Chapter 337 Mary Ascends
Bryan was shot in the head; James could hardly believe it.
Mary's wild shot ricocheted off the doorframe, then the autopsy table, and finally hit Bryan in the back of the head.
It was a chaotic shot, impossible to predict or defend against, and it ended Bryan's killing spree.
Fate, indeed.
Watching the police carry Bryan's body away, James felt like he was in a dream. He sighed and sent a message to Raymond Clark and the others.
Bryan had been a major threat to the Sky Peak Club, especially after Neil's death. He was a thorn in Raymond and the others' side.
Now that the thorn was removed, Raymond and his crew felt a huge relief. They all came personally to verify Bryan's body.
Everyone confirmed it was Bryan, and they all remarked on how such a notorious figure met such an unceremonious end.
He had been a tyrant for most of his life, only to be killed by a bullet from Mary, a seemingly fragile woman. It was as if fate had a hand in it.
After making some calls, James held Mary, comforting her for accidentally killing someone and reassuring her that she had done a public service.
With his comforting words, Mary gradually calmed down and felt much better. The police then took her to give a statement.
James stayed behind to handle the aftermath of Bryan's death.
He and Raymond used Bryan's phone to track down and eliminate the last remnants of The Bennett, ensuring Rosewood City was safe from any further threats.
After a busy night, dawn broke. James didn't join Raymond and the others for a celebration; instead, he returned to JZL Medical Clinic to sleep.
He knew The Smith Family was in chaos, with Charles's branch suffering heavy losses. They would undoubtedly face some accountability.
However, until the Smith Clan intervened, The Smith Family wouldn't face any immediate consequences.
So, James didn't go to comfort Mary.
Still, he had Kaitlyn keep an eye on things and instructed her to call him if anything happened.
Back at JZL Medical Clinic, James washed up and was about to sleep when he heard a gentle knock on the door.
He opened it to find Samantha standing there.
"Samantha, what's up?"
Samantha looked down and replied softly, "Have you had breakfast? I made you some noodles."
Her voice was as soft as ever, but there was a hint of care in her tone.
James wanted to refuse, but seeing the hopeful look in Samantha's eyes, he smiled and said, "I am hungry, actually. Thank you, Samantha. You're very thoughtful."
Blushing, Samantha ran off to get the breakfast.
James walked to the dining room, and Samantha brought over a bowl of noodles with eggs, ham, and tomatoes. The broth was rich and appetizing.
James picked up a fork to start eating but then noticed something. He looked at Samantha and said, "Roll up your left sleeve."
Samantha hesitated, instinctively covering her left arm.
James's face turned stern. "Hurry up."
"Okay, okay!" Seeing James's stern look, Samantha quickly nodded and bit her lip as she rolled up her sleeve.
James saw several small blisters and some redness on Samantha's once smooth arm.
It was clearly a fresh burn from hot water.
James grabbed her arm. "Did this happen while you were cooking the noodles?"
Samantha replied, embarrassed, "Yes, I forgot to turn down the heat when I added the eggs."
She had rushed to make breakfast for James as quickly as possible.
"So clumsy." James couldn't help but scold her, then softened his tone. "Does it hurt?"
Samantha shook her head vigorously, then nodded, feeling a bit wronged under James's gaze.
She had been so focused on making sure James had something to eat that she hadn't felt the pain at the time.
James got up to fetch a special ointment. "Next time, take your time cooking."
Seeing James about to apply the ointment, Samantha trembled and tried to pull back, but a stern look from James made her stay still.
Samantha tried to protest, "You eat, I can apply it myself."
"What if you mess up again and leave a scar?" James didn't give Samantha a chance to argue. He carefully applied the ointment to the blisters, treating her arm as delicately as if he were handling a precious gem.
Watching James's serious and meticulous care, Samantha felt a mix of emotions. He was the first man to treat her so kindly.
"All done. Don't get it wet, and don't cook for the next couple of days. Just focus on identifying herbs."
James put the ointment away, washed his hands, and said to Samantha, "You're so clumsy. If you keep cooking, I'm worried you'll ruin your face."
"You're already not that pretty. If you get a scar, you'll never get married." James expressed his concern in his own way.
"Okay." Samantha nodded lightly, then muttered under her breath, "I am pretty."
The noodles were delicious. James finished them all, even the broth, feeling very satisfied. He thought Samantha's cooking was quite good.
"It's delicious." James complimented Samantha. "Make me another bowl when your arm heals. Now, go do your work. I'm going to sleep."
He even washed the dishes to prevent Samantha from getting her arm wet, then headed to his bedroom to sleep.
After a few steps, he felt a tug on his sleeve. Samantha's voice was as soft as ever. "You shouldn't sleep right after eating."
Samantha checked the time. "Can you wait half an hour?"
James stared at her. "Are you telling me what to do? Let go."
Samantha didn't respond, just blushed and looked down, staring at her toes while holding onto James's sleeve tightly.
She refused to let go.
Seeing her like this, James decided to tease her. "Fine. But let me kiss you first."
Samantha trembled, her face showing panic. Clearly, she had never experienced this before. She weakly replied, "You're being mean."
James didn't say anything, looking conflicted.
Samantha seemed very torn. After a long and short moment, she closed her eyes slightly.
"Then you can kiss me."
Samantha's straight nose, delicate features, and trembling eyelashes showed her nervousness and determination.
James was stunned.
He hadn't expected Samantha to care so much about him that she was willing to give up her first kiss to stop him from sleeping right after eating.
She was such a straightforward and naive girl.
James wanted to knock some sense into Samantha, to make her less naive, but seeing her pitiful look, his heart softened.
Just then, his phone vibrated. James took the opportunity to pat Samantha's head and stepped away, putting on his headset to answer the call.
Kaitlyn's excited voice came through. "James, great news, fantastic news."
"The Smith Clan has appointed Mary to take over TG Company and become the head of the Smith Clan's thirteenth branch."
"Next month, the entire Smith Family will move to Stardust City."