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32. Against All Odds
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-10 21:46:29
Bab terkait
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 33. Last Lifeline
The wind slammed into me from all sides, making every movement harder than it already was. The higher I climbed, the worse it got, the cold seeping into my clothes, into my bones. My grip tightened on the cold steel rungs, knuckles white against the metal. My calf burned, my arms ached, and my lungs felt tight from exertion, but I couldn't stop. The ground was a dizzying blur below, a mess of people, construction equipment, and media trucks that had started gathering. I blocked it all out. Focus. Just climb. The crane groaned in protest as if warning me to turn back. My hands were growing numb, but I forced them to keep moving, gripping tighter, step after step. I pressed my forehead against the steel for just a second, gathering my strength. The operator was somewhere above, trapped and probably terrified. No turning back now. No matter how little I cared about this guy personally, if he died, so did my future. It was too late to regret not sending Erwin instead. I kept going, pu
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-11Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 34. Grounded, but Victorious
The ride in the ambulance was filled with Erwin's relentless concern. "Sir, how are you feeling?" Erwin asked for what had to be the millionth time. I sighed. "I already said I'm fine, Erwin. Nothing happened to me, so don't look so concerned at a time like this. Just congratulate me." Erwin frowned, his worry evident. "If something like this happened again, you'd probably jump right in like you did tonight, wouldn't you?" "I'm not sure I can do something like this a second time," I joked. "I'll sleep on it." Erwin exhaled sharply. "Let me offer you some advice, sir. Not as a subordinate, but as someone who's lived longer than you. You shouldn't die young—at least not before me." I laughed, shaking my head. "Ha! That's a joke, right? I'm tough as rocks, Erwin. I'll never die." "That's good," he said, but his eyes told me he wasn't convinced. "Your mother and father will meet us at the hospital." I groaned. "Your job is still safe, Erwin. Even if they fire you, I can hire you
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-11Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 35. Breakneck Speed
I woke up the next day to see Jason sitting next to my bed. "Jason, why are you here?" I asked groggily. "I won rock-paper-scissors to see the crane hero first today," Jason grinned. "Those two assholes have to wait outside so we don't overwhelm you. The creep Damien was pissed. Wait! Don't move yet, I'll go call the doctor." "Where are my parents?" I asked, ignoring his offer. "They had some stuff to take care of in the next town over and told me to stay until you woke up," Jason smiled. "Anything you want to say?" I hesitated, but this was as good a chance as any to get something off my chest. "Have you ever been chased before? Like really chased? The kind where you know someone wants to hurt you, and the closer they get, the more you can feel it?" I asked. "That's what's happening right now. I have that feeling—on steroids." Jason's face scrunched up. "Oh? Is someone chasing you?" "The Roth gang," I muttered. "And since they can't get to me, they'll go after the people arou
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 36. Blood On The Porch
{TW: violence} The dining room was warm and cozy, filled with the rich aroma of my mom's cooking. The kind of atmosphere that usually made me relax. But Dad had other plans—specifically, finding a way to get me to leave. "Is it really okay for you to be out here with us?" he asked, his tone more pointed than casual. I leaned back in my chair, rolling my eyes. "Do you know how many times you've already asked me that?" I shot back. "I'm not going anywhere, no matter how subtle—or not so subtle—you are. What's the worry?" "Age only brings more worries, don't you know that by now?" Dad huffed, crossing his arms. "And knowing how busy you always are, how can I not?" "Oh, I'm so glad you're happy to see me too, Dad," I said, irritation clear in my voice. "You're lucky you've become my heir. Otherwise, I'd take your car away for this attitude." "I can't fucking drive anyway," I retorted. "You—" "Leigh! Stop it! Jack, stop being rude to your father!" Mom snapped, her voice cu
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 37. The Fall
{TW: violence, death} The dining room, once warm and filled with the scent of the maids cooking, was now a battlefield. Two of Pete's men had made it past the guards, and the sounds of destruction echoed through the house. Fists meeting flesh, furniture breaking, bones snapping—it was pure chaos. "There you are!" one of the intruders snarled, his voice dripping with venom. A scream tore through the room—my mother's. My blood ran cold. I sprinted in just as one of them lunged for her. There was no time to think, no hesitation. My hands were steady as I swung the axe, the blade sinking deep into his neck with a sickening crunch. Blood sprayed in an arc, splattering across the walls, the floor—me. His body crumpled, twitching, but I didn't stop. I wrenched the axe free and swung again, this time caving in his face. The thud of his body hitting the floor barely registered. I turned to my parents, my breathing harsh. My mother clung to my father, sobbing uncontrollably, her body
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 38. Guilt
