Chapter 702: The Feud (7) – Hunt Melvin Down

Everyone saw the distinctive mark on the pistol. Melvin looked terrible and was at a loss for words, yet he had to deny involvement.

"Melvin, you've let us down," Mathew began, his voice laced with righteous anger. "Your father died young, and my father treated you like a son, instructing me to be kind to you. He even considered marrying you to my younger sister. How could you repay him like this?" His words amplified Melvin's apparent immorality and ingratitude.

"It's not me!" Melvin protested. "I know nothing about it!"

"Nothing? Don't play games with us!" Mathew retorted aggressively. "Weapons are strictly controlled in Northfield. How could he obtain it if you were uninvolved? Stop making excuses and admit it!"

"If I'd tried to kill Mr. Collins, I wouldn't have used a weapon marked with my family's crest," Melvin argued.

"Save those excuses for the judge and jury," Mathew scoffed, cutting Melvin off.

Melvin glared at him.

"A guilty conscience needs no accuser," Mathew declared majestically. "Guards!"

The Collins family guards immediately advanced.

"Take Melvin to the police!"

"Don't touch me!" Melvin threatened, his shout momentarily intimidating the guards. "I can walk myself!"

Mathew smirked cruelly, waving the guards back.

Melvin exchanged glances with Rowan and Mathew, recognizing the futility of his defense. It was all part of his plan, however. He coldly observed the injured Oscar, being carried by the guards, a clear indication to the Collins family that he had been betrayed. Then, seething with anger, he turned to leave.

The remaining banquet guests remained silent, terrified by the gunshots and the unfolding events. The feud between the families had begun.

Melvin quickly signaled his own Balderston family guards, who reacted instantly, preventing the Collins guards from approaching. Despite walking alone, he remained under the watchful eyes of the Collins' guards, even fighting back against them. With his bodyguards' aid, he quickly exited the banquet hall.

Chaos ensued. Guards from both sides clashed, while the others, fearing involvement, fled. The Collins family, it seemed, had anticipated Melvin's refusal to surrender.

Melvin wasn't certain if he faced a fair trial or a pre-planned setup. He knew numerous unforeseen complications awaited him in jail. He had to fight back and uncover the truth to clear his name.

With Rowan's approval, Oscar, leading a contingent of guards, pursued Melvin from the opposite side of the chaotic hall. They spotted Melvin's car speeding away in the distance. Oscar swiftly entered the vehicle, a guard following close behind. Numerous vehicles joined the chase, others attempting to block their path. The Collins and Balderston families were both powerful and influential.

That night, open warfare erupted in Northfield.

At 10 PM in the capital, despite the late hour, traffic remained heavy. The chase caused significant disruption, damaging numerous vehicles and terrifying the city's residents.

Oscar, in the back seat, tended to his wound, observing the situation through the window. Grimacing, he climbed into the driver's seat. "Let me drive," he instructed the guard.

The guard, struggling to maintain control of the speeding vehicle, initially doubted Oscar's capabilities.

"We must kill Melvin," he stated grimly. "Failure means punishment from Mr. Collins!"

Hesitantly, he unbuckled his seatbelt, exchanging places with Oscar while the car hurtled forward.

Oscar expertly navigated the vehicle, his driving skills evading obstacles with ease. They rapidly closed the distance to Melvin's black car, their pursuit reckless and relentless.

Oscar's fellow guards, all elite fighters, were impressed by his driving, recognizing his suitability for Rowan's choice. Their primary focus remained on eliminating Melvin.

After approximately ten minutes, they drew significantly closer to Melvin, who was struggling to reach the Balderston Manor. They pressed onward, escaping the city's congested streets towards a remote location. They didn't stop until Melvin and his men were exhausted.

Both cars were far from the main pursuit. The remaining vehicles of both families lagged far behind.

Melvin's car screeched to a halt before a cliff overlooking the vast ocean. Desperation etched itself on his face as he exited the vehicle.

Oscar and Rowan's men also disembarked, both sides armed and pointing weapons at each other.

Five against five.

"Oscar, we're alone now. Show your true colors," Melvin challenged.

Oscar was stunned, his guards on high alert.

"You're on my side. Come over," Melvin commanded coldly. "Anyone who fires will get us all killed!" he roared at the Collins family guards.

"No, Melvin. I betrayed you long ago," Oscar replied, a chilling smile gracing his lips.

Melvin's fury erupted. "Oscar, you—"

"I've been disappointed since you took Hannah," Oscar said, each word deliberate. "My loyalty ended when you crossed the line. I'm with the Collins family now."

"Aren't you afraid I'll kill Hannah?" Melvin asked fiercely.

Oscar visibly flinched, his hand tightening on his weapon.

"Don't forget I have Hannah," Melvin retorted, his voice echoing in the darkness. "Don't forget she carries your child. Kill me, and they're dead."