"At least we get to eat something decent tonight." Lucas mused, his heart racing in joy as he locked the convenience store he worked in as a sales rep.
Even though Lucas works both day and night shifts, he still earned peanuts that was barely enough to put food on his table. His low earning made him and his wife, Katherine, to eat junk foods day in and day out. However, today was different. Lucas had decided to spoil his wife tonight and get he something nice for once. Throughout their three years of marriage, Lucas has been unable to but her gifts and treat her the way she deserves due to the lack of funds, and because of that he has been saving up for weeks just to get her a decent meal from one of the most expensive restaurant in the city. He walked through the dimly lit street gleefully, and after a few more minutes, he arrived in his apartment. Lucas stepped into the building and flipped the light switch hoping to see Katherine sitting on the sofa just like she used to. But she was nowhere to be found. "Where could she be?" Lucas pondered internally as he glanced around the place. Mmm...ahhh...ahhh.. Lucas's expression darkened after hearing strange sounds coming from upstairs. He froze there on the spot with a puzzled expression as the sounds got louder the second, and the voice of the person resembled that of his wife Katherine. Lucas stood there for a few minutes, several scenarios of what could be happening up there flooded his mind and caused his heart to race. Lucas chose to dismiss the thoughts as he began to make his way upstairs without making a single noise. He climbed up the stairs until he finally arrived in front of their bedroom where he could now hear the moaning sounds of Katherine clearly. Lucas took a deep breath in and out before pushing the door open and waking in. Stepping into the room, the plate of food Lucas held in his hand fell down on the floor after catching sight of what was going on, and the whole content inside the plate scattered around the floor. Before him was his wife, Katherine, naked on their matrimonial bed, and a man above her going in and out with pleasure written all over his face. Even though Lucas dropped the plate of food and it caused a shattering sound, the duo didn't hear as they were both consumed by pleasure. Lucas stood there, his two fists clenched in both anger and sadness as he watched his wife sleeping with another man on their matrimonial bed. It felt like his whole world was crashing down. Lucas's world shattered instantly. He felt a mix of anger, sadness, and shock. He couldn't believe that after all what they've been through together, after all the promises of a better future, she would still go behind his back and cheat on him. Lucas kept watching the duo making love to each other, and when he had had enough he voiced out. "Katherine!" Lucas shouted, causing Katherine to pause what she was doing and turned around to face him. Catching sight of Lucas, a shocked expression appeared on Katherine's face and she quickly got off the bed and wrapped a white towel around her naked body. "Why are you back early, Lucas?" Katherine inquired nonchalantly as she walked towards Lucas. Lucas was taken aback after hearing the words of Katherine. "You're kidding me, right?" Lucas voiced out. "I came back and saw you in bed with this bastard and the first thing you say is why am I back early?" Lucas added. "Watch it, Lucas! That man you're calling a bastard is ten times the man you'll ever be!" Katherine spat with a sneer. "Can you even hear yourself right now, Katherine?! I demand an explanation. What the hell is going on in here? Who the hell is this man? What are you doing in bed with him!" Lucas threw out a barrage of questions at once, and his face was now bright red in anger. "That man is Noah Sturridge, one of the most successful business man in the whole of the country. You should treat him with respect." Katherine introduced with no sign of remorse in her eyes. "So, this is how it is now? You're now selling yourself to a rich bastard for money? Is that what you're now? A whore?" Lucas voiced out. "I am not a whore, i am just doing what I should have done years ago. I am tired of living with a trash like you who can't even provide a three square meal. I only married you in the first place because my father said so to repay you for your kindness!" Katherine retorted without holding back. Lucas was truly shocked after hearing the words of Katherine. He wasn't stupid, he knew that Katherine never loved him when they got married. But he has been trying his best all these years to make her love him back, and Lucas thought he was making progress... Until now.. "So, our marriage meant nothing to you?" Liam muttered with a smile of self-pity. "Our marriage was a disgrace! Getting to live with a poor trash like you was really disgusting. You can't satisfy me in any way, when was the last time you bought me a gift or took me out on a date? You're just a poor sales rep who sits in a shit hole and earns peanuts. Noah, on the other hand, makes millions weekly, that's one thing you can never achieve in years to come, Lucas. You're a disgrace to man!" Katherine cursed in an audible tone, and each words she spoke pierced Lucas's heart like a dagger. "Katherine is