?Chapter 1628:


    Yet here he was, arriving with force.


    An unexpected warmth stirred in Ashlyn’s chest. Vincent’s love for Katelyn must run deeper than she had ever understood.


    Brendan nodded at his men. “Escort Vincent inside.”


    He sank back into the sofa. He raised his wine ss, prompting the woman who had lingered in the corner to swiftly step forward and refill it. Her actions revealed her thorough training.


    Upon entering, Vincent’s eyes immediately found Ashlyn on her knees, marked with vivid bruises. He stood there, frozen.


    If Katelyn had seen Ashlyn like this, she would’ve lost control and charged in. If Brendan spotted her, everything would fall apart.


    Just as worry gripped Vincent, his eyes caught Katelyn’s figure outside. Noticing her calmness, he felt some of the tension ease. She seemed to still have control over herself. That was the most important thing.


    Without hesitation, he crossed the room in a few long strides and looked Brendan straight in the eye. “Release her immediately.” His words were few, yet they carried ominous intent.


    Brendan didn’t even twitch. He sipped his wine and offered azy grin. “No need to be dramatic. We’re family. Sit down. Share a drink.”


    Upon hearing this, the woman who had previously served Brendan wine stepped forward once more. She poured a ss of red wine for Vincent and set it before him.


    Yet Vincent paid no attention to the wine. He drew a gun from his pocket and aimed it straight at Brendan’s head. “Two choices. It’s your call.”


    The message was clear: Let Ashlyn go or die on that couch.


    Brendan didn’t blink. Instead, he chuckled and leaned forward. “Come on, Vincent. Are you really ready to kill your cousin?” He gave a smug tilt of his head. “What if I decide to snap this lovelydy’s neck? You think Katelyn would forgive you?”


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    He leaned slightly forward, carefully ced the wine ss down, and looked at Vincent again. “If I remember correctly, she and Katelyn are practically sisters. Wouldn’t Katelyn be heartbroken if she found out what you allowed?” He continued taunting, using Katelyn as a psychological lever.


    Vincent cocked the gun. He had no intention of wasting more words on Brendan and showed no fear of threats.


    But… suddenly, a bodyguard who had been restraining Ashlyn swiftly grasped her neck. Another guard pulled out a dagger and pressed it tightly to her throat. One wrong move from Vincent, and she’d be bleeding on the floor.


    Brendan smiled, tilted his head slightly, and looked over at Vincent. “How about it? Can we talk this through without causing a scene?” he asked.


    Vincent shifted his gaze toward Ashlyn. The de was already biting into her skin. Blood was seconds away.


    Reluctantly, Vincent lowered his weapon, meeting Brendan’s mocking gaze. “What do you want? Say it now. I’m not here for word games.”


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