Chapter 188

Because he couldn't stop us, Dylan had no choice but to get in the car. Marlon circled the front and slid behind the wheel. He slammed the accelerator; the engine roared, and the car leaped forward. He wore a chilling expression the entire journey—a look I'd never seen on him before.

Soon, we reached the gates of the Jackson residence. The car pulled to a stop across the street. I saw Yusef helping Nephila. Sophia's pregnancy was already evident. Yusef's jaw dropped in astonishment.

At that moment, a pang of anguish pierced my heart. A torrent of emotion flooded me. Hayden's men searched the sea, but found nothing. Everyone in Elysiumville believed I was dead. Yet, the person responsible for my near demise—my father—was overjoyed. I wondered, Does he ever feel guilty? Does he even remember me? He likely prioritizes his son above all else.

Just as I was gritting my teeth, Marlon coldly stated, "Didn't you want revenge? Go now." He thrust a gun into my hand. I'd never held a weapon before; its cold weight filled me with awe, and I quickly recoiled.

"Scared now?" Marlon mocked, curling his lip. I clenched my jaw, my hand trembling as I reached for the gun again. "I'm not afraid!" I lied. I didn't open the car door. I knew its lethal power all too well. Even Dylan paled. "Mr. Warrier, shouldn't you be talking her down instead of encouraging her? Murder is a crime!" Marlon remained impassive, neither dissuading me nor delaying. "Go. We'll wait here."

My body froze. Yusef gently tucked Sophia's hair behind her ear, his eyes filled with tenderness. I couldn't recall the last time I'd seen my father look at my mother with such affection. Perhaps their relationship had fractured long ago, unbeknownst to me.

"Fine. If you won't get out, do it from here. Aim at them!" Marlon's voice boomed in my ear. My hands shook as I raised the gun slightly. Unable to bear it any longer, Marlon took my hand, guiding my aim, his finger resting on the trigger.

Chapter 158

It was my first time holding a gun. I knew a single pull of the trigger would kill Sophia. Yosef was Marlon's first target. "Shoot!" he roared. Terror consumed me; my already pale face drained of all color. My mind went blank. Revenge was within my grasp—a simple movement of my finger. The gaping hole of hatred in my heart could be filled. Yet, I couldn't pull the trigger.

I never thought I'd be such a coward. A flood of childhood memories washed over me. My mother, always smiling, had taught me to be upright and kind. If she knew I'd become a murderer, she'd be profoundly disappointed.

"No," I stammered, my lips trembling.

"What?" Marlon feigned ignorance, continuing to pressure me. Dylan was speechless with fear, holding his breath. He, and I, had never expected such a scene.

After a fierce internal struggle, I surrendered. I gritted my teeth and tossed the gun back to Marlon. But the hatred within me remained undiminished. "Don't push me! I won't be a murderer!"

"Fine. Get out, point at them, and curse. See if the police believe you," Marlon's words assaulted me, leaving no room to breathe. Each word struck a nerve; I couldn't even argue.

Silence descended. Yosef and Sophia laughed and chatted as they entered their home, leaving me alone with the winter's chill and my icy heart. Time crawled by. Finally, my body stiffening, I sighed, "Let's go back."

My voice lacked its earlier frenzy. My eyes were filled with exhaustion. "Yvonne…" Dylan murmured, but said no more.

Chapter 155

Marlon was silent for a moment, then asked, "Are you going to take revenge?"

I shook my head and sighed. "You're right. Going now would be pointless."

Marlon visibly relaxed. "Your funds are overseas. Rebuild Jackson Group, then you'll have the power for revenge."

I'd almost forgotten about the money from selling Jackson Group. Marlon's words offered a new path.

"You're right. Acting now would be letting them off too easily!" My clenched fists tightened, then relaxed.

Dylan also relaxed. "Yvonne, you scared me. I thought you were really going to…"

Marlon smiled, putting away his gun. "Some things aren't so easily dealt with, especially deep hatred."

"Mr. Warrier, did you know she wouldn't shoot?" Dylan asked.

"How could she be so heartless?" Marlon chuckled, starting the car.

I remained silent, aware I'd been a hair's breadth from pulling the trigger. As we drove away, I suddenly said, "Take me to Rosy House."

Marlon and Dylan were startled. They'd just talked me down, wondering if my hatred had simply found a new target.