Chapter 701

"Mr. Wright, I'm sorry too!"

Another person stepped forward.

"I deliberately nailed the windows shut to keep any light from reaching you!"

"I'm also sorry! I opened the door at night while you were asleep, hoping the cold wind would blow in!"

"Me too, I'm sorry. I didn't do anything specific, but I've been leading the insults against you these past two days..."

"..."

One by one, the members of the Special Operations Division bowed to Mr. Wright, expressing both apology and genuine respect for the old man.

Even those who hadn't participated in the mistreatment bowed and apologized.

At that moment, a steady voice cut through the murmurs.

"Let me through."

Everyone turned to see Director Marcus Wright slowly walking forward.

He looked at Mr. Wright.

He saw his full head of white hair.

He saw his unsteady, faltering steps.

He saw his eyes, which had never changed, still firm and resolute.

A sharp pain, like a knife twisting, suddenly pierced Marcus's chest.

He strode up to Mr. Wright and dropped to his knees with a heavy thud.

Mr. Wright was stunned.

"What are you doing? Get up..."

But Marcus spoke directly, his voice thick.

"Don't ask me to get up. I grew up under your care. I know better than anyone what kind of man you are. Yet, because of this position as Director of the Special Operations Division, I've harbored suspicion and resentment toward you for all these years! Even after your... incident, my first reaction wasn't to question it, not to comfort you, but to feel anger. Uncle Benjamin, I... I'm sorry!"

After saying this, Marcus lowered his head and kowtowed forcefully.

The impact was so heavy that everyone listening felt their hearts clench.

When Marcus raised his head again, a large red mark was already visible on his forehead.

He moved to kowtow again, but Mr. Wright chuckled.

"You silly boy, get up."

That phrase—"you silly boy"—froze Marcus in place.

A flood of memories from years past surged into his mind.

His eyes reddened.

He wanted to say something, but his voice caught in his throat, coming out as a choked sob.

Mr. Wright took hold of his arm.

"You've done very well all these years."

He spoke plainly.

"I should have stepped aside for you long ago. But because of Professor Nathaniel, I had to remain in this position. It's only natural you held a grudge against me. Yet, despite that, I've been aware of your recent actions. I am very pleased!"

He helped Marcus to his feet, then smiled.

"You are my pride. Entrusting the Special Operations Division to you gives me great peace of mind."

Marcus was taken aback.

"What do you mean?"

Mr. Wright looked at Professor Nathaniel Wright and smiled.

"Now that young Nathaniel has returned, what reason do I have to cling to this position? Of course, it's time to retire! And the money in my account... I didn't dare touch it before, fearing someone might audit it. Now, I'll donate it all to charity! This is young Nathaniel's contribution to the country."

Mr. Wright had never engaged in corruption. Not a single cent of that money in his account had been touched.

Marcus's eyes instantly grew even redder.

Professor Nathaniel's eyes also welled up. He stepped forward to support Mr. Wright's arm.

"You've worked hard, sir. But you could have retired fully. You could have just let Director Marcus take over the liaison with me..."

Mr. Wright patted his arm.

"Your return was always an unknown. And to prevent your funds from being frozen, you transferred money to me for every project you completed. This matter was bound to come to light eventually. If it weren't me sitting in this position, then the one imprisoned here now would be this silly boy... As long as these old bones of mine can still work, I'll stay in this seat a little longer."

Hearing this, Marcus's eyes reddened further.

He understood now.

Mr. Wright had never been someone who clung to power.

The reason he had remained in this position was to protect him!

If Marcus had been the Director, he would have been the one exposed!

Marcus was deeply shaken. A wave of unprecedented regret washed over him.

This Mr. Wright had never changed.

How could he have ever doubted him?

How could he... how could he have!

Marcus slapped himself hard across the face.

Then he knelt down again, kowtowing forcefully.

"Uncle Benjamin, I wronged you!"

Mr. Wright sighed and immediately bent to help him up again.

"Between us, it's like father and son. There's no need for such formality. After your father passed, I always considered you my second son."

He looked around at the other members of the Special Operations Division and smiled.

"From now on, the Special Operations Division is entrusted to Director Marcus. I hope you will all assist him and ensure the division's legacy continues!"

The rest of the division members immediately responded in unison.

"Yes!"

In this world, occasional sacrifice is one thing.

But Mr. Wright had devoted his entire life to the Special Operations Division.

Such dedication commanded nothing but respect.

After everyone had responded, Mr. Wright suddenly looked toward the back of the crowd, at Evelyn Ross.

A smile touched his lips.

He waved at her.

"Young lady, come here."

Evelyn paused slightly upon hearing this.

The surrounding members of the Special Operations Division immediately looked at her and parted to create a path.

With no other choice, Evelyn walked up to stand before Mr. Wright.