The Ex and Her Riches

Cedrick scoffed and raised his boot to deliver a harsh kick to Xander’s knee.

“Ahh!”

Caught off guard, Xander fell to his knees in pain.

With the gun still pressed against Xander’s temple, Cedrick emanated an absolute aura of oppression and intimidation.

“Grandpa loves and cares for you the most, and you actually have the audacity to gamble with his life and health for the sake of your own ambitions? You have no idea how much I want to put a bullet through you right now, Xander.”

As he spoke, he tightened his grip on the gun, seemingly about to pull the trigger.

Realizing that he had let the cat out of the bag, Xander broke out in a cold sweat. He was genuinely terrified now that the situation had spiraled out of control.

He grabbed onto Cedrick’s military trousers and pleaded, “Cedrick, I was wrong! I was foolishly led astray and shouldn’t have listened to others‘ instigation. I truly didn’t intend to harm Grandpa. I only dared to do it because I knew this wouldn’t take his life. I promise I won’t oppose you anymore, so please just let me go.

With the gun pressed against his head, he was experiencing what true, unadulterated fear felt like.

Especially since Cedrick was visibly angry and seemed to be losing his temper, he was afraid that the man might accidentally fire the gun..

Guns are not sentient beings. It would be the end of my life if he really pulled the trigger!

“Please, Cedrick! You can send me to a lower–level position in the district or county. I promise I won’t return to Salinsburgh for the next ten years!”

The raging gloom in Cedrick’s eyes settled, and he holstered the gun.

Thinking that he was off the hook, Xander was about to heave a sigh of relief when the other man said, “A demotion wouldn’t mean much to you. I think spending the next ten years in a high–security prison for rehabilitation would be more fitting. I’ll handle this matter justly and submit the documents and evidence to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. That’s where you’ll find your chance at redemption.”

The mention of a high–security prison struck Xander like a bolt from the blue.

Although he wouldn’t be facing death, he was well aware that life in a high–security prison would be a living hell. The fact that Cedrick intended for him to serve a ten–year sentence was beyond his worst fears.

“Don’t send me there! Please spare me, Cedrick. Besides…” He wracked his brain to come up with something and refused to admit to his wrongdoings. “Besides, giving Grandpa the grapes and grapefruits was an accident on my part, I didn’t do it on purpose. Ignorance shouldn’t be punished so harshly, right?”

Cedrick sneered. “I’m well aware of your innocence, or rather the lack thereof. I’m sure you know how efficient the Federal Bureau of Investigation is. Obtaining all the evidence against you will be a piece of cake.”

His entire body quivered as the thought of serving time

to send me to a high–security prison, you might as well just shoot me dead instead! At least that would be a quicker and more merciful end for

Thud!

Cedrick threw the

ahead, then. End it

and a wicked thought

at him with a mocking look in his eyes. “It’s your choice whether to serve a ten–year sentence in a high–level

at the gun by his feet. A growing sense of

of going to a high–level prison and being tortured to death,

hatred. Trembling, he picked up the gun

I’m dead either way, I’ll send you

remained as calm as ever in the face of such a threat, even showing a hint

at me, then. I’ll give you credit for having

won’t? Your life is worth more

Cedrick taunted, “Since that’s the case, go ahead and shoot, then. Do you know how to pull the trigger? Do I need to teach

course I know how to pull the

violently as he held the gun, forcing him to support it with his left hand

stood on the side, silently capturing the scene

the camera clicking awakened

at Nico in confusion, then turned his gaze

you’ve threatened the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and even pointed a gun at him, the severity of the situation has increased. I’m afraid your sentence will

he heard that. “Cedrick, you tricked me again! Don’t you know

expression, Cedrick showed no signs of fear, which made Xander even more

a gun. “Did you remove the bullets? There are no bullets in the gun,

you’re too afraid to pull the trigger, let me give

he grabbed the hand holding the gun, pointed the muzzle downward, and fired

out,

through Xander’s thigh, and blood started gushing out of the wound. Agonizing screams of pain

the gun at Cedrick this

in his hand merely made a