Chapter 395

Barnes went pale, his voice shaky with urgency. “The four organizations
“The four organizations have already heard from X Organization. Anyone who dares to help the Hamlet family will end up just like them.” Anthony wiped down his gun with a tissue, his gaze cold and detached. “Spread the word. In one hour, liquidate the Hamlet family’s assets and donate everything to the orphanage.”
Barnes checked the time. He was already twenty minutes late for the meeting where he’d planned to rally the four organizations against X Organization.
It was obvious now. He wasn’t just abandoned. He’d been set up. They had used him as bait to try and take down X Organization, and now that it had all fallen apart, they were tossing him aside.
“God Barnes squeezed his eyes shut. When he opened them again, all the fight was gone. He could only beg. “I only did this because I was grieving for my son. Please, just give me another chance.”
He never thought God would really wipe out his entire family. The stories about God being ruthless and heartless were clearly real.
“Begging for mercy?” Anthony handed his gun to Hans and carefully cleaned his hands with a sanitizing wipe. “It’s too late.”
Anthony drifted back to Charlotte, his expression softening as soon as he reached her. He cupped her face, all the harsh lines fading into gentle affection. “Lottie, let’s go.”
“God, please, one more chance!” Barnes cried, dragging his useless legs across the floor, leaving behind two shocking streaks of blood.
Charlotte looked back for a moment, then glanced at Anthony’s blank face. She didn’t say anything.
Outside the hall, Anthony squeezed her hand and spoke quietly. “This wasn’t the first time the Hamlet family messed with X Organization. Three strikes is already too many, and this time, that car crash almost hurt you.”
He could forgive anything… except someone trying to hurt her.
“And besides, if you want to stay on top at Apex, you have to be ruthless sometimes.” Anthony let out a soft laugh, brushing Charlotte & hair. “Honestly, I think I’m pretty O reasonable. And kind, too.”
Reasonable and kind…
Charlotte blinked, her face unreadable. Did he really forget he’d tried to have her killed. Twice.
The next day, they boarded a private jet for Cabinda.
Before takeoff, Anthony watched Charlotte napping on his shoulder, his eyes darkening for a moment. He pulled out his phone and found Andrew’s social media.
[4 PM, Cabinda Airport. Bring Charlotte to pick me up.]
He sent the message, a slight smile touching his lips. Then he reached over and switched off Charlotte’s phone.
Meanwhile, in the Vanguard High School classroom, Andrew was half asleep over a test, Shirley hovering nearby to make sure he finished The moment his phone buzzed with the message, he snapped awake and shot to his feet.
“I Andrew’s face went ghostly pale. “Parrish, Shirley, you have to get in touch with Charlotte, now.”
“Huh?” Shirley looked up, confused, still holding her test paper.
“Anthony’s coming this afternoon and told me to bring Charlotte to the airport. If he gets back and she’s not there, he’ll skin me alive.” Andrew “What did l
was practically in tears.enes
da to deserve this? They re
dating. Why am I always the one suffering?”
Parrish and Shirley could only look at him with pity.