Chapter 284
Early the next morning, Oscar received urgent news about his son, Michael.
Michael had been on a business trip in Naraida. On his way back the previous night, he was suddenly detained at the airport. Authorities claimed he was suspected of involvement in a commercial espionage case and placed him under investigation pending further notice.
Oscar didn’t believe it for a second.
His son might be decisive, even strict in business, but he would never stoop to something like that.
Without wasting time, Oscar immediately sent people to Naraida to investigate.
By afternoon, the answer came back—and it was worse than expected.
Michael had allegedly offended someone in the Department of Commerce.
A high-ranking official.
Oscar frowned deeply. “How could he possibly offend anyone in Naraida?”
Michael’s business dealings were international, yes, but his core focus was still tied to domestic trade and the Morrison pharmaceutical export chain. He rarely even set foot in Naraida unless necessary.
This trip had been arranged entirely by the partner company. There should have been no reason for trouble.
Standing beside him, his assistant hesitated before speaking. “Sir… it might be the Starr family.”
Oscar’s eyes sharpened. “The Starr family?”
“Yes. A few days ago, Mr. Michael canceled his engagement with Miss Lindsay Starr.”
That sentence hit like a stone thrown into still water.
Oscar fell silent.
He had heard about the broken engagement, but Michael had only mentioned it briefly. At the time, he hadn’t interfered. His son had always been measured and responsible—if he chose to end it, there must have been a reason.
But now…
Oscar exhaled slowly, the calm in his expression thinning.
Without another word, he got up and went straight to the Starr residence.
When he arrived, Lindsay’s parents were not home.
Only Lindsay was.
Upstairs, she stayed in her room, speaking on the phone for a long time, deliberately delaying her appearance after hearing the commotion downstairs. She didn’t rush down until she was certain the timing was in her favor.
Downstairs, Oscar had already been briefed by the Starr family steward.
The explanation was clear enough.
And the more he listened, the darker his expression became.
Even if Lindsay had a difficult temperament, Michael’s behavior this time had crossed a line. But what bothered Oscar most wasn’t the breakup itself—it was the reason behind it.
Again.
That Olson family’s adopted daughter.
Every time Michael got involved with her, things spiraled out of control. No matter how many times he warned him, he never learned.
When Lindsay finally came downstairs, Oscar greeted her with a polite smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Lindsay,” he said smoothly. “I heard Michael argued with you and ended the engagement.”
Lindsay paused.
She had expected excuses. Defense. Perhaps even pressure on her to “understand.”
Instead, Oscar had gone straight to the point.
“Yes,” she replied lightly, lifting her chin. “Your son is too outstanding for me. Maybe he already had someone else in mind. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have agreed to the engagement in the first place, don’t you think?”
Her tone was calm, but every word carried a blade underneath.
Oscar didn’t react outwardly.
Instead, he nodded slightly, as if accepting the criticism without resistance.
“That’s not what I’ve heard,” he said evenly. “You’re an excellent young woman. It’s my son who has failed to handle things properly.”
Lindsay’s eyes flickered.
Oscar continued without pause.
“If he offended you, I apologize on his behalf.”
His voice remained steady.
“And if compensation is needed, just say so.”
There was no anger, no hesitation, no attempt to argue right or wrong. Only control—and the clear intent to resolve the matter quickly.
He understood the situation well.
The Starr family’s influence might not rival the Morrisons domestically, but their reach abroad—especially in Naraida—was strong. And right now, Lindsay had the authority to decide how far this situation would go.
With Michael detained and under investigation, escalation was the last thing he needed.
So Oscar chose the most direct path.
Peaceful resolution.