Regret Came Too Late

Chester went pale in an instant, panic gripping him. "Mr. Henderson, what are you doing? I came here out of goodwill to warn you about Grace. How could you do this to me?"

Without warning, a razor-sharp dagger chopped off three of his fingers in a flash. He let out a bloodcurdling scream, his whole body jerking uncontrollably.

Ethan set down his cup, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Go on. Tell me. What kind of person is she?"

That was when it hit Chester-Ethan was avenging Grace. This wasn't anything like what Yancey had said would happen!

His lips were bloodless, and he was just about to beg for mercy when he heard the sound of a gun being loaded. Fear hit him like a truck, and he pissed himself as cold sweat ran down his face.

"Mr. Henderson, I was wrong! It's all a misunderstanding, I swear! I faked those photos. I never laid a finger on Grace! It was Jessica. She made me do it. And Yancey-he's just as bad!"

Gunshots rang out, and four bullets tore into Chester's legs. This time, not even a scream came out. Wracked with agony, his body convulsed and he couldn't get a sound out of his throat.

Ethan didn't rush, but his movements flowed with an easy grace.

"Go on," he said.

But Chester couldn't get a single word out. His legs trembled so badly he could barely stand, and a puddle formed beneath him. Only now did he fully grasp just how terrifying Ethan really was.

Yancey had been right. Ethan rarely lost his temper, but the calmer he seemed, the more terrifying he became.

Ethan's cheek. His long lashes fluttered slightly as he reached up and wiped the stain

his gun to the man beside him and rolled

headed out, Julian's voice rang out. "You would've kept firing if it

open halfway down his chest. He looked just as

saved her yesterday? So many people are keeping an eye on your legs. They're convinced you'll be crippled for life. And yet, you don't even bother hiding your condition when you're with her. Aren't you worried she'll

didn't seem to

blood off his fingers, his expression composed. Then, he tossed the stained

wondering if she would,"

let out a short laugh. Neither of them said anything

was in her room when a sudden chill ran down her spine. She couldn't help but shiver. Later, she

nice Grace was, though most

could finally lend Grace a hand, she pounced at the

I know her. She's got a boyfriend, but she also has a kid she keeps a secret from him. Her boyfriend's family has a decent amount of money. He has even swung

how Mandy knew about Jessica's kid, Gary, she had run

since he was little. Once, he was caught shoplifting and got chewed out by the store owner. Another time, he was slapped for groping a woman. He was

faint smile. She had a pretty