Chapter 188 You Have To Stay Calm
“William!” Denton’s voice cut through the tense air.
The group turned to see him striding toward them, his expression tight, a little girl cradled in his arms.
His gaze flickered–perhaps intentionally, perhaps not–toward Renee. She caught the glance, her frown deepening as she waited for him to speak.
As expected, his next words had everything to do with her.
“Something’s happened to Ryland.”
A cold weight settled in her chest. Her voice was sharp with urgency. “What happened? Where is he?”
In the chaos, she hadn’t had a chance to check on Ryland’s safety.
“He’s on the third floor,” Denton answered. But when it came to explaining further, he hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
Renee didn’t wait for him to finish.
Without another second’s delay, she turned and made her way to the third floor, leaving the captured thugs to the police.
Denton led her and William to a room on the third floor.
Silence. No sound came from within. Renee shot Denton a glance, but he looked just as uncertain. He hadn’t checked inside earlier his hands had been full with the child.
Without hesitation, Renee kicked the door open.
Inside, seven or eight people huddled together, not a single one daring to speak.
Ryland sat perched on the windowsill, a knife pressed to a man’s throat.
The blade was slick with blood, though it wasn’t clear whose.
A few steps away, Claude stood frozen, his gaze locked onto Ryland. He had been watching, unmoving, the entire time.
Ryland’s eyes flickered with surprise when he saw Renee. Then, he smiled —a quiet, bitter curve of his lips. “Renee, you finally came…” His voice was eerily calm. “I’m glad I got to see you one last time.”
“Stop talking like that!” Renee snapped, her tone sharp. “Ryland, step down. Now.”
“No.” Ryland chuckled, a sound filled with quiet sorrow. He pointed toward the group of men and women cowering nearby. “Look, it was them,” he said, voice steady. “They treated me like garbage. But this time… I didn’t need to rely on you to get my revenge. I actually managed to do it myself. I did good, didn’t I?”
“That’s incredible, Ryland. I’ve always known you were remarkable. So come down first, alright? We can talk after that,” Renee said, her voice gentle yet firm.
“Yes… she’s right… Let’s just talk this out… Don’t-” the man Ryland held said in a trembling voice.
“Shut up!” Without a second’s hesitation, Ryland slashed the man’s arm.
No wonder the floor was soaked in blood. No wonder the captives sat frozen in silence. None of them dared utter a word, terrified that the wrong move might push Ryland over the edge.
Even Claude, who had been watching him the entire time, remained deathly still, afraid that any noise might set him off.
“Renee…” Ryland’s voice softened. “Thank you. For being my friend all these years. For looking after me when no one else would. But now… I have to go.”
“Ryland! Don’t!” Renee’s heart pounded as she shouted.
Claude’s voice cracked with desperation. “Ryland! No!”
But Ryland had already made his choice. His eyes met Claude’s one last time, and for the first time that night, a true smile touched his lips.
Then, without hesitation, he let himself fall.
Renee lunged forward, reaching out, fingers grasping nothing but a small scrap of his clothing. And then it was gone, slipping through her hands.
“Nene! Don’t!” William shouted as he rushed toward Renee, hand outstretched. But just as he was about to pull her back, Renee threw herself into the sea after Ryland.
William wanted to jump, only to be yanked back by Denton. “William! Stop!”
“Let go of me!” William’s roar was feral, his struggle relentless.
But Denton refused to loosen his grip. “Stay calm! William! You have to stay calm!”
