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The punch left Richard dazed, and Nathan took advantage to land another blow, this time to the nose, causing Richard to fall to the ground and start bleeding.

Richard looked at him with deep aversion, surprised by his son’s strength and determination. He was at a disadvantage, as the years in prison had weakened him.

“I didn’t expect this from you, Nathan,” Richard growled, struggling to get up. “But even so, you’re nothing but a brat.”

Nathan didn’t let Richard’s words affect him. His mind was focused on one thing: ending this nightmare.

“I’ve learned a lot over the years, Father,” Nathan said firmly. “And I’m not going to let you keep ruining our lives.”

Richard lunged at Nathan, but he was ready. With agility that surprised his progenitor, Nathan dodged the attack and landed another punch to Richard’s stomach.

Richard fell to his knees, gasping.

“Where are Suzanne and the kids?” Nathan demanded, his voice was filled with desperation and fury.

“You’ll never find them,” Richard spat through gritted teeth, a twisted smile on his face. “They’re out of your reach. One move from my hand, and my men will send you to a better life, bastard.”

Nathan felt a surge of rage. He grabbed Richard by the collar, lifting him with difficulty.

“Tell me where they are,” he hissed. “Or I swear you won’t leave here alive.”

Richard let out a weak laugh, but there was a spark of fear in his eyes.

“You’re not a killer, Nathan,” he said through clenched teeth. “You don’t have the guts to do it.”

Nathan looked at him steadily, the hatred inside him burning like molten lava.

“I don’t need to kill you to win,” he said, his voice trembling but resolute. “I just need to find them. And believe me, I will.”

“You won’t get far,” Richard spat, blood dripping from his mouth. “My men will catch you and crush you.”

“I’ve got nothing to lose by trying,” Nathan said with determination, tired of letting this criminal get away with everything. “I’m going to get my wife and my babies back… and you’ll go back to prison.”

Richard began laughing like a maniac, seemingly out of his mind. Even his eyes shone in a way that gave Nathan chills.

“I’ll never let you be happy,” he said with a sardonic smile. “I couldn’t be, and neither will you... Don’t forget that I have more power than you, brat!”

“I don’t give a damn about the power you have!” Nathan shouted, fed up with his father’s threats. “You’re finished, Father. I’ll expose all the dirt you’re carrying and you’ll pay for the crimes you committed.”

“I’ll kill them all, your grandfather, your little wife… even those bastards you call your children,” Richard said with pure malice, making Nathan’s stomach churn.

“You wouldn’t…”

“Oh, yes I would,” Richard assured with a smile. “I’ll do that and much more… I’ll even let you go free right now.”

Nathan narrowed his eyes suspiciously, telling himself it must be a trap.

“What are you saying, bastard?”

Richard laughed mockingly.

“I’ll let you and your entire family go free,” he smiled wider at Nathan’s confusion. “You just have to stay away from Suzanne forever, and I promise I won’t bother her again.”

“Never!” Nathan exclaimed, incredulous.

“Then I’ll get rid of her and your babies!” Richard shouted angrily, making Nathan’s body tremble with rage and anguish. “You already know what I’m capable of, don’t make me commit an atrocious madness, Nathan.”

The knot in his throat was unbearable. He had to decide between protecting his family for the rest of his life or staying away from them for their own good.

Anyway, what guaranteed that Richard Quirrell would keep his promise not to harm Suzanne and leave her alone if Nathan gave her up?

He had to make a decision… time was running out.

With one last punch, Nathan left Richard unconscious on the floor. He looked around, searching for any clue that could lead him to Suzanne and his children.

He knew time was against him, but he also knew he wouldn’t stop until he found them and put an end to Richard’s threat once and for all.

Nathan pulled out his gun and shot Richard’s guards, wounding some and killing others.

The echo of the shots resounded through the house, and Nathan felt a shiver run down his spine as he frantically searched for Suzanne and his children.

He checked every room, every dark corner, but they weren’t there.

“Suzanne!” he shouted desperately. “Kids!”

His voice echoed through the empty house. He ran back to where he had left Richard, but he was gone.

Nathan was on high alert, looking everywhere with his gun in hand, his senses sharpened by the tension.

Suddenly, a dark figure behind him tried to snatch the gun. Nathan turned quickly, resisting.

Richard, with blood on his nose and still somewhat dazed, looked at him furiously.

“Your wife and children aren’t here,” he said hoarsely. “They’re with your grandfather.”

Nathan felt a mix of surprise and fear. Richard noticed the change in his expression and smiled maliciously.

“The only way to stay safe is away from old Strong,” Richard continued. “At least I’m bad to your face. But Jarek… he disguises himself as a sheep and is actually a ravenous wolf.”

Nathan swallowed hard, trying to stay calm.

“I don’t believe you,” he said, his voice trembling. “I’m sure you’re lying. There’s an explanation for everything, and being locked up… proves nothing.”

Richard laughed, a bitter sound that echoed in Nathan’s ears.

“Your grandfather wants to keep your family,” he said, his voice filled with venom.

“Suzanne would never agree to that,” Nathan roared.

“Nothing is impossible for Jarek,” Richard responded with a sinister smile. “And to show you that I’m not the villain you’ve been told, I’m going to let you go unharmed. But you must leave Suzanne and the babies. If you don’t, I’ll find them and kill them right in front of your eyes, just like I did with Natalia and Jeremy.”

“Only my mom is still alive, you damned son of a bitch,” Nathan thought, feeling trapped between a rock and a hard place.

Fear gripped his chest and his mouth went dry. He had gone through so much to get Suzanne back, and now he had to leave her to keep her safe.

“I can’t…” he murmured, feeling panic taking over him.
His breathing became fast and shallow, and the world around him began to spin. He felt like he was going to lose control.

“What are you going to do, Nathan?” Richard insisted, moving dangerously close. “Will you surrender? Or will you face your destiny?”

Nathan struggled to breathe, his vision blurring as the reality of his situation became clearer. He couldn’t let Richard win, but the fear of Jarek paralyzed him.

Finally, with monumental effort, he looked up at Richard, his eyes filled with determination and desperation.

“I’ll find a way,” he said with a trembling but firm voice. “I won’t let you or Jarek destroy my family.”

Richard smiled, satisfied with the internal struggle he saw in Nathan.

“Good luck, Nathan. You’ll need it.”

Nathan slowly backed away, still pointing his gun at Richard.

He knew the real battle was just beginning and that he would have to face not only Richard but also his own grandfather.

He left the house, his mind racing, trying to find a plan to save Suzanne and his children without sacrificing his own life in the process.