Ray gripped a small remote control tightly, connected to all the explosives in the shelter. He had resolved himself to his course of action. If necessary, he would take Vincent down with him.

However, Vincent would not allow that opportunity. Without hesitation, he aimed and shot Ray in the left wrist, causing him to scream in pain.

The more Ray struggled, the more toxic gas he inhaled. His face contorted in agony, looking as if it had been slashed by a knife.

Succumbing to the toxic gas was an excruciatingly painful death, and soon, Ray could no longer endure the torment. His wrists and knees were shattered. He broke down, sobbing and pleading for mercy.

“Please, just give me a chance to live. I beg you. Or end it now—shoot me and stop this agony.”

Ray’s appearance was horrific. Blood poured from every opening on his face, and his mouth foamed with a mixture of white and red. Vincent looked on, his expression cold and void of emotion.

“You won’t get that chance,” he declared coldly. Vincent’s empathy had been obliterated by Ray’s betrayal. Some people simply did not deserve compassion. Their fate was earned.

Ray gazed up in terror, unable to comprehend his fate as he died, his eyes left open, staring into the void. His face was more monstrous than any mythical demon.

Katelyn rushed down from the opposite building. Before she could approach, Vincent swiftly covered her eyes with one hand and pressed a damp handkerchief to her mouth and nose with the other.

“Don’t look; don’t breathe.”

Katelyn nodded vigorously, following close behind Vincent as he led her away.

Ray’s remains would be dealt with by the designated team.

Although Vincent had quickly shielded her from the gruesome sight, Katelyn had already seen enough through her scope from the rooftop. It was, without a doubt, the most horrifying death she had ever witnessed.

Yet, Vincent stood beside Ray the entire time, witnessing his excruciating end.

Vincent was never known for his compassion. His rise to power had been defined by his uncompromising leadership. Violence and ruthlessness were woven into the very fabric of his being. However, he had always concealed this side of himself from Katelyn.

Thinking of him as merely a gentleman had been a serious mistake. Everyone had many facets, and others only saw what a person was willing to show. Vincent always presented his best side to Katelyn. It wasn’t until they were far away from the scene of violence that Vincent finally loosened his grip.

Observing Katelyn’s ashen face, he asked apologetically, “I’m sorry. Did that frighten you?” Latest content published on FindN()vel.net

Katelyn’s pulse was beginning to slow, though the images of what she had witnessed still made her stomach churn. She met Vincent’s gaze.

“So, this is who you really are, isn’t it? Raw and real.”

If Katelyn were to compare Vincent to an animal now, she would think of a wolf. In such a twisted and harsh family power structure, only someone hardened could rise to the top.

Understanding someone wasn’t just about hearing what they said. It was more about watching what they did. Today’s ordeal had taught Katelyn a hard lesson about who Vincent truly was.

Suddenly, color drained from Vincent’s face, and before he could speak, he collapsed.

“Vincent!” Katelyn instinctively reached out to him, only to feel a warm, wetness on her hands. Blood was oozing from his shoulder.

The dark fabric of Vincent’s clothing almost hid the bloodstain.

“Vincent!” In a panic, Katelyn hurried him to the hospital.

She spent a restless night in the hospital hallway, only finding relief when she heard that the surgery had been successful. Back at the hotel, Katelyn managed a few moments of rest before making some nourishing soup for Vincent.

However, when she opened the door to his hospital room, she was startled to find a strange woman sitting at Vincent’s bedside.

The woman looked up at the noise, her eyes locking with Katelyn’s.

.

.

.