She wrapped her arms around him from behind and whispered, Honey, whats wrong? Cory will be executed in three days.


    Nathans voice was heavy with grief.


    Lucinda, aware of his past bond with Cory, immediately understood the gravity of his distress.


    You should be there to see him off, she suggested softly, recognizing their shared history.


    Without a word, Nathan turned and held her in aforting embrace, murmuring for reassurance, Lucinda.


    Yes, Im here.


    Ill always be with you.


    .. s ...


    They stayed wrapped in each others embrace until the difort in Lucindas feet urged them toward the bedroom.


    Three dayster, Cory was escorted to the execution grounds.


    Nathan, d in a somber ck suit, stood opposite the site, hands sped behind him, his face expressionless.


    The usual electronic restraints were absent, reced by ropes.


    As the execution officer posed the final question, Do you have anyst words? Cory lifted his head, his eyes meeting Nathans, and a mocking smile appeared on his face.


    What? Are you here to gloat? To watch me suffer in my final moments? Nathan responded not with words but with an action; he reached back, retrieved a bottle of wine, uncorked it, and poured the contents onto the ground, his voice unwavering.


    To my fallen friend.


    Cory, taken aback by Nathans gesture, stared in disbelief, his earlier defiance softening. Nathan, dont think youve won.


    He chuckled wearily.


    I let you win.


    Cory actually had a way to escape from the prison, but he no Longer desired freedom.


    He had lived a life marked by violence and never shared it with the one he loved.


    Cory had always understood the dubious nature of Nte, yet his affection for her was unwavering.


    He made excuses for her, allowed himself to be deceived, all because she was Nte.


    Once Nathan revealed the truth, the drive for revenge lost its purpose, and with it, the meaning of life seemed to fade.


    Bang. A gunshot rang out, striking precisely through the chest.


    Corys Lips curled into a final smirk before he ceased to breathe.


    Silently, Nathan poured another ss of wine onto the ground, his expression cold and somber.


    At Shaw Group, Kurt ryed to Kyson, Mr.


    Shaw, Cory is dead.


    He was executed today.


    Kyson paused his typing briefly and acknowledged the news with a slight nod.


    The death of that scumbag was unimportant to him.


    What is she doing?