Chapter 273

Nicolas said, “You know, Grandfather, my mom died early. My father never gave a damn about me. If I hadn’t grown a spine and toughened up, the Sawyer family would’ve devoured me–bones and all.”

Rory fell silent for a moment. He narrowed his eyes, wondering: Is this boy trying to play the sympathy card? Hoping I’ll feel bad and agree to help him without forcing the marriage? Ridiculous.

Rory might share blood with Nicolas, but there wasn’t much affection there. He hadn’t built the Jenkins family into a powerhouse by being soft. He didn’t believe in sentimentality–he didn’t even attend his own daughter’s funeral.

Finally, he spoke again, his tone cold. “So what are you trying to say? If you’re hoping to guilt me into—”

But Nicolas cut him off with a calm laugh. “I’m saying I’m not someone who takes well to being pushed around. The harder someone tries to force my hand, the less I want to give them what they want.”

Rory’s expression instantly darkened. “Nicolas… You mean to say—”

“Yes,” Nicolas said simply. “Exactly what you’re thinking. I’m turning down the Jenkins family’s support.”

He chuckled faintly, as if amused at himself. “Honestly, I must’ve lost my mind for even considering it. Relying on someone else? That’s never worked out for me. I’ve always stood on my own, and I’ll keep doing just that. So no need to worry about me, Grandfather.”

“Nicolas!” Rory snapped, rage bubbling beneath his usually calm surface.

But Nicolas just smiled, his voice steady. “Wishing you all the best. Let’s part ways here. I don’t think you want to see me again anyway?”

“Nicolas!” Rory roared.

But before the man could get another word in, Nicolas hung up.

Then, without hesitation, he blocked the number.

When Nicolas had first learned the truth about Noelle–about who she really was and what organization stood behind her–he had been shaken. He hadn’t known what to do.

But last night, in the car, when Noelle looked him in the eyes and swore she would never hurt him–no matter who ordered her to–Nicolas made his decision.

He would fight for her. With everything he had.

The way he saw it, there were only a few possible endings.

Best case? He and Noelle survive, and she breaks free of the lab once and for all.

Middle ground? They both die–but at least they’re together.

Worst case? He dies, and Noelle survives… but what’s left of her is just an empty shell–a soulless weapon, hollowed out by cold-hearted scientists.

If it ever came to that, Nicolas swore he’d do everything in his power to pull her out of that hell before she became a puppet.

Still, he wasn’t one to assume the worst.

After all, he’d survived being raised by a cruel family who constantly schemed against him. And now, he’d destroyed them and taken everything they had. He hadn’t just survived–he’d won.

Nicolas didn't think he was outmatched.

Losing Rory's backing wasn’t the end of the world. In fact, thanks to Rory, he now had clarity–he understood the real stakes, the power behind Nurlie, the truth about Brandon, and what they were all really after.

He finally had a target.

The Laboratory–those so-called “research facilities”–were hidden in the shadows for a reason. As powerful as they were, they couldn’t afford to be exposed. If the public ever learned what they were doing...

Well, Rory had said the law was just a tool for controlling the weak.

But Nicolas knew–when the people turned, those who thought themselves untouchable could fall just as hard.

Let’s see who breaks first.