Chapter 16
Mike now understood Kyle’s true nature. This was no ordinary man. His medical skills alone, acknowledged even by the legendary Rupert, allowed him to move freely throughout Thalarea with impunity. Mike suspected Kyle’s talents extended far beyond what they had seen.
“Mr. Archer,” Mike began, “the Curtis family has fallen on hard times. Their mismanagement has left them on the verge of bankruptcy, their assets devoured by competing businesses. Desperate to avoid collapse, they’ve been forced to consider extreme measures.”
He continued, his tone somber. “The Russo family exploited this, pressuring Ms. Curtis to marry Mr. Russo under threat of ruining her family. Faith had no choice but to agree, sacrificing her happiness to save her family.”
Mike’s face darkened. “But Mr. Russo is a degenerate. He spends his days chasing women, drinking, and gambling. He’s violent and short-tempered, and it’s no surprise Faith ended up in the hospital after he discovered her supposed betrayal.”
Hearing this, Kyle’s expression turned icy. He quickly pieced it together—Faith had come to see him, and Peter had somehow found out. Beaten and broken, Faith had still refused to give Kyle’s name, protecting him at the cost of her own safety.
Kyle’s jaw clenched, guilt warring with fury. Faith had endured all this for him, and now she lay in a hospital bed, barely able to move. He owed her a debt he intended to repay.
Whoever had harmed Faith—Peter and those who had instigated him—would face the consequences.
“Mr. Archer,” Mike offered carefully, “I can handle this for you if you’d like. The Russos are powerful, but we can ensure the situation is resolved to your satisfaction.”
Mike’s offer wasn’t solely out of respect for Kyle’s skills; it was also a bid to secure his goodwill. A man like Kyle could be a formidable ally.
But Kyle’s voice was firm and cold. “Mike, just find out where Peter is. That’s all I need from you.”
Seeing the steel in Kyle’s eyes, Mike nodded. “Understood. I’ll handle it immediately.”
As Mike left to make arrangements, Kyle went to Faith’s hospital ward.
Inside, Faith’s parents were at her bedside. Faith lay pale and still, her body covered in bruises and bandages. Every movement sent sharp waves of pain through her battered frame, making it nearly impossible for her to even lift a finger. Maria sat by her side, weeping quietly. She was heartbroken, but could do little. Meanwhile, her father, Anthony Curtis, paced angrily, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Faith,” Anthony barked, “I just got off the phone with the Russos. They said you’ve been sneaking around with someone behind Peter’s back. Who was it? What were you thinking?”
Faith turned her face away, biting her lip to hold back her tears. They fell silently, streaming down her bruised cheeks.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Anthony continued, his voice rising. “You’ve not only embarrassed yourself—you’ve disgraced this family. Do you want to see us lose everything? Do you want to see your parents on the street?”
Maria tried to intervene, her voice trembling. “Anthony, please, stop. She’s been through enough—look at her! She’s already paying the price.”
Anthony whirled around. “Paying the price? She’s the reason we’re in this mess! If she hadn’t gone off and embarrassed the Russos, we wouldn’t be in this situation. Now, Faith, answer me: who was it? Who’s the man you were sneaking around with?”
Faith’s silence only fueled his anger. He slammed his fist against the wall, shouting, “You’re protecting him, aren’t you? The man you’re shielding isn’t here for you, is he? He’s probably hiding like a coward while you suffer for him.”
Faith trembled, her tears falling faster. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came.
At that moment, a cold, menacing voice cut through the tension in the ward.
“The man you’re looking for is me.”
Anthony and Maria turned toward the doorway, startled. Kyle stood there, his expression lethal, his gaze locked on Faith’s father.
“And who the hell are you?” Anthony demanded, his voice tinged with confusion and anger.
Kyle stepped into the ward, his tone low and sharp. “The one who’s here to make sure she doesn’t suffer for your cowardice anymore.” Faith’s eyes widened, and for the first time since her beating, a flicker of light returned to them.