Stepping through the front gate.
Gilbert!
Out of the blue, Gilbert looked up to see Galen storming out of a car, barreling toward him with barely contained fury.
You bastard!
Before Gilbert could react, Galen’s fist shot up and crashed hard into his jaw.
The impact landed with a sickening thud. Gilbert staggered backward, nearly losing his footing, barely managing not to collapse.
Mr. Nine!
The bodyguards rushed forward, instantly surrounding Galen and pinning his
arms.
Gilbert!
Though Galen’s arms were restrained, his glare blazed with hatred, and his defiance didn’t waver for a second.
What kind of man are you? You hurt my sister? Wasn’t it you who kept chasing her, wouldn’t leave her alone? And now, after just a few days, you throw her away? Is that it?
He struggled against the guards, shouting, Let me go! If you’re a real man, fight me one on one! Hiding behind your bodyguards-what does that prove?
Gilbert smirked, tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek. He let out a low laugh and waved a hand at his men.
Let him go.
Mr. Nine? The guards exchanged uneasy glances. This guy had just punched their boss-how could they just let him go?
I said, let him go! Gilbert’s voice dropped, cold and sharp. Don’t make me repeat myself.
No, sir!
Instantly, the bodyguards released Galen.
Step back.
They fell obediently into a line behind him.
Gilbert, at least you’ve got guts.
Galen wasted no time. He lunged at Gilbert, fist flying, landing another brutal blow this one even harder than the first.
Caught off guard, Gilbert stumbled and hit the ground.
Mr. Nine!
Gilbert waved off his men, signaling for no one to interfere.
Gilbert!
Galen grabbed Gilbert by the collar, hauling him up. Why aren’t you fighting back, huh?
Isn’t this what you wanted? Gilbert’s voice was flat, resigned. Go ahead. Hit me as much as you want…
You-
Galen hesitated, unsettled by how strange Gilbert looked, dull-eyed and listless. But he didn’t let it soften him.
You think I’m going to stop? You asked for this! You deserve it!
He slammed his arm into Gilbert’s stomach.
Gilbert doubled over, groaning.
Candida, watching the scene unfold, realized things were spiraling out of control. She turned and ran inside.
Upstairs, Sherilyn was coming down the staircase. They’d had to get up early to move house; Jenna hadn’t slept as long as usual, and after crying so hard, she’d worn herself out, Sherilyn had just settled her niece in bed.
Ms. Gomez!
Candida rushed in, breathless. You need to come outside your brother’s going
to beat Mr. Nine half to death!
What?
Sherilyn’s face tightened, her brows knitting. Where are they? Out front?
Yes! Please, hurry!
Sherilyn nodded sharply and followed Candida out the door.
Gilbert!
Outside, Galen was practically on top of Gilbert, raining punches onto him. Gilbert just lay there, limp, taking every blow in silence.
Stop it!
Sherilyn rushed forward, grabbing Galen’s arm. Galen, that’s enough! Stop!
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Only now did she get a good look at Gilbert. He was sprawled on the ground, blood trickling from a split in his lip, his clothes a complete mess, his tie askew.
Galen!
Sherilyn tugged him back. I said stop! Let go, do you hear me?
Sher-
Galen finally lowered his fist, though he still wouldn’t release his grip.
Why are you stopping me? After what he did to you-he dumped you, he hurt you!
That’s not true!
Sherilyn’s heart twisted at her
brother’s protectiveness. She
glanced at Gilbert, who looked
he’d been beaten into the ground, and forced herself to speak.
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