right, trash." Noah's deep voice sounded from behind, causing Lucas to shift his gaze towards him. "A girl like Katherine doesn't deserve to date a disgrace like you. Go look for someone in the same class as like you because you're not wanted here...you never were." Noah added while glaring at Lucas in disgust. Lucas's blood boiled in anger after hearing the words of Noah, and his two firsts clenched tightly. "As a farewell gift I can offer you a decent job where you could earn a thousand dollar monthly. All you have to do is clean my shoes clean. Take it as an act of generosity." Noah spoke further as he took out a single dollar note from his pocket and tossed it in front of Lucas. "Here you go, you can resume work right now. Get down and wipe my shoes." Liam, whose blood has been boiling for a while now and trying to stay composed, finally lost it all. "Shut up!" Liam shouted as he swung out his clenched fist towards Noah's face. Lucas's fist connected neatly to Noah's face and sent him staggering backwards. Katherine's eyes widened in terror after watching the scene that just played out right in front of her. "How dare you lay your filthy hands on him, Lucas?" Katherine voiced out in anger. "You better get on your knees and apologize to him right now!" "Over my dead body!" Lucas retorted. Noah picked himself up from the floor and wiped the blood trickling down from his nose before shifting his gaze towards Lucas. "You're dead meat!" Noah shouted as he dashed forward and shoved Lucas to the floor. After making sure he was on the floor he began to punch him non-stop on his face. The continuous sounds of punches reverberated throughout the room as Noah kept hitting Lucas on the face and Lucas's face was now filled with blood. "I wanted to let you walk out freely while I let my boys take care of you on your way home. But now, I will have to do it myself!" Noah retorted as he kept punching Lucas on the face, and Lucas just laid down there unable to move. Noah didn't have any intention of making Lucas live to see the next day. He had plans to end Lucas to avoid him going around spreading gossips about how a respectable business man like him was caught on bed with another man's wife. That would definitely ruin his reputation. So, he planned on calling his guys to end Lucas on his way home. But after Lucas attacked him, he knew he had to kill himself. Noah kept punching Lucas on the face, while Katherine just stood there with a smirk on her face as she enjoyed the view. After several more punches, Noah finally stood up and pulled out a gun from his belt. Hos cocked the gun and pointed it towards Lucas who still laid down there and his gaze fixed on Katherine. Lucas's eyes was barely opened due to Noah's punches, but even though his visions were quite blurry, he could see a huge grin on his wife's face as Noah pointed the gun towards him. "It's about time you die, Lucas. At least I will be free from your poverty and marry Noah instead." She spat nonchalantly. Lucas's heart sunk after hearing those last words, his blood boiled in both anger and sadness...and all he could think of right now was how to make them pay for it all. But in the end, he couldn't do anything other than lay down there and accept his fate. Lucas shut his eyes as Noah finally pulled the trigger. BANG Lucas's consciousness fades away after the trigger was pulled, and all he saw was darkness. He had no idea what happens after death, but like people used to say 'After death is judgement.' Remembering that sentence, Lucas prepared himself to face judgement. He was a chronic Christian when he was alive, and he was a very honest and kind mind, doing all he can to please people...so he was pretty confident in himself to make heaven now that he was dead. While Lucas was drifting away, he felt his whole body being pulled through a vortex. He tried all he could to scream at the top of his lungs, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't produce a single sound. While being pulled through the vortex, memories of his life began to flash before his eyes. How he first met Katherine and how he quickly fell in love with her. He saw some memories where he thought they were truly happy, but now he knew that it was all just an act and none of that was real. Memories upon memories kept flashing until it got to the moment he got killed by Noah and his wife. After that, strange memories came flashing. Things that he doesn't remember doing when he was alive, places he doesn't know, names and people he hasn't met before flashed before him and made him slightly confused. The memories came rushing, and the more it came, the more it felt like they were actually his memories which of course he felt was strange. The memories finally ended, and Lucas felt a strange sensation, like his soul was being reshaped. That happened for several moments, and when the vortex finally dissipates, Lucas's eyes snapped open and he jolted up from where he laid. Lucas panted heavily with his whole body drenched in sweat and a tensed look evident on his face. "What happened?" Lucas pondered internally with a puzzled expression evident on his face as he glanced around the place he found himself in. It was a neatly arranged room that had a lot of expensive furnitures and designa