"The previous baron likely resented the money he'd paid Toby's father over the years. Once he was gone, they concocted this fraud accusation to recover the funds. When they found nothing worth taking, they lashed out in frustration and set the manor ablaze."
Toby's fists clenched tightly, his eyes blazing with fury. "That bastard…!"
Sylas placed a calming hand on Toby's shoulder.
"Calm down."
"Don't stop me, my lord," Toby growled. His voice was firm, but there was a desperate edge to it. "I can't just let this go. They burned my home, cast out the people I cared about, and smeared my father's name. How can I stay silent?"
"I'm not telling you to hold back," Sylas replied evenly.
Toby blinked. "You're not?"
"No," Sylas said with a sly smile. "I'm telling you to think it through. When you strike, you'll want a clear head. That way, you can destroy them completely."