Ben held Charlotte at gunpoint, then glanced at Theo, who sat calmly and inquired, "What do you want?"
"I know you plan to use her against Kingsley and the Livingston family. My request is simple: ten million dollars and a getaway car," Ben stated viciously.
"Oh? You're not seeking vengeance for your family?" Theo remained composed.
"I'm not naive! I know how to negotiate with someone like you for maximum gain. You never intended to aid in avenging my family, did you?"
Theo chuckled softly. "Looks like you're still somewhat sharp, but... still an idiot!"
At Theo's words, two black-clad bodyguards suddenly emerged, advancing toward Ben.
"Aren't you worried I'll kill her? Then you'd have nothing to hold over Kingsley!" Ben exclaimed in panic.
"Foolish! My aim was always to destabilize Kingsley mentally. If you did kill Charlotte, I'd owe you gratitude."
Hearing this, panic flashed in Ben's eyes, and in his haste, he aimed his pistol at Theo.
But Theo, anticipating his move, swiftly pulled Zelda behind him over to shield his body.
A gunshot rang out. Zelda fell, blood seeping from her heart, eyes wide with resentment.
In an instant, Ben was subdued by the two bodyguards.
Theo stood and aimed his pistol at Ben. "I forgot to mention one thing," he said coldly. "It was me who arranged people to have your house set ablaze and burn your family."
With that, Theo fired before Ben could react. Blood streamed from Ben’s forehead, and his eyes widened with shocked remorse.
Charlotte watched, stunned and relieved. It seemed Kingsley wasn't as unhinged as she thought.
Theo then turned to Charlotte. "Now, it's your turn."
Two bodyguards swiftly took control of Charlotte. Just as she began to feel nervous, a chilling voice cut through. "Release her!"
This voice captured everyone's attention.
Charlotte broke free from her restraints and gazed at Kingsley for the first time, unable to hold back the tears that welled in her eyes as her vision blurred.
For some inexplicable reason, the moment she laid eyes on him, her heart surged with conflicting emotions, prompting an overwhelming urge to cry.
Perhaps it was relief that he was unharmed and had safely arrived; maybe it was gratitude that his timely intervention had once again shielded her; or perhaps it was upon hearing Theo mention a few words about Kingsley's past, allowing her to glimpse the harsh experiences he had endured.
"Don't cry." Kingsley approached her, his eyes filled with pain as he enveloped her in his arms and tenderly kissed the top of her head. Chris, who had followed closely behind, wore a somber expression on his handsome face.
"You!" Chris's expression abruptly changed, and he moved forward, only to be restrained by someone.
Turning around, he met Kingsley's cold, resentful gaze. "Charlotte is all yours," Kingsley uttered softly before pushing Charlotte towards Chris and striding forward to confront Theo.
Charlotte's face betrayed a hint of anxiety, while Chris shot Kingsley a cold glance before leading Charlotte to safety without protest.
"It's good to see you again, my dear nephew," Theo spoke up, his smile masking the hatred in his cunning eyes. "What, that car accident didn't finish you off?"
Ignoring Theo's taunt, Kingsley launched a swift punch, their animosity far beyond reconciliation through mere combat. Each blow from Kingsley carried lethal force, capable of ending a life with a single strike.
Theo, seemingly anticipating the confrontation, evaded Kingsley's attacks with nimble movements. "Haven't seen you in years, yet you're still as...unhinged," Theo chuckled between dodges, his eyes flashing with amusement at Kingsley's increasingly ferocious assault.
Catching Chris's eye, Kingsley conveyed a silent message.
Chris nodded subtly in response, understanding. After a lingering look at Kingsley, he ushered Charlotte away, preparing to depart.
"Wait!" Charlotte protested, refusing to budge. "Why are we leaving?"
Chris said, "Charlotte, let's leave, it's not safe here."
"What are they going to do? What is Kingsley going to do?!" Charlotte's face betrayed a hint of anxiety.
Clearly, at this moment, Kingsley was gaining the upper hand.
Why did he suddenly detach himself from her?
There was only one possibility: there would be danger here later. Danger to the extent that Kingsley had brought so many people that they might not be able to protect her.
Theo must still have a trick up his sleeve.
Under usual circumstances, Charlotte would have sensibly left, but this time was different. The uneasiness in her heart reminded her that she couldn't leave!
Once she left, the situation would spiral out of control. Kingsley would do anything to catch Theo. And Theo would fight to the death.
She couldn't stop her teeth from chattering a little at the thought.
She looked in the direction where Kingsley was, stared at his cold face through the crowd, and firmly said, "No, I'm not leaving."
Seemingly hearing her words, Kingsley's complexion changed slightly as he looked back at her. "Go," he said.
Charlotte shook her head, her almond eyes fixed on him, and she said, "Kingsley, what are you trying to do?"
Kingsley remained silent.
"Tch, what a beautiful love," a mocking voice rang out, and it was Theo who snickered.
Kingsley turned back and stared at him coldly, his eyes devoid of any warmth.
Theo laughed sardonically, "You think I didn't make preparations because you're the only one who brought someone? Want your little girl to leave? Dream on! I've hidden explosive packages in the entire warehouse here! As long as I want to, no matter where she runs, I can kill her!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the people present changed...
"Explosive packages?" Thick killing intent spread in Chris's eyes. "How dare you!"
"Mr. Scott, I originally didn't want to go this far," Theo's face was grim. "But I didn't expect that my nephew would be so powerful now. He's the one who left me no choice!"
Chris's face instantly turned gloomy. Theo wasn't joking.
He was now desperate!
So, it could be true that explosive packages had been planted here too.
After all, Theo was a madman who had lost his mind.
Just as he frowned and pondered, Kingsley's voice rang out, cold and low with an endless chill.
"Theo," Kingsley said as he stared coldly at him, "I'm going to challenge you to a fight, in the manner of the Livingston family."