Chapter 378
Richard was already fuming when he learned Bernie had his eyes on Stephanie—and worse, was planning to interfere with her. His anger boiled over, and he lashed out with a vicious kick to Bernie's most vulnerable spot.
Bernie let out a strangled cry. His face twisted in agony as he clutched his groin and curled up on the ground. Everyone around them tensed, their hearts pounding at the sight.
“Mr. Casalini, calm down,” Bere gasped, his voice barely coherent through the pain.
But Richard was beyond reasoning. He kicked Bernie again and again—his stomach, his legs, and his groin—each blow fueled by his rage. “Enjoying hitting on women? You’ll never get a chance to do that again,” Richard snarled.
“No, please. I didn’t know she was your fiancée. If I had, I wouldn’t dare,” Bernie pleaded, his body slick with sweat from the pain.
Meanwhile, Theodore had been wheeled off the operating table and now lay in bed, his face still pale. Alessio and Cable were gone, and Richard had brought a strong team, but Sebastian had taken out two of his best men. The thought only fueled Richard’s anger, making his kicks land even harder.
Bernie groaned, sweat pouring down his face. Just as Richard was about to deliver a final, crushing blow, Theodore spoke up. “Hey, remember, he’s Bert’s brother.” Bernie and Bert might not have been close, but if something happened to Bernie, Bert would definitely react.
Richard’s anger reached its boiling point, and with one final, brutal kick, he left Bernie incapacitated. The air was filled with screams that were almost inhuman.
Theodore shook his head. “So that’s how it is,” he muttered. This move ensured Bernie would never again be a threat to women. The idea that Bernie had even considered making a move on Stephanie was absurd. She was someone Richard could only dream about now, and Bernie had actually thought he could get away with it? His mind must have been completely addled.
Richard wasn’t done yet. He ordered his men to give Bernie a thorough beating before handing him over to Bert.
Theodore watched Richard, who was clearly struggling to keep his cool. After a moment of hesitation, he blurted out, “Come on, be honest with me. Do you really have feelings for Stephanie!”
He thought back to how Richard had secretly gone to Long Harbor and spirited her away before. But this time, it seemed like there was no plan to kidnap Stephanie. In fact, involving her would only complicate things further. The issues between Richard and Sebastian were inevitable; they’d have to face each other sooner or later. But it would be better to handle things without dragging Stephanie into it.
“Why do I feel like every time you ask Sebastian for that stuff, you’re actually after a chance to see Stephanie?” Theodore pressed.
Richard had always claimed he wanted something specific, but it seemed like he was really just looking for Stephanie. For the past two years, Sebastian had been chasing Richard all over the world. Yet Richard had been keeping a close eye on Sebastian’s movements. Every time he heard that Sebastian had found Stephanie, he couldn’t resist rushing to Long Harbor. And this time, it was even more absurd—there was no need to involve Stephanie at all.
Richard lit a cigarette and took a long drag, staying silent.
Theodore continued, “You know she’s with Sebastian, right?”
Richard paused, his hand holding the cigarette trembling slightly. Right away, Theodore realized that Richard was all too aware of the situation. “So you know, but you still can’t let go?”
Richard took another drag of his cigarette and let out a cold, bitter chuckle. But he didn’t speak his mind.
“You can’t change what’s already happened,” Theodore said gently. “You know Stephanie always sides with Sebastian. To be blunt, they’re in love. You’re just—”
“Are they really in love?” Richard cut him off sharply, his voice cold and angry.
Theodore looked surprised. “Aren’t they?”
“Sebastian is just so shameless,” Richard fumed.
Theodore gave up and thought, ‘Alright, trying to make someone see sense when they’re this deluded is impossible.’ Not wanting to talk about Stephanie anymore—it was a topic they’d likely never agree on—Theodore changed the subject. “So, what do we do next? Bernie never had the item, and we’ve been tricked by Sebastian again.”
“And please, for the love of God, don’t mess with Stephanie when Sebastian’s around,” Theodore added, thinking of how sharp Stephanie was. This time, his leg had almost been injured. In his opinion, people shouldn’t tempt fate.