here and there. "Where am I?" Lucas mused in confusion as he kept glancing around the place. He lifted his right hand and rubbed his forehead where Noah shot him, but to his greatest surprise there was no single scratch. "I died, right? Does it mean this is heaven?" Lucas questioned himself as he kept moving his gaze around the luxurious room. While Lucas was busy glancing around the room, he caught sight of his reflection on a mirror a few centimeters away from where he sat. Catching sight of his reflection, a puzzled expression appeared on his face as he swiftly made his way towards it to take a close look. Unlike before when he had rough brown hair and sunken cheeks, Lucas's now looked different. His looks was really breathtaking. Chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and jet black hair that had a mullet haircut. "My face...it's different." Lucas pondered in confusion as he glanced at his reflection. As he glanced at it, strange memories flooded in mind. The memories of a young man named Edwin Blackwood. The memories of Edwin came flooding, showing all about him, and in less than five minutes Lucas now knew who he was right now. It felt like the memories of Edwin Blackwood was now his own memories, but he still has the memories of his previous life intact. "So, I was Reborn as Edwin..the youngest son of the leader of a notorious gang?" Lucas blurted out in shock and his heart racing. "I never knew reincarnation was real, I thought it was all a myth." Lucas was a book lover and he has read so many books where the mc dies and gets reborn into a new body. Lucas thought stuffs like that wasn't real, but with what was happening to him right now he knew it was indeed real. "Of all the people I could reincarnate as it had to be a gangster." Lucas lamented with a frown. The memories he had of Edwin shows how dangerous his lifestyle was. They were the most wanted family in the whole of England, and every single thing they did was illegal. "It's not all bad. I might be the youngest son of Herbert Blackwood, the leader of the Kingfisher gang, but I am still Lucas and I know exactly what I am going to do with this second Chance the Lord has blessed me with." Lucas mused as he went back to the bed and sat down. For some reason Lucas was granted a second chance to life, and the only thing on his mind right now was to have revenge on those that wronged him and also ended his life. "You just wait and see, Katherine, you won't know what hit you." Lucas grimaced. Lucas sat there with his head filled with thoughts until the sound of the door opening caught his attention and he shifted his gaze towards it. Walking into the room was woman who seem to be in her late forties. She was clad in a black suit and short black skirt, with a black hat worn on her head. Catching sight of the woman, Lucas recognized her instantly from Edwin's memories. It was Bridget Blackwood, the step mother of Edwin. Based on what he saw, Bridget married Herbert a few weeks after his mother died, and because of that his whole children hated Bridget. They all hated her except Edwin. "Good morning, Edwin." Bridget greeted with a bright smile on her face. "Morning." Lucas replied. "I hope you slept well." Bridget inquired, and Lucas gave a nod in affirmation. "Your father requests for everyone's attention in the usual spot. Get dressed and head there now." Bridget informed before exiting the room. Lucas sat there for a few more minutes before getting off the bed and walked into the bathroom. He took a quick shower before stepping out of the bathroom and headed straight to the wardrobe. Lucas pulled the Wardrobe open and glanced inside. All he saw inside was black suit, long white T-shirts, and several black cap caps. "Nice." Lucas commented as he took out a pair of black suit, a white t-shirt, and a black cap. He put on the clothes and glanced at himself in the mirror with a look of adoration. He now resembled the men from the old English days. "Who would have thought I would ever look this handsome." Lucas admired himself in the mirror before exiting the room and made his way to the usual spot where he would meet the whole family of gangsters.Who would have thought I would ever look this handsome." Lucas admired himself in the mirror before exiting the room and made his way to the usual spot where he would meet the whole family of gangsters. Lucas walked down the dimly lit hallway, and with every step he took he glanced around the place in amazement. The hallway was extremely quiet, and the only sound that could be heard was the sound of his footsteps as he made his way forward. Bridget, his step mom, told him his father requested for his present in the usual location. Even though Lucas has never been to the place, he knew exactly how to get there without asking for directions. He walked down the deserted hallway for several minutes until he finally caught sight of a wooden door a few meters away.uvas made his way towards the door and took a deep breath in and out before pushing it open. Pushing the door open, the sounds of people chattering filled the place. Inside the vast room was filled with people who were busy