The room was heavy with tension as the doctor Jason had called over finished stitching up my back and carefully wrapped my blistered, cut hands. The sting of antiseptic still lingered, but the worst part wasn't the pain—it was facing the reality of everything that had just happened. I could still feel the fight in my bones, the adrenaline slowly wearing off. Dad stood nearby, his expression filled with concern as he watched the doctor work. He couldn't seem to stop staring at me, his eyes full of something like fear and confusion. "Are you sure you don't need a hospital to run tests on you?" Dad asked, his voice tight with worry. "The cut on your back looks pretty deep." "I'll be fine," I replied firmly, though the pain was real, the tightness of the stitches pulling against my skin. It wasn't just my body that was battered; my mind felt broken too. But I had to keep going. "Actually, Dad, I have something to tell you." "My neck and shoulders hurt," Dad grumbled, cutting me off. "
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 39. Not Over Just Yet
The moment we entered the hotel room, Jason collapsed into the bathroom, throwing up everything he'd eaten since this morning. I stayed back, sitting on the edge of the bed, thinking about how the conversation with my dad went. The guilt in his eyes, the way he blamed himself for all the mess. I didn't even know he felt like that. Was me being around shocking them that much? I was still trying to make sense of the whole thing myself. But I guess the change was drastic enough. I wasn't weak little Jack Spencer at all. The room itself had that nostalgic throwback vibe to the 70s, with its mustard-yellow walls, shaggy carpet, and vintage furniture. It wasn't as extravagant as the places I used to stay, but it had a cozy, cool grandparent charm. The bed was neatly made, and the floral quilt had a retro feel to it. A lava lamp glowed on the bedside table, casting that soft, undulating light. This place hadn't changed one bit since the last time I was here hiding. "Don't like the room
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 40. Glad To Survive
The moment stretched unbearably as I prepared for the worst, gripping the knife tightly. Suddenly, another voice rang out from outside the room. "Luigi! We found a car with matching plates at the restaurant next door! He may have parked there and escaped!" The footsteps in the room stopped. The plates! I forgot about the plates! My panic gave way to sudden realization. Jason, you street-smart genius. You switched the plates with someone else's. That's why he was so calm earlier. I swore to myself right then: I'd never doubt him again. His intelligence sitting at 45% didn't mean shit! He was too clever to let things fall apart. "Really? Let's get them!" the leader ordered. The heavy footsteps stormed out of the room, disappearing down the hall as quickly as they had come. I didn't move. My heart was still pounding, and my grip on the knife hadn't loosened. What if one of them had stayed behind? I held my breath, counting the seconds. A gruff voice broke the silence, accompanied
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
Bab terbaru
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 88. Grandma’s Wig
I laid there, handcuffed to the hospital bed, with two detectives watching over me as the nurse finished wrapping up my wrist. She was friendly, but I was too anxious to fully engage with her. Three hours had passed since I arrived at the hospital, and just sitting there idle wasn't helping. "If you try some shit like that again, I'll kill you, kid," the lead detective snarled, glaring at me. "Is that a threat? I could sue for that, pig," I shot back, my voice steady but dripping with disdain. "It's a relief there's a hospital nearby with a low amount of patients," he scowled, launching into a rant about how reckless the youth of today were. "Don't you have a life to think about? I swear, you rich kids are so damn selfish." I tuned him out momentarily, my thoughts racing. The most important thing right now was my family's safety. Riley McIntyre was definitely going to go after my dad or my mom first. But as expected, I'd already calculated that possibility. I made a big fuss to ge
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 87. No Good Options
{TW: Self-Harm} The knock at the door was heavy and deliberate, a sound that told me this wasn't just a neighbor stopping by. When I opened it, I found two uniformed officers and a plainclothes detective staring back at me. "Jack Spencer?" the detective asked, his voice sharp. "Yes." "We need you to come down to the station for questioning. It's about the murder of Declan McIntyre," he said, watching me carefully. Behind me, Erwin froze, his grip tightening around his robe. "What the hell's going on?" he asked, his voice shaking. I turned and looked at Erwin firmly. "Stay calm. Lock the doors. No one in or out until you hear from me. Call Damien, Jason, and Jared to help me out," I said firmly. Erwin's face twisted in protest, but I was already being slapped in cuffs and led out of the house. The detective gestured toward his car, and I followed without another word. The ride to the station felt longer than it should have. Sitting in the back seat of the squad car, my pulse dr
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 86. Aunt Orla
[New Mission: Get A McIntyre On Your Side. Reward: Good Karma Penalty: Arrest] There the system goes with its impossible tasks again! How the hell was I supposed to do that? At least, that was what I was thinking an hour ago when I first received the mission. But because I was impulsive—and possibly an idiot—I ended up taking a car out myself, heading straight for the only person I could think of who hadn't come at me personally yet. My aunt. Women were more sympathetic in these kinds of situations so I should contact her first, right? Somehow I doubt it. I arrived at her office in one piece, which was more than I could say for the car I drove. "A few bumps" wasn't enough to describe the damage I'd done. The side mirror was barely hanging on, and the back bumper... well, technically, it was still attached. Barely. "You! You can't park there!" A guy in uniform shouted at me as I stepped out. "Is my aunt here?" I asked, trying to sound authoritative. "What? Your aunt? Why w
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 85. Buried Legacy
