?Chapter 1333:


    Nina’s words reyed in his head. “You say you hate her. You’re lying to yourself. You still care.”


    He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. After a long pause, he typed out a single reply. “Hold off for now.”


    He let out a dry chuckle, bitter and quiet. Maybe it was self-deception. But it was his.


    This wasn’t about going easy on Ste.


    No. He’d just… decided she needed to stay by his side to atone. That was all.


    And yet, her pale face in the hospital kept shing in his mind. His jaw clenched.


    Then he sent another message. “Since Nina’s hands can’t stay still… help her out.”


    Across town, Luca received the message just as Steven happened to be ncing over his shoulder. Reading the contents, Steven narrowed his eyes.


    “He wants to mess up her hands?”


    Nina was a researcher. Her hands were her life. Take those away, and she’d never work in ab again.


    It was brutal.


    But Luca remained calm. “She’s stirred up too much. If not for her, Mr. Briggs and Ms. Russell wouldn’t be where they are now. Losing one hand? She’s lucky that’s all.”


    Luca’s expression didn’t shift as he gave the order. No hesitation. No emotion.


    Watching from the side, Steven let out a low whistle. “You’ve been around William too long. You’re just as cold now. What is it with you both—blink once and someone ends up bleeding?”


    Luca didn’t look at him. “No one is dying. Just a warning. One she’s earned. Don’t tell me you’re feeling sorry for her.”


    Steven raised his hands in mock surrender and leaned back against the desk. “Hey, don’t get me wrong. I’m not losing sleep over someone like Nina.”


    Explore magic at gα ? ησ ν?? ?s,


    On the outskirts, William’s car disappeared down the winding road. Behind, Nina was still on her knees, tears long dried, desperation starting to kick in.


    She pushed herself up, shaky but determined. She had to warn Daniel. They needed to move their assets—fast.


    But before she could take a full step, arge shadow blocked her path.


    She looked up. A tall, broad man stood over her, face unreadable.


    “Wh-who are you? What do you want?” Her voice cracked.


    She honestly thought William was done. He’d already gone after her father—what else was there?


    Turns out, her.


    The man didn’t answer. He stepped forward, shoved a rag into her mouth mid-scream, and dragged her across the floor toward a rotting wooden table in the corner of the warehouse.


    The knife glinted as it came down. Nina’s eyes widened in horror, every ounce of strength draining from her body in an instant.


    At the hospital, Ste was out of emergency. Shey unconscious in a quiet ward.


    The pain had dulled, but her dreams wouldn’t leave her alone. Her body twitched under the sheets, brow furrowed, sweat soaking through the gown. She mumbled in her sleep—words tangled with fear.


    .


    .


    .