"I'll go get the car." Roderick said as he stepped out of the office and went straight to the garage to bring the car around.Marcellus gulped down the rest of his whiskey before placing the cup on the table and began to walk towards the exit door."Make sure you return with good news, Marcellus!" Herbert ordered as Marcellus exited the office.The rest of the family members also left the office except Herbert, Oswald, and Lucas. Herbert asked Oswald to stay behind because they still had more issues to discuss, while Lucas was still in the office because he had no idea what to do now."Don't you have somewhere to be?" Oswald questioned. "Have you delivered the crates to the Moretti's family?" He asked."Uh...no, not yet." Lucas stuttered."Well, go. They need the beers for the celebration tomorrow. Ask Digby to give you two fill crates of our finest beers and Whiskey, then you board a cab that would take you straight to their mansion. Deliver the crates, get the payment, and get the h
Edwin approached the opulent gates of the Moretti mansion, his footsteps echoing against the grand stone pathway. The mansion itself was an architectural marvel, with towering columns, intricate wrought-iron railings, and manicured gardens that spoke of old money and long-standing wealth. As he neared the entrance, the imposing doors swung open, and a young maid greeted him with a practiced, though somewhat weary, smile."Good evening. You must be Mr. Edwin from the Blackwood family," she said, her tone respectful but tinged with a hint of apprehension.Edwin gave a courteous nod. "Yes, that's right. I've come to deliver some crates."The maid's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "Please follow me. Miss Matilda will be here to assist you."As they walked through the grand hallway, Edwin took in the luxurious surroundings. The floors were polished marble, reflecting the soft glow of crystal chandeliers that hung from the high ceilings. The walls were adorned with
As Edwin turned around , he came face-to-face with his father, Herbert Blackwood. Herbert stood with an imposing presence, his well-tailored suit and stern demeanor embodying the gravitas of the Blackwood patriarch. The aging man’s dark eyes surveyed Edwin with a mixture of concern and disapproval. “Edwin,” Herbert said, his voice deep and commanding. “Why are you so late?” Edwin felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He had hoped to avoid a confrontation with his father, but it seemed that fate had other plans. He took a moment to steady himself before responding. “I’m sorry, Father. I was delayed. The youngest daughter of the Moretti family decided to give me a tour of their mansion.” Herbert raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest momentarily crossing his face. “A tour? I wasn’t aware that you were there to make social calls. I assume it was a worthwhile visit?” Edwin nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. “Yes, it was. The Moretti mansion is quite impressive. But I understa
Marcellus and Roderick Blackwood sat in the back of their sleek black car, the leather seats and polished interior a stark contrast to the grim task ahead. The city lights flickered through the windows as they made their way through the bustling streets, heading towards the racetrack where Mr. Ernest, the owner and promoter of the upcoming match, awaited their visit.The car’s engine hummed smoothly, but Marcellus’s mood was far from calm. He was still seething over Lucas’s unexpected intervention earlier. He had never expected his younger brother to speak up in such a significant way, let alone propose a solution that seemed to have gained the approval of Herbert. Now, Marcellus was determined to rectify what he perceived as a slight against his own status and authority.“Why did Father have to send me with Roderick?” Marcellus muttered, his voice laced with frustration. “He could’ve sent Oswald instead.”Roderick, ever the stoic companion, simply shrugged. “Julia was busy, and Fathe
The air was thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder as Marcellus and Roderick huddled behind the pillar, their hearts pounding in their chests. The car, once a symbol of their family's wealth and power, was now a perforated wreck, the glass shattered and metal twisted by the relentless barrage of bullets.Marcellus glanced over at Roderick, whose face was set in a grim mask of determination. "We need to move," he shouted over the din, trying to keep his voice steady. "Get to the side entrance of the building. We can find cover there and figure out what’s happening."Roderick nodded, his eyes scanning the area for the best route. “On my mark, we move,” he said, his voice barely audible over the continued gunfire.Marcellus took a deep breath, gripping the pillar tightly as he prepared for their next move. “Ready,” he said.The two men sprinted from their cover, darting across the open space as bullets whizzed past them. They reached the side entrance of the building, their footsteps ec