"How could you not know your own mother's background? I know mine so well I could tell you everything from her childhood up until now," Damien scolded me, his tone laced with disbelief. "Did she really not tell you she was a McIntyre?" "No, I'm absolutely clueless here," I admitted, feeling a bit ashamed. I'd never had much interest in my mom's side of the family, and now, that ignorance had come back to bite me. Apparently, the family that had disowned her was the McIntyres. Which meant I had killed my cousin... who, to be fair, had killed me first. Still pretty fucked up now that I think about it. "I looked at some of it quickly, and I can tell you right away she's from an influential family. You know McIntyre Corporations? The conglomerate? I'm sure you have, they used to have a stake in HUG." "Seriously? My mom is from that family?" I gasped. McIntyre Corp was a step below the elite, but still a top-selling brand, on par with Empire in certain aspects. "Yeah, they founded
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 84. The Real Culprit
"Wait!" I ordered before the cops could drag Ayla out completely. She froze, her tear-streaked face turning toward me. I stepped closer, studying the raw desperation clinging to her features. She wasn't playing anymore. There was no more fake composure, no more arrogant smirks. Just a stupid girl who realized too late that she'd lost. "Who gave you the courage to do this, Ayla?" I asked, my tone calm, almost casual. "It can't be your dad, or Hilliard, or even Debbie. Was it Eli Roth?" The second his name left my mouth, her expression snapped from fear to anger. "He's the one who told me the truth about you," she spat. "You're just a leech—" I raised a hand slightly, cutting her off. "I have something to ask you about him." That flicker of defiance wavered, and she shivered. "I don't know much about him," she murmured, the tremor in her voice betraying how deeply Eli had gotten under her skin. I studied her carefully. Ayla was spoiled and stupid—just clever enough to be dangero
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 83. Ayla’s Loss
{TW: violence} The ripping sound of fabric filled the air as two brutes tore my hoodie straight down the middle. My muscles tensed, and before they could react, I exploded into motion. The guy who had torn my hoodie barely had time to register what was happening before my fist crashed into his face. His head snapped back violently, his body staggering from the sheer force. The moment his grip loosened, I twisted, grabbing the second thug's arm and using his own weight against him. With a sharp pivot, I flipped him over my shoulder. His back hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of him with a wheezing gasp. I followed through, slamming my knee into his gut before rolling back onto my feet. My knuckles throbbed from the impact, but my adrenaline had me feeling completely in control. Just as I was about to make another move, the host at the entrance suddenly spoke, his tone mocking yet tense. "What, is there an issue?" The two thugs hesitated, clearly listening to orders th
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 82. Theatrics
I arrived at the Johnson Hotel in regular clothes—a hoodie and mismatched sweatpants. A strategic choice. If someone filmed tonight, I just wanted to look like a guy who wasn't into labels. It better be fucking worth it. These ugly-ass Crocs on my feet were pushing the limits of my patience. I'll be burning them right after this. The fifth floor was quieter than I expected. The restaurant looked only slightly busy, but something was off. I tried to walk idly past, but three different people made direct eye contact with me in a way that was too deliberate. This must be the place. "I believe there's a reservation under the name of Spears," I said casually. The host behind the podium looked like the type who never belonged in high-class places but somehow forced himself in. He had gold teeth that flashed when he smiled—too wide, too eager, too forced. "Good evening, Mr. Spencer." His voice had an edge to it. "She's waiting for you inside. Please, follow me." As we walked through
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 81. The Next Threat
I woke up on the couch, groggy and disoriented. It took forever to convince my mom and dad not to push me into a relationship after Damien had kissed me so passionately in front of them. Dad's justification? "If you're going to be gay, you should be gay with him." Mom, of course, had agreed wholeheartedly. Somehow, though, I managed to get them to promise to put off that conversation until graduation. [New Mission: Finish Off Your Rival Award: Secret Intel Penalty: Strength Depletion] Fuck my life. I couldn't afford to lose my strength right now, but I also couldn't just kill Ayla, right? ...Was that what the system was suggesting? Kill her? It's the easiest option. Or was it setting me up for failure again, just to scold me later? I should kill her. My phone rang loudly in my hand. "Hello?" I croaked. A sharp, demanding voice answered. "Make some time to talk to me tonight." I frowned, still groggy. "Who the fuck is this?" "You don't recognize my voice?" She sounded
Rebirth: What’s Left Of Me 80. New Years
Christmas went by quickly, and I used the opportunity to get some much-needed rest rather than hunting for presents. Still, Mom made me get up to take tacky Christmas photos in matching pajamas. And for once, I actually got presents that year. Not some random car part or whatever cheap junk my past parents picked up after blowing all the holiday money on drugs. It was a nice change. And zero mention of Debbie. Then came New Year's. For some reason, we had to go to Damien's house just because we were invited. My dad, of course, was very eager to go, even praising me for getting us all invited. When we arrived, we were greeted by the butler, who took all of our coats. "Hello, Leigh, Eva," Damien's dad greeted smoothly. "Thank you for inviting us," Mom said, her usual polite charm in full effect. "I had no choice at this point." Damien's dad chuckled, his voice smooth but amused. "My boy just likes yours so much, it would feel cruel to take a holiday without him." I went red. "
