I never meant for any of this to happen, but I know you wouldn’t believe me."

Lennox remained silent, waiting for Butler Cheng to explain himself.

"I hate your father. I despise him down to the core." Butler Cheng continued, "He took everything from Harvey. He took his happiness, future, and love, yet he never treated you or your mother well. Harvey didn’t mean to fall in love with your mother, Nox. He did his best to suppress his growing feelings for Abigail but failed. However, he also knew the marriage arrangement between your father and her couldn’t be easily broken. He knew the scandal it might inflict not only on the Qin family’s reputation but also on your mother. Harvey decided to give way, but that didn’t stop Richard from beating the hell out of him prior to his wedding with your mother. Harvey was badly injured and was forced to move away."

Lennox hypothesized that Butler Cheng would have left with his uncle if given the chance, but because he worked for the Qin family, Butler Cheng’s family would bear the brunt of his actions.

Lennox also never knew the extent of his father’s cruelty towards his uncle Harvey, and he couldn’t believe he could do such things.

"I hate him, Nox. Having half of his blood in you would have led me to believe I would also despise you, but you are unlike him. You are more like your Uncle Harvey than your father. Perhaps it was why Richard was annoyed when he looked at your face. You were just a kid, Nox. You knew nothing of the complicated relationship between your parents, and Richard wasn’t doing better.

"I saw with my own eyes how badly he treated you and Abigail, so I decided to stay by your side. I wanted to protect you from him, and I did everything I could to ensure you were safe. But I also wanted revenge for Harvey. I wanted Richard to experience the same pain that he had inflicted on my dear friend. So when I received a phone call from someone who promised to help me achieve that goal, I didn’t hesitate to agree to their terms."

The old man started to weep, much to Lennox’s shock. Lennox listened to Butler Cheng’s confession, feeling angry and sad for his uncle and father. He knew there was no excuse for what Butler Cheng had done, but he could also understand the pain and anger that drove him to such drastic actions.

"But I didn’t know you were with him, Nox. They promised me that they would spare you, but they didn’t. You don’t know how guilty and ashamed I was when I saw your half-dead state in the hospital. I couldn’t believe I hurt you. I failed you, Nox, and I don’t blame you if you hate me now. I deserved it."

He looked at his trembling hands, his face showing deep regret.

"Not only did I fail to protect your Uncle Harvey, but I also harmed you. I have not slept well at night since then. When you smile at me, it reminds me how horrible I have become."

"But why didn’t you tell me anything?" Lennox asked, his voice shaking with emotion. "Why did you keep this from me?"

"I wanted to protect you, Nox," Butler Cheng replied, his voice filled with regret. "I knew it would destroy you if you found out the truth. And I couldn’t bear to see you suffer like that. But I can’t keep hiding the truth from you forever. You deserve to know the truth, no matter how painful it would be."