Callie sat on the small sofa in the living room, draped in a coat. She had been splashed with red wine and looked up timidly, her eyes moist, making Nelson’s brow twitch.
He silently clenched his fist, not sparing her another glance as he walked forward.
In the shadowy corner, a portly man in an unbuttoned shirt stood there, forcing a smile at Nelson. “Mr. Oconnor, this is all just a misunderstanding.”
Though he appeared indifferent, his words were laced with fear.
He hadn’t expected Nelson to actually come!
Nelson coughed softly, his expression unchanged. “If I hadn’t received the message, would you have succeeded today? It seems I ruined your plans.”
His casual tone made everyone tense up. The man quickly waved his hand. “No…”
But the truth was undeniable, leaving him with no defense.
Nelson’s figure flickered in the dim light, his tone still polite. “Sorry to spoil your fun today. Let’s find another place. I’ll buy you a drink.”
The man couldn’t read Nelson’s intentions. Fear grew as he took two steps back. “Next time… next time.”
At that moment, Nelson suddenly grabbed him by the shirt, his eyes filled with cold fury. “You think there will be a next time?”
Before the man could react, Nelson punched him in the face, causing blood to gush from his nose.
He cried out, clutching his nose.
Kieran watched everything unfold, unable to bear the sight. His gaze shifted to the frail woman on the sofa.
He bent down, removing the coat covering Callie and replacing it with his own. Her clothes were torn, and there were red marks on her neck.
“Are you alright?”
Callie’s unfocused eyes slowly regained clarity. She looked up at Kieran and then at the tall, familiar figure ahead.
The man, unaccustomed to physical exertion and fond of indulgence, was no match for Nelson’s rage and could only take the beating.
He covered his face, trying not to let his cries sound too pitiful. “Someone! Help!”
“Nelson, do you dare offend me for a woman? Do you believe I won’t make you pay for this?”
But his cries had no effect; no one dared to intervene.
Nelson’s veins bulged as he tightened his fist, landing punch after punch with icy determination.
Callie clutched the coat tighter. She had seen this side of Nelson before-each time he was ready to beat someone to death.
She snapped out of it and shouted, “Stop! Nelson!”
Nelson’s hand froze mid-punch. The man beneath him was barely conscious, more dead than alive.
Standing tall and dignified as ever, Nelson pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, meticulously wiping his hands before tossing it aside. “Next time, it’ll be your life.”
Terrified, Callie could barely stand as she faced Nelson.
“Enough.”
Her voice was hoarse and filled with fear. Hearing this, Nelson’s anger flared again.
The man on the ground used his last bit of strength to open his eyes and speak. “Nelson, aren’t you afraid of retaliation for offending me for her?”
Nelson didn’t move, casting a disdainful glance at him. “Bring it on.”
His words were filled with contempt and rage.