Chapter 863

"That's not it," Nathaniel shook his head. "Don't forget you wanted this project. My initial suggestion was genuine; I wanted to ensure its success. However, you insisted on interfering, even though you didn't know what you were doing. You feared I'd take credit, and since you were so eager to be a fool, I decided to give you a push!"

Damian, speechless under Nathaniel's mockery, turned away. "What do you want now? It's not like you can ask for ransom."

Who would help Damian now? Arianna wanted him to disappear, and even if Joseph could afford a ransom, he wouldn't be able to pay it. If Damian escaped, prison awaited. He leaned his head against the wall, disheartened. Just days ago, he'd felt invincible; now…

"Of course, I'm not asking for ransom. Besides, you're not worth a penny now," Nathaniel smiled, rising from his numb legs. "I'm here to save you."

"Save me?" Damian stared, incredulous. Even if Nathaniel wasn't the mastermind, he'd surely conspired with Arianna. How could he be saving him?

"You don't believe me?" Nathaniel walked to the entrance, opening the metal gate and letting in sunlight. "If you don't, leave. I won't stop you. But think carefully about what awaits you outside."

Damian eyed the open door, then Nathaniel, who remained motionless. He hesitated, touched the wall, stood, and limped toward the exit, bumping against the door, pausing to rest. He glanced back; Nathaniel still stood there, gesturing towards the door. Gritting his teeth, Damian ignored Nathaniel's intentions and focused on leaving.

As he wobbled towards the door, Nathaniel said, "Think carefully. Consider the situation, what you'll face, and your future."

Damian stopped abruptly. He wanted to leave, but his legs wouldn't move. Nathaniel was right. Staying or leaving made little difference. Even if he escaped, the charges remained. Arianna had ensured his imprisonment. He would lose everything.

"No, I can't go to prison, I won't!" He stopped trying to leave, leaning against the doorframe, avoiding the dilapidated house, and stared at Nathaniel. "What do you want? What are you planning?"

Damian knew that if Nathaniel wanted him dead, he wouldn't be here. He was too weak to fight back; if Nathaniel abandoned him, he'd be defenseless.

"I told you, I'm here to help," Nathaniel smiled. "I know what it's like to be abandoned, chased, beaten. You feel like trash, don't you?"