Chapter 1002: Terms of Exchange
Should Kevin agree to Jasper’s proposal? Kevin hesitated. If he agreed, not only would an impending catastrophe be averted, but he would also gain the backing of a powerful faction. Neither Quentin nor Oliver would dare offend him again, and he could protect Audrey. Audrey had always been hesitant about their relationship, largely because she saw him as just a student without the means to ensure her safety. But if he could prove capable of warding off Oliver, would Audrey still refuse him?
Kevin envisioned himself storming Sunset Valley High School with countless followers. Imagined Quentin and Oliver groveling while Audrey looked at him with admiration. The thought of Audrey becoming irreversibly devoted to him was tempting.
The idea of having the city’s most beautiful women at his disposal was also enticing. Women like Daisy, who had always been out of his reach, would now be within his grasp. Jasper’s promise was undoubtedly grounded in confidence.
However, the sacrifice was Natalie. Joining Jasper’s ranks would likely mean Natalie’s silent disappearance. Jasper would find new women, and if Kevin hardened his heart, everything might turn out well.
But recalling Natalie’s earlier defense of him, Kevin felt deep shame. He couldn’t measure up to a woman’s loyalty. Natalie could have claimed she was coerced and, thanks to her acting prowess, fooled Jasper and his men. Jasper would probably have gone along with it, needing just an excuse to smooth things over. Yet Natalie had risked herself to protect him.
Kevin glanced back at Natalie. She looked at him with a heart-wrenching expression, her eyes full of calm trust. She believed he would protect and not betray her. Could he let her down?
"I can agree, but I want Natalie to be mine," Kevin said deliberately. This way, he could protect both himself and Natalie. Would Jasper agree?
The air grew thick with tension. Finally, Jasper laughed uproariously. "I knew I hadn’t misjudged you. Your audacity is remarkable, to dare ask for my woman. The last person who requested such a thing was fed to the dogs. How do you wish to die?" He glared at Kevin, exuding such authority that it seemed he might strike at any moment.
Kevin unwaveringly met Jasper’s gaze. He didn’t want to die, but he also wouldn’t let Natalie be a casualty in his place. "Come at me," he said resolutely.
"Kevin… why are you doing this?" Natalie’s heart trembled. Kevin was risking a great opportunity and provoking Jasper to plead for her. In the treacherous world they were in, Kevin’s actions seemed naive and foolish, yet she couldn’t help but be moved to tears.
Jasper stepped closer to Kevin, scrutinizing him intensely. "Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll give you a chance. Find Jerome within three months, and I’ll let Natalie go with you. Otherwise, you must obey me, and Natalie will die."
Jerome, the strategist of a rival leader Jasper had once defeated, had vanished but was rumored to be plotting revenge. Jerome’s craftiness made him a ghost impossible to track, leaving Jasper in constant unease.
The terms seemed fair. Kevin nodded in agreement. Without another glance at Natalie, Jasper turned and left the room. Tearfully, Natalie said, "Kevin, you’re so foolish. Aren’t you afraid he’ll really kill you?"
Kevin shook his head. "I’m a man. You’re a woman. It’s my responsibility to protect you. You are my woman."
Kevin’s resolute declaration made Natalie weep. Throughout her life, many men had been enamored by her beauty, fought over her, but never had one been willing to sacrifice his life for her. In this moment, she knew Kevin was the man she'd waited for, the one to whom she could entrust her entire being.
"Don’t worry, Kevin. I’ve saved enough money for us to live comfortably for the rest of our lives," Natalie reassured him. She doubted Kevin could complete Jasper’s task; Jerome was too elusive. "Let me make some preparations, and we’ll leave the city."
Kevin shook his head. Natalie was too naive. Jasper wouldn’t let them leave without a strategy to control them. Likely, Jasper's men were already watching nearby. Besides, Kevin had his mother, Bethany, to consider. He couldn’t abandon her. Running away compromised too much, including his relationship with Audrey.
Natalie soon realized her naivety. Jasper wasn’t an easy man to fool. They had no choice but to locate Jerome.
"Can you describe Jerome’s appearance? His height, features?" Kevin thought of asking Laura’s mother and perhaps Daisy to help. Their resources were more extensive than his own.
"Jerome is cautious, rarely showing his face. Even when he does, he wears a mask. During the last great conflict, those who saw him either died or he silenced them," Natalie sighed.
Kevin felt disheartened. This was akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Yet he remained optimistic. "Don’t worry. We have three months. If I survived Jasper today, I believe we can overcome this."
Natalie nodded, deeply moved. "Kevin, no matter what happens, we’ll face this together. We’ll never be apart again."
Kevin held her, gently patting her shoulder. "What should we do now?" he asked.
Natalie looked at Kevin, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "How about we finish what we started earlier? I’ve only come twice; I need one more,” she teased.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
