Chapter 281 281 Things didn't go as planned

Chapter 281 281 Things didn't go as planned

Selina had recognized Fitch's skill and cunning, while Fitch admired Selina's strength and determination. Together, they possessed the potential to penetrate the Rusell's seemingly impenetrable fortress.

Before she could utter another word, he raised his hand to stop her. "Selina," he began, his voice heavy with emotion. "I can't work with you right now."

Confusion washed over Selina's face as she tried to process his words. She had anticipated Fitch's anger and thirst for revenge, but not this refusal.

Confusion flashed across Selina's face as she tried to comprehend his words. "But why? We need each other to bring down the Rusell family," she protested.

Fitch sighed heavily, his gaze fixed on some distant memory. "My son's death... It hit me hard, and I haven't been able to get my act together since then," he confessed, his voice filled with pain.

Selina's face softened as she listened to Fitch's words, she put up a perfect act. She showed that she understood the pain he was going through, but she also knew that time was of the essence. The target they were after wouldn't wait for them to sort out their personal issues.

"Look," Selina began, her voice filled with empathy. "I know you're hurting, Fitch. But the Rusell's won't stop until they get what they want. We have a chance to stop them together."

Leonard, Fitch's loyal servant who had been silently observing the exchange from the corner of the room, couldn't help but interject. "Sir, perhaps working together might provide some solace and closure. But, sometimes healing comes from finding a purpose beyond our own suffering."

Fitch looked at Leonard with curiosity and a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"You've always taught me that strength comes from facing our demons head-on," Leonard continued. "Madeline took away your son, but together, we can make sure she doesn't harm anyone else."

Selina turned towards Leonard with a mix of surprise and hope in her eyes. "Exactly! We can support each other through this difficult journey."

Selina could see the pain etched on Fitch's face, and it made her pause for a moment. She had always known him as a strong and determined ally, but now she realized that he was just as human as anyone else.

"I need you to understand," Fitch continued, his voice pleading. "I'm not ready yet. I need time to heal and find my purpose again."

Selina started experiencing frustration and disappointment. She believed that her acting skills were unmatched, yet Fitch refused to collaborate with her. Selina's eyes filled with frustration and she rebuked him. "You're just being a coward, Fitch! We have a chance to bring justice to those who have wronged us. But you are letting your grief hold you back from doing what's right."

lightsnοvεl She saw him as a coward, unable to face his own demons and take action against Madeline. Her disappointment was evident in her piercing gaze.

Fitch looked at Selina intently, attempting to convey the weight of his pain and struggle without uttering a word. He wanted her to understand him - understand that he needed time to heal before he could truly confront the Rusell's.

Selina turned away in frustration and left without saying another word, Fitch couldn't help but feel a pang of regret mixed with relief. He knew he had let an opportunity slip through his fingers, but deep down he knew he made the right choice.

As Selina stormed away, leaving behind an air of palpable tension, Leonard, the astute staff officer, watched her departure with a mix of surprise and concern. He knows the implications of her abrupt exit and is taken aback by Fitch's seemingly calm reaction.

When Fitch locks eyes with Leonard, there is a slight, but significant, smile that forms on his lips, hinting at a concealed intention that Leonard had not immediately grasped. This subtle gesture suggests that Fitch has a hidden agenda, shedding light on to his doubt.

Leonard, contemplating what had just happened before him, furrows his brow. "Mr. Fitch seems oddly composed despite Selina's departure. Is there more to this than meets the eye? Could there be a strategy at play that I'm unaware of?" he had expected Fitch to get hold of this opportunity

Fitch feels compelled to explain his stance. He articulates the complex web of enmities surrounding the Howard family, his voice measured but firm. "Leonard, our vendetta against the Russells runs deep, I can never forgive any of them for Paul's death, but it can't be at the cost of blind retribution, I have to be careful of how I take my actions so as not to fall into traps. There's more afoot here than a mere rivalry."

Leonard nods, intrigued by Fitch's perspective. "But sir, Selina's departure—could it compromise our plans, we could use her rage to our advantage?"

Fitch's gaze sharpens, his eyes reflecting both determination and a hint of apprehension. "She thinks I am afraid, do you also think the same?" he asked Leonard.

Leonard was shocked by his question and shook his head, Fitch smiled and continued "It's all part of my plan. But we can't ignore the possibility of a ruse. I suspect a conspiracy between Selina and Madeline, which is why I'm formulating a test."

Leonard's curiosity piqued, he inquires, "And how do you intend to test her loyalty?"

Fitch's expression turns steely. "If she truly stands against the Rusells and she is with us, our forces will move and take down the Russells' stronghold. But if it's a ploy, then our next move will falter, for she might already be aware of our plans. So whatever decisions I make right now will have a significant impact on the family"

Leonard, realizing the gravity of the situation, nods slowly, mulling over Fitch's words. " Indeed, could Selina and Madeline—friends turned adversaries? This could tip the scales in a conflict larger than Monica's fate. What game are they playing, and could Selina's heated exit really be all part of a plan?"

Frustrated and disheartened by Fitch's unexpected refusal, Selina returns to her pharmacy, her steps heavy with the weight of defeat. She finds Ni Yang, her confidant and a crucial part of their elaborate plan, waiting at the counter. With a heavy sigh, she breaks the news to him, her frustration palpable.

"Things didn't go as planned, Ni Yang," Selina admits, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Fitch rejected our partnership, citing his lingering grief over his son's death, he said he can't focus on revenge right now, that his son's death still weighs on him. I didn't anticipate this setback."n-.OVeLB1n

Ni Yang, known for his unwavering optimism, looks at Selina with a reassuring gaze. "I don't think failure is the word for this," Selina gazed at him with a confused expression, he continued "Selina. Our plan is foolproof. Fitch, in his grief, can't possibly perceive it as a trap right now."

Selina's brow furrows, a glimmer of hope igniting within her at Ni Yang's words. "You really think so? But I feel like I've let us down. He doesn't seem moved by all my words"

Ni Yang shakes his head, a confident smile gracing his lips. "No, Selina... Fitch might be mourning, but he's not blind."