Chapter 79

Just as Faith was about to speak, Kyle interrupted with a gentle laugh. “It’s fine. Misunderstandings happen. I admit it; Faith got beaten up because of me.”

The moment Jess heard the words “beaten up,” her expression turned icy. Without hesitation, she grabbed Faith’s arm and pulled her away, putting as much distance as possible between them and Kyle.

“My Faith was beaten up because of you, and you still have the audacity to laugh? Are you even human? Get lost! Otherwise, don’t blame me for what happens next!”

Jess didn’t give Faith a chance to explain, dragging her inside as she continued to fume. “Faith, we’re leaving. Don’t associate with someone like him ever again.”

Faith, being forcefully pulled away, looked reluctant. She kept glancing back at Kyle, as if desperate to explain, but Kyle simply smiled faintly and waved her off.

No matter what, he knew that Faith’s injuries were caused because of him. When he first saw her condition, he vividly imagined the pain and despair she must have endured.

At the Curtis family villa, Faith sat on the sofa, her tone firm as she chastised Jess. “Jess, you were way too rude to Kyle. He’s older than you. Show some respect.”

“Faith, what on earth are you thinking?” Jess countered, her frustration boiling over. “It’s been years, and Kyle is still a block of wood! Don’t tell me he doesn’t know how you feel about him! And now what? He just got out of prison, got ditched by his wife, and now he’s coming to you for comfort? Are you seriously falling for this?”

Faith sighed helplessly. “Kyle isn’t like that. Just hear me out—”

“I don’t want to hear it!” Jess snapped, standing abruptly. “I don’t care about whatever’s going on between you two. All I know is that you can’t be with him. He’ll only drag you down!”

Faith could only watch Jess storm out, letting out a long, weary sigh. She knew Jess only wanted to protect her; she cared deeply and meant well. Anyone else in Jess’s shoes would have likely misunderstood the situation, too.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Peter teetered between lucidity and delirium, his mind on the verge of collapse. Even if he could physically recover, the psychological damage would leave him a shell of his former self. Joe and Grace sat beside his hospital bed, their faces drawn with anguish as they watched their son unravel. No matter how heinous Peter’s actions had been, he was still their child. Seeing him like this—alive, yet barely so—was unbearable. Grace sobbed quietly, her tears flowing endlessly.

Joe clenched his fists tightly. “If I don’t avenge you, I don’t deserve to be your father.”

“But how?” Grace sobbed, choking on her words. “Kyle already beat you, and he has the Rivas Corporation backing him. How can we possibly fight him?”

“So what if he has the Rivas Corporation?” Joe growled, his teeth grinding in fury. “They turned my son into this. Even if it costs me everything, I’ll make Kyle pay. Does he think I’ve spent these years doing nothing? Does he think I’m someone to trample on?”

Joe stood, his eyes gleaming with determination and madness. “Stay here and take care of our son. I’m going out. Don’t ask me where. Just know this: I will settle the score.”

Grace grabbed his hand, her face pale with worry. “Don’t do anything foolish! Peter is already like this. If something happens to you, how will I survive?” Joe’s gaze hardened; his voice was steely.

“Nothing will stop me from avenging him. And that wretched woman, Faith? She’s the one who caused all of this. I won’t let her off either.”

With those words, Joe shook off Grace’s hand and stormed out of the hospital room. No one knew where he was headed or what he planned to do, but Grace was certain this wouldn’t end well. Things would only spiral further out of control.

At the same time, Kyle had already anticipated that Joe wouldn’t let things go. He knew revenge was inevitable, but Kyle wasn’t concerned. Fear wasn’t in his nature.

When Kyle returned to his neighborhood, the first thing he noticed was the luxury car parked near the entrance. Several bodyguards stood nearby, their stances alert and professional. Others patrolled the surrounding area, their disciplined demeanor leaving no doubt they were highly trained. The oppressive aura they exuded kept passersby at a distance. Kyle, however, walked toward them calmly, unfazed. Whether they were there for him or not made no difference; nothing they did would alter the course of his life.

As Kyle approached, an elderly man with silver hair stepped out of the car.

“Mr. Archer, is that you?”

Kyle nodded slightly. “And you are?” He didn’t recall ever meeting this man before.

The old man’s expression grew even more elated. “Wonderful, wonderful! I’m Alden Barton, the director of Heavens Group. May I have a word with you?”

Hearing the mention of Heavens Group, Kyle’s expression remained calm. After all, activating the top-tier Heavens Card meant it was only a matter of time before they came looking for him.

“I’m Alden Barton, Mr. Archer,” Alden said quickly, sensing Kyle’s silence. “I mean no harm.”

Kyle gave a slight nod. “Alright. Let’s talk.”

Chapter 80 (Assuming this is the next chapter)