Chapter 81

3rd person narrative:

Ethan walked back to the warehouse, feeling a weight of unease settle in his chest. He hated seeing Emily in such distress. As he entered the dimly lit space, the harsh sounds of Wayne's torment echoed off the walls. Christof, who was far too excited by the task, barely looked up when Ethan spoke.

"Don't kill him," Ethan commanded, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

Christof paused, giving Ethan an annoyed look. "What do you mean, 'don't kill him'?" The older man’s tone was filled with irritation.

"I promised Emily I wouldn't," Ethan explained, his eyes hardening as Christof scoffed.

"That girl," Christof muttered, shaking his head. "I’m starting not to like her."

Ethan’s stern gaze didn’t waver. "Listen, my boy," Christof continued, his voice taking on a more persuasive tone, "you don’t need that girl in your life. She’s going to bring you nothing but trouble."

Christof had long seen Emily as a threat to his business. Her influence on Ethan was ma