The Blackwood estate loomed ahead, its imposing silhouette illuminated by the security lights that cast long shadows across the driveway. Marcellus and Roderick, both still reeling from the night’s chaos, made their way up the steps and through the grand entrance. The familiar grandeur of the estate did little to ease their nerves; the threat of the Gambinos was a weight that pressed heavily on their shoulders. Inside, the house was abuzz with activity. Security personnel moved with purpose, their expressions a mix of vigilance and concern. Marcellus and Roderick were greeted by their father, Herbert Blackwood, who was already waiting for them in his office. Herbert, a man known for his commanding presence and strategic mind, looked up as his sons entered, his face a mask of calm. Marcellus stepped forward, his face etched with the stress of the evening. “Father, we need to talk. There’s been an attack.” Herbert raised an eyebrow but didn’t seem overly concerned. “An attack? Sit
The next morning.... The Blackwood estate, a symbol of grandeur and authority, awoke to a new day, but the echoes of last night’s violence lingered. In the breakfast room, sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the opulent surroundings. The long table, covered in fine china and gleaming silverware, seemed almost serene in contrast to the turmoil that had unfolded. Edwin Blackwood sat at one end, his expression inscrutable as he methodically ate his breakfast. He was preoccupied, his mind still grappling with the shock of the previous night and the weight of the decisions to come. Herbert Blackwood, the patriarch of the family, entered the room with a measured pace. His demeanor was calm, but the sharpness in his eyes betrayed his awareness of the gravity of the situation. He took his seat at the head of the table and surveyed his family with a composed but stern look. The room fell silent as everyone settled into their places, the usual morning chatter
Edwin walked out of the bathroom with a white towel around his waist,and he headed towards the wardrobe. He pulled the wooden door open and picked a pair of suit and white T-shirt, and without delay he wore it. Edwin combed his sporting black hair while glancing at the mirror, and when he was done he turned around and headed downstairs.Edwin made his way to the kitchen where Angela and her daughter, Betty, were busy preparing breakfast."Good morning, Mr. Blackwood." Angela greeted respectfully with her head bowed down. And Betty, who was standing beside Angela, had a big smile on her face after spotting Edwin."Good morning, Mr. Edwin." She greeted with a big smile on her face, and her head bowed down.Edwin stood there in silence, glancing at her with an expressionless look. Edwin knew Betty had a huge crush on the real owner of this body. She might have not admitted it yet, but the way she smiled and looked at him made it obvious that she actually liked him.She was probably afrai
Oswald pushed the entrance door of the dining room open and walked inside slowly.Stepping into the room, he saw Timothy Hardcastle and his concubines standing by a corner. The continuous sounds of gunshots they've been hearing made them shiver in fear, and their face was drenched in sweat."Timothy Hardcastle.." Oswald stated coldly, his gaze fixed intently on Tim who was standing there with his heart pounding in his chest and cold sweat trickling down his face."You know why I'm here, don't you?" He asked after a few seconds of silence.Tim swallowed hard before responding by nodding his head."Y-yes, I do." He muttered shakily, his voice laced with fear."That's good." Oswald remarked."Please, spare my life. I'll do anything you want. You..you want me to marry Julia? I'll marry her. Please, have mercy and spare my life." Tim pleaded shakily while shivering in fear."It's too late." Oswald replied as he pulled out the gun he had been hiding behind his coat and stretched it forward,
Oswald pulled the backdoor open and stepped into the mansion before shutting it. He glanced around the dimly lit area before making his way forward.The place he had just entered was dimly lit, and from where he was he could hear the sound of the commotion happening outside. Oswald advanced forward, making his way through the dimly lit hallway. He walked forward for a few moments until he finally arrived in front of a door.Without any delay he pushed the door open and went through it."Hey, who the hell is that?!" The moment he stepped through the door two men spotted him and they swiftly pointed their guns towards him."Oh, shit!" Oswald cursed out as he took a step back and closed the door. A second after the door was shut the men opened fire, shooting heartlessly at his direction.BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!Oswald hid behind the solid metallic door as the men kept shooting. The more they shot the more the door was slowly getting destroyed. They shot for a couple of minutes until they
Edwin walked back to his room after his discussion with his father. As he headed upstairs he couldn't help but think about the future ahead. Things were starting to get serious in his new life, and he had to be ready for it.After walking for a few moments he finally arrived in front of his room. Edwin pushed the wooden door and it creaked open, without any delay he walked inside and shut the door.Edwin took off his shirt and trousers before lying on his bed clad in only his white underwear, and his gaze fixed on the ceiling.He laid down there for a few moments with his head filled with thoughts until he finally passed out.Somewhere far away from the Blackwood's mansion, a shiny black car could be seen driving through the dimly lit street.Oswald was behind the wheel, and his expression was filled with anger and determination. He gripped the wheel tightly, his gaze glued on the road as he drove forward as fast as he could.After what seemed like forever, Oswald finally pulled over
