Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Jonea was checking the files she managed to download from Aland's laptop. Among the files, almost nothing relates to Miller's bullying at school. However, Jonea finds a videotape with no sound. She pressed the enter key on the keyboard and started playing the video.

Jonea became very tense while the video was playing. She gripped the table's edge so tightly to support her trembling body. The video is about two minutes long. Every second of playback gave Jonea goosebumps. The video was recorded using a cellphone camera in secret.

In the video, Aland argues with Miller in the school swimming pool. There were no other students, only the two of them there.

Jonea's eyes opened wide. She had no idea what the two of them were talking and arguing in the video. But the video was recorded the same day Miller's crash was reported.

Aland was seen pushing Miller until his back hit a locker near the pool. Miller's glasses fell off. Miller looked angry and offended. It can be seen from the movement of his body that he wants to reply. However, he focused on the person secretly recording their activities.

In the last few seconds, Aland turned to follow Miller's gaze and immediately hunted down the person who was secretly recording them using a cellphone camera. Finally, the video recording looks blurry because the cell phone has fallen and ends in darkness.

Jonea suddenly got up from her chair and was very surprised. The table where she placed the laptop shook from the pressure from Jonea's hand.

"What does all this mean? Does this have anything to do with what Hunter said?"

Jonea clenched her fist and bit it hard. She looked chaotic and wild. The girl glanced at her cell phone on the table and quickly looked for Aland's contact number.

"I have known Aland for almost three seasons. I thought I knew the world. And I already know him. I realize now that what I see and know is just the tip of the iceberg."

When Jonea was about to call Aland's cellphone number, there was an incoming message via the chat application.

"Billionaire Edward Hamilton reportedly dead."

"What?" surprised Jonea.

Problems never come to her. There are so many questions and mysteries that she starts to find answers to, but new mysteries also arise that tire her more and more.

The message was sent by Marlyn. She clicked on the link in the news and brought it to an article on the online page.

Jonea almost fell from a limp when she read the news. Edward Hamilton was Aland's grandfather. A billionaire figure who has always supported Aland after his parents separated.

"How could that be?" muttered Jonea while shaking and holding her cell phone. "Aland is facing a difficult and difficult situation alone. And I'm here to suspect him and think badly of him just because of a video clip where the problem's root cause is unclear?"

Jonea tries to affirm herself positively. She didn't want to think wrong of Aland. Although the brief video clip gives a little idea about Aland and Miller's relationship in the past.

"Why did Aland speak and act like he had never known Miller when we first met in the woods? In fact, it's clear that Aland has crossed paths with Miller."

The girl panicked and paced around the room.

"What should I do now? I don't have time anymore. Before Mrs. Abraham kicks me out of school, I need evidence and a confession from Miller's bullies."

Jonea wasn't only shocked by the news of Edward Hamilton's death. The other three members of B4 such as Elmar, Edison, and Hunter, were shocked when they heard the news.

Mrs. Abraham, who got the news first through a reliable source, immediately contacted Hunter.

"Interrupted news that shocked the business of Blue Sapphire country," reported a news presenter on one of the television channels. "Billionaire Edward Hamilton has just passed away. There has been much speculation about who will continue Pack Hamilton's business. Meanwhile, the sole heir, Aland Hamilton, reportedly still has not completed his education."

When he heard the news, Ed was working together with his warriors. They were visiting a client to collect a debt at a nightclub. Ed's men surround the client's lounge. They even locked up the club owner and beat him for failing to pay off debts.

Ed reached out to one of his warriors for a handkerchief. He wiped the back of his hand, which was full of blood, after beating the nightclub owner.

"You're lucky today I have urgent business. Next time I won't let you go."

Ed rushed to leave his job after hearing the news of his grandfather Aland's death.

"We're getting ready to go to the Hamilton house," Ed asked his warriors.

Elmar, who was shooting an advertisement for a skin care product for men, suddenly stopped and asked for a break. He heard the crew's buzz about the news of Edward Hamilton's death.

