Chapter 336: Death Wish
The group set off immediately. Meanwhile, inside the abandoned log factory, Hayden stared at his watch with amusement. “Only fifteen minutes left. Tsk, tsk.” His gaze shifted toward Madelyn, a playful glint in his eyes. “How are you feeling? Great?”
The woman was drenched and shivered uncontrollably. Her fingers were coated with hot wax, leaving her hands scalded and swollen—a ghastly sight. Countless whip marks were visible beneath her clothing. It was clear Hayden had subjected her to intense torment. She was in pain, yet she sneered. “You think you’re all that, huh?” she mocked, her lips ashen. “If you had the guts, you would’ve confronted me openly instead of resorting to underhanded tricks like kidnapping me. Your cowardice is embarrassing!”
“Oh? Still playing tough, aren’t you?” Hayden laughed. “I’ve never claimed to be a gentleman,” he commented, “but don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re perfect either. You dare claim you didn’t cheat when you fired those shots at my old man’s birthday party? Like I’d believe you! What right do cheaters like you have to humiliate me? I’m a highly esteemed major, for f*ck’s sake!”
Each mention of that humiliation fueled his uncontrollable anger. He believed becoming a major at such a young age should have been a source of pride for the Blume family. Yet, he was outdone by Josiah—a man universally considered useless. This was a bitter pill to swallow.
Madelyn laughed in disbelief. “Are you out of your mind? You’re not as skilled, but you just don’t want to admit it. You’re the most shameless person I’ve ever met. Everyone saw what happened that day. We didn’t tamper with anything. You asked to switch guns because you were worried about us cheating, and Josiah agreed. So, how could we have cheated?”
She added, “It’s one thing to be a sore loser, but to stoop so low as to kidnap someone! You’re despicable. I’m ashamed on behalf of Old Mr. Blume.”
“Say that again!” Hayden raged. “You bitch! I guess you haven’t suffered enough, huh? I was going to wait another ten minutes to see if a brat like Josiah had the guts to show up, but it looks like he won’t be able to rescue you today!”
Hayden signaled a nearby subordinate. “Bring me the knife,” he ordered, “I want this woman’s hands rendered useless. Let’s see if she dares run her mouth again!”
“Yes, Sir.” The subordinate approached with a knife, its sharp blade exuding a chilling intensity. Madelyn broke into a cold sweat. The torture she’d endured was painful enough, and now fear peaked. She silently vowed to make Hayden pay if her hands were harmed.
Two henchmen stood before her. One grasped her hand; the other raised a machete. Hayden watched with interest, relishing his vengeance. He was on cloud nine.
Startled, Madelyn gasped and shut her eyes. “Argh!” A piercing scream echoed. Madelyn trembled. “Don’t cut me, don’t cut me…” she pleaded. “Arghh!” Another cry rang out.
Something was off. It wasn’t her who screamed, nor did she feel pain. She opened her eyes. The two guards were on the ground, limbs twisted. Men in matching black uniforms and masks stormed in. Madelyn was stunned. Hayden was even more bewildered. “Who are you?” he yelled.
The only response was a swift kick. The leader was incredibly fast and strong, kicking Hayden across the room. “Get rid of all this garbage!” the unknown man raged.
“Yes, Sir!” The subordinates sprang into action. Hayden, undeterred, roared, “Get them!” His men charged. The two sides battled. Hayden watched, self-satisfied.
He’d handpicked his men from the military—skilled fighters. Anyone who picked a fight with him had a death wish! But his expression soon changed. All his henchmen were down within minutes! A man dragged Hayden to his knees before the leader. “Boss, this guy must be the head of this group.”
The masked man scoffed. “You had the gall to kidnap someone with such mediocre abilities?” Hayden was enraged. “Who the hell are you?” Madelyn wondered who the man was; his voice sounded familiar.
The unknown man chuckled and removed his mask. Madelyn’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was Phantom. “We’ve only been apart a little while, Madelyn. Do you really have to look at me with such lovesick eyes?”
Noticing her expression, Phantom laughed. Madelyn was taken aback. “W-What are you doing here?” “Of course I came to rescue you. Can’t you tell?” Phantom grinned. He signaled a subordinate to untie her.
Finally, he turned to Hayden. “You actually dared lay a finger on her. Pretty bold of you, huh?” he remarked, his voice chilling. “Who… who on earth are you?” Hayden was thrown off. The man’s aura was overpowering.
With a captivating, devilish laugh, Phantom answered, “You’re not worthy of knowing my name.” He asked, “Were you just about to chop off Madelyn’s hand?” Flustered, Hayden denied it.