Chapter 7 Accept It Or Refuse And Die

• Oliver’s eyes swept the room. Luke’s guards stood like an iron wall, their faces set and merciless. Several had pistols aimed squarely at him; others cracked their knuckles, eager for a fight.
• Oliver let out a short, sharp chuckle. “Do I look like I give a damn about your guards or your threats?”
• Luke’s grin widened. “Then go on—hit me. Tonight will be your last night on earth.”
• Zora’s head shook almost imperceptibly, dread pooling in her stomach. She knew what Luke’s wrath could do.
• “To save us both some time,” Oliver said, his gaze locked on Luke’s eyes, “I suggest you let Zora go.”
• “Teenagers like you,” Luke said with a laugh, “are all talk. Come on—show me what you’ve got.”
• He pulled Zora closer, his hand sliding brazenly from her thigh to her backside.
• “You punk!” Oliver roared, lunging forward. But before he could reach Luke, three guards seized him, wrenching his arms back. He struggled with every ounce of strength, but their grip was like steel.
• Zora’s heart clenched. “Let him go! Don’t hurt him. You’re here for me—take your anger out on me instead!” she cried, tears streaking her cheeks.
• “You better stay out of this, Zora,” Oliver shot back.
• Luke shoved her onto the sofa and stalked toward Oliver. Without warning, he drove a fist into Oliver’s stomach. The air left Oliver’s lungs in a sharp groan. Another punch followed, harder this time.
• “You didn’t think about whose territory you’re in, did you?” Luke barked, his eyes blazing. “You dare challenge me here?”
• A third blow cracked against Oliver’s face, blood spilling from his lip.
• “Come on,” Luke taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. “Show me the skills of a teenage son-in-law.” He punctuated the words with a sharp slap.
• Oliver swayed on his feet, weak from the hits. Luke’s hand shot to his throat, fingers clamping down until Oliver’s vision blurred. The older man’s grin returned as he took in Oliver’s battered face.
• “You bastard,” Oliver rasped, his voice faint, “you should’ve made this a man-to-man challenge—not dragged her into it.”
• Zora rushed forward. “Let him go! Just leave Oliver out of this!”
• “No. You’re the one who needs to stay out of this.”
• Luke shoved her back onto the sofa once more.
• ---
• At the grand Thale estate, Charlie sat in his high-backed leather chair, flipping leisurely through a glossy magazine. The phone beside him rang, and he answered.
• “Mr. Charlie,” the caller said urgently, “your great-grandson is in a precarious situation.”
• Charlie’s brows knit in an instant. “Who dares touch a member of the Thales?”
• “Luke Walker of the C Group,” the voice replied. “His master is Alexander Grey. He holds full control over the C Group.”
• Charlie’s expression shifted from outrage to calculation. He stroked his white beard, settling back into his seat.
• “I’ll get back to you shortly, Michael.”
• He ended the call, a slow chuckle rumbling from his chest.
• “This might be the only way to bring you back to our side, Oliver. Thank you, Luke Walker,” he murmured, dialing another number.
• Oliver remained in Luke’s custody, restrained and battered. Luke tugged at his waistband, smirking.
• “I would’ve preferred if you stayed to watch me take Zora,” he sneered. “But no—you’re nothing but a liability to me.”
• He turned to his men. “Take him away. Give him the most interesting torture you can think of. Beat him mercilessly.”
• The guards bowed in acknowledgment, hauling Oliver toward the door.
• “You’ll regret this, Luke!” Oliver shouted over his shoulder. “Mark my words!”
• Luke turned his gaze to Zora, who sat huddled, arms wrapped around herself as if to shield her body.
• “You don’t have to be shy, Zora,” he said with a low chuckle. “That useless husband of yours is gone now. It’s just the two of us.”
• Somewhere in the shadows of the club, Oliver gasped for breath, his body wracked with pain. Blood streaked his face, his clothes torn, bruises already darkening his skin. Still, he wouldn’t give up—not on Zora.
• He struggled to push himself upright when his phone buzzed. The number was unfamiliar.
• “You still have time, Oliver,” the voice on the line said. “Accept the offer, and you’ll be free from this torture. It’s your last hope. The only way to save yourself—and Zora.”