"Edward Hamilton's death will definitely affect national business. Because the only heir to Pack Hamilton is Aland and his mother. Meanwhile, the mother is completely incompetent to manage such a large company."

Hunter is locked up in his house. Mrs. Abraham came and gave him one big assignment.

"Go to Sir Edward's funeral and be on good terms with them. The value of their company's shares has declined since last night. Look for any information about their business. We will make acquisitions if necessary. You understand?"

Hunter's eyes reddened. Even though he was furious at Aland, he was still sad and hurt. Hunter couldn't imagine that Aland's current state might slump. Meanwhile, his mother came without empathy, instead asking Hunter to do business. Hunter secretly clenched his fists tightly.

Jonea no longer takes the news of Edward Hamilton's death seriously. One thing she knew, she also had to attend the funeral. It was the only way Jonea could meet and see Aland's condition.

"Right now, Aland is down alone. He must be missing a lot." Jonea is very worried about Aland's condition.

Jonea also realized that she could not attend the funeral. Because she is not part of the one percent ranks of wealthy people in Blue Sapphire. And even worse, Jonea didn't come from the werewolf race. Her appearance at the burial ground would inevitably be removed by the bodyguards of the Hamilton family.

The door is knocked. Jonea knew it was Marlyn coming to get her. Jonea had already dressed in all black to mourn. After taking her bag and cell phone, Jonea left the house and went with Marlyn.

"Are you sure you will come there this way?"

"What other way can I go, Marlyn? I feel very fortunate that the restaurant where you work is specially ordered to cater to the mourners. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet Aland.

The other B4 members were also ready to attend the funeral. They were all dressed in all black and came under heavy escort.

Jonea and Marlyn arrived first at the cemetery. The cemetery had been rented especially for the Hamilton family that day. Bouquets of flowers sent by colleagues and businesses have flooded the building, from the front street to the main hall.

Marlyn patted Jonea's scent. "Go and meet him. Right now, he definitely needs your support. Leave the work here to me."

Jonea's face looked somber and agitated. She really couldn't focus on work. Only Aland was on her mind at the moment. Jonea nodded and thanked Marlyn very much.

The girl walked towards the family waiting room. Apart from Edward Hamilton's bodyguards and staff, there were hardly any family members in the room.

Jonea and Aland are only separated by a door. Guards stand guard at the door. Even though she was very close, Jonea still couldn't reach Aland's whereabouts. The girl could only watch from afar.

When the funeral procession was held, the mourners, one by one, came to the altar to express their condolences and handed over a bouquet of flowers near the casket. Aland and his mother, the only members of the Hamilton family, stood near the altar to pay their respects to the mourners.

The entire hall and streets were filled with members of the Hamilton Pack. Werewolf as the whole race from all walks of life gathered and mourned. They showed their loyalty and dedication to Edward Hamilton until the last moment.

From a distance, Jonea could only look at Aland's back. The young man's shoulders continued to droop. Jonea could feel Aland's sadness but couldn't do anything for him. She couldn't even come closer and say a word of support.

Aland glanced at Jonea. But even he couldn't do anything. Aland is still grieving and focused on his grandfather's funeral.

Jonea could understand that, even though deep inside, she felt ignored. Because there was too much pressure, Jonea also chose to step aside. She exited the funeral hall and went out onto the deserted balcony.

Elmar appears and greets Jonea. The young man gave support to Jonea, who looked gloomy.

"Please understand, Aland," said Elmar. "Right now, he is grieving. He lost the only role model in his life."

The tears Jonea had been holding back now spilled in front of Elmar. The girl kept her head down to hide her face and tears.

Elmar patted Jonea's shoulder gently and hugged her. "It's okay if you want to cry. It will make you feel relieved. You'll be fine afterward."

Jonea broke away from Elmar's gentle embrace. She shook her head regretfully. "I shouldn't be selfish, right? I should be the one comforting and supporting Aland. But now, instead, I feel the most weak and hurt. I really am a lousy girl, huh?"

