Chapter 1438:

Joseph released a cruel laugh and glared at Elena.

“So you dodged the bullet. Tell me—how’d you enjoy the potion I slipped you? Finest aphrodisiac you’ll ever know.”

Just as Wesley moved to strike, Elena caught his arm.

“Gerald’s condition is dire—we must save him first.”

Jaw clenched, Wesley smothered his fury.

“Come out on your own, and I’ll show some mercy.”

Joseph sneered.

“Do you take me for a fool?” His face twisted with spite as he yanked Gerald before him like a shield.

“If I release him, how can I get out of here alive?”

Gerald’s lips drained of color, his pupils dimmed, his features carved with agony.

Wesley’s voice was sharp.

“Release him, and I’ll let you go.”

Joseph retorted, “Wesley, if you don’t want him dead, you’d better do exactly what I say.”

Wesley said nothing.

Having finally cornered Wesley, Joseph had no thought of yielding. He intended to crush him.

Joseph’s gaze darted to the gun in Wesley’s hand.

“Shoot your own hand.”

Without hesitation, Wesley fired into his left palm. Blood poured down his arm, the sight driving Joseph’s madness higher.

Joseph cackled.

“Ha! Now put one in your chest—or Gerald perishes!”

𝕷𝓪𝖙𝑒𝖘𝓉 ¢հ𝖺ρ𝑡𝑒𝗋𝓈 gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ⲇ𝗲𝗅𝘀．ⅽ𝗈𝗆

Wesley slowly raised the gun, pressing it against his chest. His gaze found Elena’s. She grasped his intent instantly.

Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Bang!

The bullet ripped through Joseph’s hand. Elena seized the chance, wrenching Gerald free.

Joseph, still reveling in Wesley’s agony, never foresaw it.

Elena eased Gerald onto the sofa and swiftly opened her medical kit. She moved with speed, stabilizing his vitals until color returned to his cheeks and his breathing steadied.

Once Gerald was safe, Wesley unclasped his watch, tore away his tie, and bound it around his bleeding palm. His expression was iron-hard. He marched straight toward Joseph.

As Wesley advanced toward him, Joseph froze, terror flickering in his eyes.

“What… what are you going to do?”

A cold sneer stretched across Wesley’s face as he drove his fist hard into Joseph’s cheek. He kept swinging, relentless, until Joseph could barely see through the swelling and blood.

Struggling to breathe, Joseph gasped out, his words rough and broken, “Wesley, if you beat me to death, Gerald won’t ever forgive you.”

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