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.”

with a defeated expression. His entire body quivered as the thought

high–security prison, you might as well just shoot me dead instead! At least that would be

Thud!

words, Cedrick threw the gun

then. End it

and a

to serve a ten–year sentence in a high–level prison or put an end to

stared at the gun by his feet.

and being tortured to death, I should take a certain someone down

golden–rimmed glasses, his eyes flashed with hatred. Trembling, he picked up the gun from the ground and got to his feet swiftly

either way, I’ll send you to hell

in the face of such

Xander seriously at all. “Come at me, then. I’ll give you credit for having courage and guts if you actually dare to shoot

more than mine. It’s a bargain to

go ahead and shoot, then. Do you know how to pull the trigger? Do I

how

as he held the gun, forcing him to support it

the

of the camera clicking awakened Xander’s

Nico in confusion, then turned

now that you’ve threatened the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and even pointed a gun at

he heard that. “Cedrick, you tricked me again!

Cedrick showed no signs of fear, which

couldn’t believe that someone could remain unfazed when faced with the barrel of a gun. “Did you remove the bullets? There are no bullets in the gun, right? You tricked me by giving me

you’re too afraid to pull the trigger, let

he grabbed

bang rang out, echoing

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

and hatred, Xander decisively aimed the gun at Cedrick this time

hand merely made a