Elmar smiled to comfort Jonea. "Trust me, Aland is not that weak. He is much stronger than he appears. He might even be much stronger than anyone around him."

The funeral is almost over. Aland had seen Jonea go to the balcony. The young man left the altar and tried to follow Jonea onto the balcony. However, his mother's hand reached out and held Aland beside her.

"Are you all right, Mom?" Aland looked worried when he realized his mother was pale and could barely stand up again.

Aland asked his betas to replace him in completing the funeral procession. Aland also took his mother to rest.

"This can't be happening," his mother hissed. Only Aland can hear it. "Why did that old man die so quickly? He couldn't leave his entire company to me. I will not be able to manage and control it alone. Can't!" muttered the mother. "I still want to enjoy my free life with those I love. I don't want to die from the stress of thinking about companies and businesses."

Aland was really surprised by his mother's reaction. "Mama, can you just hold your tongue for a moment? Even this funeral is not finished. But, you've thought of yourself."

The mother seemed to find the answer to her worries. She immediately dragged Aland away from the crowd. The woman pressed and asked Aland to do something Aland had never imagined.

"Aland, you are the sole heir to the Hamilton Pack. So, do me a favor. I leave the entire Hamilton company to you. Please free me from this suffering. I don't want anything to do with the company and all the trouble in it."

"Mama!" protested Aland. "Couldn't you restrain yourself for a few more hours? We can talk about it later. Weren't you sad at all when your father died?"

To Aland's surprise, the woman grinned and smiled contentedly. "No! What am I sad for? On the contrary, I feel happy and free because nothing will restrain and limit me anymore. From now on, I can freely choose my own path and live with the lover I choose without the coercion and demands of the family business."

Aland's mother walked away from the cemetery. Meanwhile, Aland alone slumped in a corner and had to accept a massive responsibility on his shoulders.

On the balcony, Jonea and Elmar were chatting. Elmar tried hard to comfort the girl.

"You've never been to a funeral like this before?" he asked.

Jonea shook her head. "I am surprised. Because those who come only from among the rich and famous people. They all came from the pure werewolf race. Very few of the human race were present. But I feel weird. I don't think any of them look really sad."

"Of course, there will be no sorrow among the mourners," Elmar said. "They came to read the future direction of the business. One rival has stepped aside, and they are starting to assess and speculate on the progress of each other's businesses."

"Did you and the other B4 members come to the funeral with the same intention?" Jonea asked sarcastically. "Do you even think of Aland as a friend who is currently in need of support?"

"Of course, I came as Aland's best friend. I have no business interests, neither with the Hamiltons nor with any billionaire families. I really sincerely came here to support Aland." Elmar's gaze looked hurt. "However, that does not apply to other families. Both for Edison and Hunter. Maybe they came with sincere condolences, but they also came with business goals from their respective families."

Jonea was shocked and angry to hear that fact. However, there was nothing she could do at the moment.

"Have you spoken to Aland?" he asked.

Jonea shook her head darkly.

"The funeral will be over soon. Go and meet him!"

When the guests and mourners had left, only Pack Hamilton was there. They were also ready to go. It was then that Jonea returned to the particular room for the family.

Jonea saw Aland sitting alone, staring at his grandfather's photo. The girl was about to come closer, but at the same time, someone came first and stood beside Aland.

Jonea's steps suddenly stopped. She only stared at the figure of a beautiful young woman the same age as her approaching Aland. The girl took Aland's arm, and they looked so familiar.

One of the Hamilton family bodyguards approached Jonea. "Is there anything you need, Miss?"

Jonea woke up from her reverie and asked the bodyguard. "Sorry, I'm from a catering restaurant that also serves funerals. I never saw that girl. If I may know, who is she? What family members?"

"Oh, Miss Erin? She is Master Aland's fiancé!"

Jonea's heart seemed to stop beating at that moment.