Chapter 16
Mike had come to understand Kyle’s true nature by now. This was no ordinary man. His medical skills alone, acknowledged even by the legendary Rupert, were enough to let him walk freely through halt the Thalarea with impunity. And Mike suspected that Kyle’s talents extended far beyond what they’d seen.
“Mr. Archer,” Mike began, “the Curtis family has fallen on hard times. Their mismanagement has left them on the verge of bankruptcy, with their assets being devoured by other business forces. Desperate to arold collapse, they’ve been forced to consider extreme measures ”
He continued, his tone somber. “The Russo family exploited this, pressuring Ms. Curtis to marry Mr. Russo under the threat of their family’s ruin. Faith had no choice but to agree, sacrificing her own happiness to save her family.”
Mike’s face darkened, “But Mr. Russo is a degenerate. He spends his days chasing women, drinking, and gambling. He’s violent and short–tempered, and it’s no surprise that Faith ended up in the hospital after he found out about her supposed betrayal,”
Hearing this, Kyle’s expression turned icy. He pieced it together quickly–Faith had come to see him, and somehow Peter had found out. Beaten and broken, Faith had still refused to give Kyle’s name, protecting him at the cost of her own safety.
Kyle’s jaw clenched, guilt swirling alongside fury. Eaith had endured all this for his sake, and now she lay in a hospital bed, barely able to move. He owed her a debt he intended to repay.
Whoever had hammed Faith–Peter and those who had egged him on–would face the consequences.
“Mr. Archer,” Mike offered carefully, “I can handle this for you if you’d like. The Russos are powerful, but we c can make sure the situation is resolved to your satisfaction.”
Mike wasn’t just offering out of re
coffering out of respect for Kyle’s skills–this was also a bid to secure Kyle’s goodwill. A man like Kyle could be a formidable ally.
But Kyle’s voice was firm and cold. “Mike, just find out where Peter is. That’s all I need from you.”
Seeing the steel in Kyle’s eyes, Mike nodded. “Understood. I’ll handle it immediately.”
As Mike left to make the necessary arrangements, Kyle made his way to Faith’s hospital ward.
Inside the ward, Faith’s parents were at her bedside. Faith lay pale and still, her body covered in bruises and bandages. Every movement sent sharp waves of pain through her battered frame, making it nearly impossible for her to even lift a finger.
Maria, sat by her side, weeping quietly. She was heartbroken, but there was little she could do. Meanwhile, her father, Anthony Curtis, paced the ward angrily, his hands clasped behind his back
“Faith,” Anthony barked, “I just got off the phone with the Russos. They said you’ve been sneaking around with someone behind Peter’s back. Who was it? What were you thinking?”
Faith turned her face away, biting her lip to hold back her tears. They fell silently, streaming down her bruised cheeks.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Anthony continued, his voice growing louder. “You’ve not only embarrassed yourself–you’ve disgraced this family. Do you want to see us lose everything? Do you want to see your parents out on the street?”
Maria tried to intervene, her voice trembling. “Anthony, please, stop. She’s been fluough enough–look at her! She’s already paying the price.”
Anthony whirled around. “Paying the price? She’s the reason we’re in this mess! If she hadn’t gone off and embarrassed the Russos, we wouldn’t be in this situation. Now, Faith, answer me who was it? Who’s the man you were sneaking around with?”
Faith’s silence only fueled his anger. He slammed his fist against the wall, shouting, “You’re protecting him, aren’t you? The man you’re shielding isn’t here for you, is he? He’s probably hiding like the coward he is while you sutter for him.”
no words came out
k, but no
Faith trembled, her tears falling faster. Her lips parted as if to speak,
At that moment, a cold, menacing voice cut through the tension in the ward
“The man you’re looking for is me.”
Anthony and Maria tumed toward the doorway, startled. Kyle stood there, his expression ley, his gaze locked on Faith’s tather.
“And who the hell are you?” Anthony demanded, lus voice tinged with both confusion and anger.
Kyle stepped into the ward, his tone low and sharp. “The one who’s here to make sure she doesn’t suffer for your cowardice anymore.” Faith’s eyes widened, and for the first time since her beating, a flicker of light returned to them.
