22. Stupid Spoilt Brat

Chapter Twenty Two

The air was thick with tension and the stench of gasoline. Stella’s heart raced as she clutched Richard, who was now trembling with fear and pain.

“Please,” she begged, “we’ll find a way to get the money. Just don’t hurt him anymore.”

The leader smirked, clearly enjoying the power he held over them. He twirled the pliers in his hand, making Stella’s blood run cold.

“Bitch, time is ticking,” he said. “Decide quickly.”

Grandfather, his face pale with desperation, stepped forward again. “I’ll sell everything. The house, the cars. Just give us some time…” he said his face filled with regret and disappointment.

But Richard, his face a mix of defiance and terror, cut him off. “Don’t you dare, Grandfather! I don’t need your help. I don’t need anyone’s help!”

The leader’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t seem to understand your position, boy, your just a skinny whining child who doesn’t know how to control the way he spends money on drugs and women when he doesn’t e