?<strong>Chapter 947:</strong>


    Just then, Adrian entered, sensing the tension in the room. He frowned, his concern evident. “What happened?”


    Joelle forced a smile, not wanting Adrian to be upset over the tension between her and Rnd. “It’s nothing. Rnd was just telling me about the past.”


    Adrian didn’t press further, but he couldn’t ignore the weariness on Joelle’s face. He gently cupped her cheek, his touch soft as he brushed away the invisible worries that clouded her expression. “You should get some rest. I’ll stay here with him tonight.”


    Joelle shook her head. “I’m fine. I shouldn’t leave his side until he’s fully recovered.”


    “Don’t be stubborn,” Adrian insisted. Though he usually let Joelle have her way, this time he refused to relent.


    After Joelle left, Adrian sat down opposite Rnd, his gaze steady.


    “What did you say to her?”


    “Nothing.”


    Adrian’s gaze hardened. “Joelle has had nightmares for years because of what happened to you. I don’t know what Wade taught you, but listen closely. You can hate anyone you want, but never her.”


    Rnd clenched his fists, his re piercing. “What about you?”


    Adrian narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable as his instincts confirmed what he had already suspected—Wade’s influence had twisted the boy’s heart, leaving scars that ran deep.


    “My uncle, Chris, died because of you, didn’t he?” Rnd used, his tone sharp and bitter.


    Adrian chuckled, a low, humorless sound. “Chris? Your uncle? Is that what Wade taught you?”


    “Don’t you dare speak about my father!” Rnd snapped, his fists clenched and his teeth grinding in anger.


    Adrian leaned back in his chair, his posture calm, a faint, almost taunting smile ying on his lips. “I just did. What are you going to do about it?”


    Rnd felt the sting of provocation like a brand searing his skin.


    Butpared to Adrian, he had nothing—only his unyielding passion.


    He believed that one must be willing to risk everything for what he truly believed in.


    He wasn’t afraid of death.


    Even with his broken, wretched life, he was ready to gamble it all.


    “Say that again, and I’ll make you regret it.”


    As soon as the words left his mouth, Rnd tore the cast off his other arm. Beneath the bandage, a revolver was hidden, already loaded and ready.


    Adrian lifted his eyes slowly, his gaze calm andposed despite the cold steel now pointed directly at his forehead.


    He didn’t flinch. He didn’t waver. Even seated, his presence radiated an unshakable power, enough to make anyone tremble.


    Rnd’s finger tightened on the trigger. “Apologize to my father,” he demanded, his voice thick with fury.


    “If you pull that trigger, people outside will rush in and restrain you. Do you understand the consequences?” Adrian’s voice was steady, unruffled. “Your father sacrificed his life to save you. If you don’t value your own life, then go ahead and shoot.”


    Adrian leaned forward, his forehead gently pressing against the barrel of the gun, his piercing gaze locking Rnd in ce.


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