"That was a long time ago,” Herbert interrupted, his deep, gravelly voice filling the room with an authority that silenced everyone. “The Hardcastles have likely strengthened their resources over the years. We can’t afford to act without caution.” Oswald’s jaw clenched, but he nodded. “Then let’s vote, Father. Those who want to make them pay, raise your hands.” He lifted his right hand, his eyes scanning the room as he waited to see who would stand with him.The room fell silent after he said those words, and everyone sat there with looks of contemplation on their faces.Oswald stood there, glancing around to see if anyone would lift their hands, but so far all hands were still down.A few moments later, a hand was raised, causing everyone to shift their gaze to the side and saw Edwin raising his hand above his head. Marcellus's expression darkened as he glared at Edwin. He would have loved to scold him and make him put his hand down, but after remembering the words of Herbert Blackw
Edwin yawned deeply, his hand rising sluggishly to cover his mouth as he stumbled out of bed. Each movement seemed to cost him a great deal of effort, his entire demeanor heavy with exhaustion. “I’ll be there shortly,” he muttered, his voice barely rising above a whisper, as if even speaking was too much to ask of him at this hour.Bridget watched him closely, her expression softening with worry. She tilted her head slightly, studying his face, the creases of concern deepening around her eyes. “Is everything alright, Edwin?” she asked gently, her tone as delicate as her gaze.“Why do you ask?” he replied, a note of irritation slipping into his voice as he cast a sidelong glance at her, his brows furrowing.“You seem… a bit off,” she continued, choosing her words carefully. “Stressed, maybe even troubled. It’s as if something heavy is weighing on your mind,” she observed, her eyes searching his face for any hint of what might be wrong.“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it,” he replied short
Oswald took a slow drag from his cigarette, eyes narrowing with a calculating glint. “Weapons delivery, eh?” he mused, turning his gaze toward Edwin. A dark, determined spark lit up his expression. “What do you say, Edwin? Up for a little robbery?” His voice held a cold, calculated edge.Edwin hesitated, meeting his brother’s intense gaze. The question hung in the air, heavy with the unspoken promises of violence and revenge.“What exactly do you mean by ‘robbery’?” Edwin finally inquired, his voice low and cautious after a tense moment of silence.“I want you to help me intercept and steal the weapons crates being shipped to the Gambinos,” Oswald replied, smoke curling out of his mouth as he spoke.Hearing Oswald’s plan, Edwin’s eyes widened in shock. “What?!”“Lower your voice, damn it!” Oswald snapped, his eyes flashing. Edwin quickly lowered his voice, his shock barely concealed.“What do you mean, help you steal the shipment?” Edwin asked in a hushed tone, his brow furrowed with
"And what exactly is that?" A deep voice cut through their conversation, causing both men to turn. Their father, Herbert Blackwood, approached with a sharp, probing gaze that demanded answers.Oswald instinctively took a step back as Herbert drew closer."Father," he muttered, his eyes meeting Herbert’s before shifting to Marcellus and Roderick, who stood just behind their father.Herbert’s gaze hardened as he looked at Oswald. "What are you trying to teach your brother? That he should be soft? He’s not a kid anymore, for crying out loud—he's an adult now! He needs to get his hands dirty because that's what the Blackwood family is about!" Herbert spat out the words, his tone cold. "I was a fool to listen to you and keep him confined to the legal business. From now on, he’ll be involved in both the legal and illegal sides of our work." His voice was final, each word punctuated with simmering anger.Oswald didn’t flinch. "I wasn't telling him to be soft, Father. I was saying he has a ch
Roderick’s lips twisted into a cruel smile as he yanked Maguire’s head back by the hair. "I see. Then I guess killing you and burning this place to the ground will send Santino a nice message—don’t ever mess with the Blackwoods."He turned toward Edwin, who stood silently by the door, eyes fixed on the scene before him."Here, Edwin," Roderick said, extending the blood-soaked dagger toward his brother. "Take this. Finish the job."His voice was cold, devoid of emotion, as if he were asking Edwin to perform a menial chore rather than take a life.Edwin swallowed hard, his throat dry as his brother’s words echoed in his mind. Cold sweat trickled down his face, and he remained frozen, his heart pounding in his chest."What’s the matter, Edwin? Don’t tell me you can’t do it?" Roderick’s tone was laced with contempt as he stared at Edwin, who stood several meters away. "This man just tried to kill us. He’s our enemy, and he deserves to die. So stop being such a coward and take care of him!