102

Hours passed slowly, each minute loaded with palpable tension. The mansion, usually a haven of peace, had turned into a fortress awaiting siege.

Nathan, Suzanne, and the rest of the group remained alert, preparing for the imminent confrontation.

Finally, the news they had been waiting for arrived. One of Jarek's men hurried into the room with a grave expression.

"Richard is on his way. He'll be here any moment."

The atmosphere in the mansion grew even tenser. Each person took their position, preparing for the inevitable.

Suzanne stayed close to Nathan, seeking comfort in his proximity. He, his face hardened with determination, gave her one last hug before turning his attention forward.

"This is the moment. We get rid of Richard and start over," he said firmly and resolutely.

Suzanne nodded, squeezing his hand.

"Together, Nathan. We'll make it together."

As they prepared to face Richard, the mansion filled with a heavy silence. Every creak and whisper seemed amplified.

They knew the next moments would be critical, but they also knew it was time to lay their cards on the table and resolve the past once and for all.

Nathan took a deep breath, his thoughts revolving around what was at stake. He looked at Suzanne and his men, feeling a renewed surge of strength.

This was their chance to end the threats from Richard Quirrell and secure a safe and happy future for their family.

"Here we go," he murmured, preparing for the final showdown.

…

The air in the mansion was dense and laden with tension. Jarek, his face lined with wrinkles and eyes dulled by sorrow, gazed at his grandson Nathan.

The young man's words echoed in his mind, each syllable laden with reproach and resentment that he felt were deserved.

Jarek's expression was a mix of regret and resignation. He knew he had failed his family and that Nathan's distrust was a reflection of his own mistakes.

Nathan, for his part, noticed the sadness in his grandfather's eyes but forced himself to focus on other thoughts, ignoring the lump in his throat.

His grandfather's pain was a constant reminder of past wounds, and although his heart yearned for reconciliation, his mind clung to anger and disappointment.

Jarek longed for redemption, he yearned to see his grandson and Suzanne happy with their children. They had endured too much because of Richard, and now he had the opportunity to avenge that scoundrel who had robbed them of years of happiness.

Jarek looked up and, with a voice firm but laden with emotion, said to Nathan and Suzanne:

"Do not be swayed by Richard's words. He is a born manipulator, reveling in others' misfortune."

Suzanne swallowed hard, and Nathan noticed. Determined not to show weakness, he held her hand firmly.

At that moment, Quirrell burst in with a few men, forming a palpable threat. Immediately, Jarek's men spread out, aiming their weapons but staying in the shadows, ready to act.

Richard entered with a cynical smile and a gun in his hand.

"Well, well," he said, his voice was dripping with sarcasm, "finally all together here like one big happy family."

Nathan looked at him with clenched teeth, anger was burning within him.

"Stop playing games, Richard. We have no patience for this," he said, rolling his eyes. "You'd better turn yourself in to the police."

Richard let out a hostile laugh, his eyes gleaming with contained malice.

"I'm not going back to that place. I'm here to torment you for the rest of your life."

Nathan, with clenched fists and a heart pounding with fury, replied:

"I won't allow it. Tonight, I'll stop you for good."

Richard's gaze shifted to Jarek, his smile was pure mockery.

"Cunning old man, huh? I learned a lot in prison, things you can't even imagine."

Jarek kept his composure, his voice was cold and determined.

"Let's settle our differences once and for all."

"You wouldn't last thirty seconds," Richard looked at him with contempt. "You're a decrepit old man."

"Turn yourself in willingly, Richard," Nathan intervened, his voice firm and authoritative. "You have men surrounding the place."

"I know. But I have other men aiming at yours," Richard looked at him with a sinister expression. "One wrong move and I send them to the other world."

Nathan tensed upon hearing that, but Jarek, with a cynical smile, responded:

"You're just bluffing, Richard."

Richard's smile faded. His voice was a venomous whisper.

"I will never let you be happy. Someone will leave here in a body bag, and it will be you, Jarek Strong.”
The old man didn't flinch, and his confidence irritated Richard.

"As you wish, fool."

"You're a wretched old man, Jarek. I hate you and I'm going to wipe that damn smile off your face."

Suzanne felt her heart in her throat, and Richard looked at her with a cruel smile.

"This time I won't let you hit me on the head, Suzanne. If you make any move, I'll shoot you without hesitation, even if you're a woman."

Suzanne struggled to maintain her composure, but fear overwhelmed her. Sensing the imminent danger, Nathan stepped forward.

"Don't you dare touch her, Richard. This time you won't escape."

Feelings and thoughts intertwined in a tangle of emotions, each facing their own demons on that night filled with fatal decisions.

Nathan, enraged, stepped forward. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes, filled with a mix of anger and defiance, were fixed on Richard.

Without losing his composure, Richard raised his weapon and aimed it directly at Nathan.

"You're a fool, Nathan," Richard spat with a twisted smile. "You should have sided with me instead of that old man who hurt you so much as a child. I'm your father, you should do as I say."

"I'm not a child," Nathan hissed with disdain, his voice low but loaded with venom.

Richard's grip tightened on the gun, his eyes narrowing.

"You're still acting like one. Always defying me, always making the wrong choices."

Nathan's fury flared, but he kept his voice steady.

"The only wrong choice I ever made was not standing up to you sooner."

Richard laughed bitterly, shaking his head.

"You're so naive, Nathan. Do you think you can protect everyone? That you can save them from me?"

Nathan's eyes burned with determination.

"I don't think so. I know. This ends tonight, Richard."