Chapter 573: Martina's Revenge (6) Deal

She stared at him with undisguised expectation. Manuel met her gaze wordlessly.

"Deal."

He'd denied his love for Susan, yet seemed willing to do anything for her. This left Martina dazed, unsure whether to feel sadness or happiness—Susan was the only reason she held him.

"Will you lie to me?" she asked, her eyes reddened.

"I won't," Manuel replied.

Martina trusted him; he never broke his word. She reached out to hold him, but he raised a hand, deflecting her touch.

"You let her go first."

"What if you run away?" Martina's eyes fixed on him.

A subtle change flickered across his face.

"She'll stay. The smuggler boat arrives in half an hour. Once aboard, I'll arrange for someone to pick her up." Martina stated plainly, "Manuel, you're not in a position to negotiate if you want her to live."

Manuel's eyes widened, focusing on the black pistol in her hand. With the slightest movement, she could shoot Susan. He swallowed hard, looking away from the terrified Susan to meet Martina's gaze. "Fine."

Martina's smile barely concealed her disappointment, a feeling she chose to ignore. As long as she had him, she cared little for the depth of his love for Susan.

She reached out again, and this time he didn't dodge. Holding his hand tightly, she lowered the pistol. "Let's go then."

Manuel glanced back at Susan, who, though unable to see or hear, sensed their departure. A greater fear consumed her. She believed they were about to kill and bury her, unsure whether the man had come to save her or support Martina. Tortured by fear, she couldn't comprehend the situation. She didn't want to die in her prime, at Martina's hands. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She desperately wished for rescue.

The iron door clanged shut. Martina and Manuel reached a hidden corner of the dock, waiting silently for the boat.

About half an hour later, a battered ship appeared in the distance, a single light marking its lonely, slow approach.

Accustomed to a life of glory and wealth, Martina felt ill at ease with this abrupt departure.

Manuel calmly watched the boat draw nearer until it anchored. An old plank was laid for them to board and escape Northfield.

Martina took Manuel's hand and boarded, leaving the two men behind; their mission was simply to ensure her safety.

As the ship prepared to sail, Manuel broke away from Martina and ran to the edge of the boat.

"Manuel!" Martina, anticipating his retreat, aimed her pistol at him. "If you get off, I'll kill you, and we'll die together!"

He stopped. The ship drifted from the shore.

"Sure enough, you're still lying to me," Martina sneered, her eyes rimmed with red.

He had lied. He couldn't leave with Martina; he didn't love her. His feelings were pity, born from their shared experiences of heartbreak. That, however, wasn't love.

Martina's devotion made him acutely aware of the burden his love for Susan represented to her.

Manuel looked back at Martina. "I won't go with you."

She offered a slight, ironic smile, the only expression available to her.

"You have to leave, but I don't. My home is here. I have no reason to go." He couldn't be clearer.

"It's for Susan, in the end," Martina muttered. She had known it all along, yet clung to hope.

"Nothing to do with her."

"Then why save her?"

"Kindness," he explained. "I would do the same for you."

"Oh?" She was unconvinced. "Now, will you save me?" She swiftly turned the gun on herself.

Manuel paled slightly.

"If I say I'll die before you leave, would you come with me?"

He clenched his fists.

"Would you?" Martina pressed him.

"I wouldn't," he said, his throat tight.

"So, that's your version of 'I'd do the same for you'?" Her eyes were misty with tears. "Manuel Johnson, I love you so much! What on earth do you love about her?"

"I didn't come because I love her. She's innocent in all this, and doesn't deserve your revenge," Manuel countered. "Besides, you wouldn't let her go."

Her expression shifted visibly.

"When we leave, you'll have her killed, not released," Manuel stated, "Am I right?"

"You're right!" Martina confessed.

There was no reason to keep Susan alive; her existence only threatened Martina. As long as Susan lived, Manuel would never fully move on. Martina wanted Susan dead; it was the inevitable outcome, regardless of Manuel's decision.

What she hadn't anticipated was his insight, his willingness to play along. He had merely bought Susan a few more minutes.

It no longer mattered to Martina. The worst-case scenario was all three of them dying together. With nothing left to lose, death would be a relief; Susan's death, a pity. It was worth it. She erupted into manic laughter.

Manuel sharply observed her. While distracted, he moved swiftly, disarming her before she reacted. His speed was astonishing.