Nathan saw the shock and disbelief written on Edward's face. The man stared back at him, searching for an answer, calculating his way out.
For the longest time, Nathan hadn't wanted to believe Edward was hurting his sister. But Frank's detailed accounts—and the ugly video he had just witnessed—had stripped away every doubt.
What stunned him even more was discovering that Edward had wrecked another family before… and that he preyed on young students, using them for fleeting pleasure.
If only I had seen it sooner. If only I had noticed all the signs. Nathan's fists trembled. He forced himself to calm down.
"Answer me, Edward," he said evenly.
"S–Silly," Edward scoffed, shaking his head with a laugh. "I love your sister. I could never hurt her."
"You! Are you behind this?" Edward suddenly jabbed a finger toward Frank, who had stayed silent.
Frank frowned. "Excuse me? Why would I?"
"You just want to steal Faith from me, right? That's why you're making all this up."
Frank tilted his head. "Why would I waste my time editing that crap? I don't make things up."
Edward stepped forward, grabbing Frank by the collar.
"Let go of me," Frank said coldly.
"Edward, please," Faith's voice cut in, distressed.
"This man is the one ruining our relationship, Mariely," Edward said, still holding Frank. "Why should I stop? You still love this bastard?"
"Yes! I still love him!" Mariely's voice was firm now. "Edward, we broke up a long time ago—after you hit me!"
Nathan's chest tightened. Finally, the truth—straight from his sister's mouth.
Edward gave a mocking laugh. "So I was just your rebound, huh? Your karma will catch up to you, Faith."
Frank stepped closer, his tone sharp. "Karma? You think you're the one to talk? Maybe it's you who's about to get what you deserve, you bastard."
Edward sneered. "Still acting all innocent, Faith? Guess what—you're just like the rest. You're dirty."
Nathan's eyes narrowed. "What did you just say to my sister?"
"I said your sister's a slut," Edward spat. "One man can't even satisfy her."
Nathan didn't hesitate—his fist connected with Edward's jaw. "Don't you ever talk to my sister like that."
Edward staggered, but before he could recover, Nathan's voice thundered again. "Did you think I wouldn't find out what you did to her? And you—" his voice cracked with fury, "—you even tried to get to my wife? You bastard! My family welcomed you and trusted you, and this is what you do to my sister? Say it to my face!"
Edward grinned through the blood on his lip. "Fine! You're right. Your sister's not worth my time. The only reason I stayed was to use her."
He chuckled darkly. "The funny thing? She gave me all her money. And your wife—hot as hell. I'd love to have her too. In fact, I want both of them."
"You bastard!" Nathan's punch landed again, harder this time.
"Brother, stop! Please, it's okay," Faith cried, pulling at his arm.
"Frank!" Nathan barked.
Nathan's eyes burned. "Get my sister away from here! And tell me the truth, Edward—are you molesting my child?"
Mariely gasped. "Edward… don't tell me you've been hurting the kids too? Xyrel included? That's why they're scared of you? You don't spare anyone, do you? You monster!" She slapped him hard. "Don't you dare touch my nieces and nephews!"
Edward shoved her violently, and for the first time, Nathan noticed the dark bruises scattered across her arms.
The memory of the photos Frank had sent him ignited something primal inside. But before Nathan could move, Frank's fist shot forward.
"Damn, I've been dying to punch you in the face," Frank said coldly. "I held back before, but now that I've seen with my own eyes what you've done to Faith, I'm done."
Edward's lip split. He stumbled, unable to speak under the rain of blows.
"I'll come back for you," Edward snarled between gasps, pointing at Faith. "I'll come back for all of you."
Frank stepped forward again, but Mariely grabbed his arm. "Frank, stop. Please, stop." Her voice trembled.
Before Edward could leave, Frank called after him, his voice low and deadly.
"Hey. One last warning—if you ever come back for Faith, or anyone she cares about, it won't just be punches you'll get. Don't make me your enemy, Edward. Disappear."
Edward's glare lingered before he stormed off, climbing into his car and speeding away.
Nathan held Faith tightly. "I'm so sorry, Faith. I'm so, so sorry."
She didn't answer—just wept in his arms. "I was so afraid you wouldn't believe me," she whispered.
"You're safe now. Did he threaten you before? Xavier told me a long time ago he was a bad man. I should've listened." Nathan's voice broke.
"I still can't believe he planned to molest my daughters—and even Nadia," Nathan muttered, shaking his head. "I was sheltering a snake in my own home."
He looked at Frank, who was still clenching the fist he had used to hit Edward. Nathan let out a long breath.
"Hey… It's late to say this, but thank you—for saving my sister. And for that gift you and Nadia gave us before," Nathan said sincerely.
Frank's lips curved into a knowing smile. "No problem. I'm just glad you made good use of it… and that I played a part in creating your little bundle of joy." He stepped toward them, brushing his hand along Mariely's waist, making her jump.
"So… can I take care of her now?" he asked, locking eyes with Nathan.
Nathan studied them both. He could see Frank wasn't the same man who used to toy with his sister.
"This is your last chance, Frank. Take care of her," Nathan said firmly.
"Of course. I'll spoil this woman with love—and everything else," Frank replied, brushing her hair aside.
Nathan exhaled. "What's the plan now? Are we reporting Edward to the police? He almost hurt the kids."
"And Nadia," Frank reminded.
"Yeah," Nathan muttered, nodding.
"Hey, is it over?" Andrew suddenly appeared.
"Yeah, it's done," Nathan said. "I owe you for protecting my sister back then."
"Well, I just didn't want Frank to lose it," Andrew replied, glancing at Frank.
"I'm glad our plan worked," another man added.
"Yeah. Thanks for helping us set this stage so he'd spit the truth right in our faces," Nathan said.
"By the way, you're all invited—we're celebrating Kaye's recovery. Come join us," Nathan offered.
"We will. I just need to pick up Veron," Andrew said.
"I'll catch up later," Clover added.
Nathan nodded, and the two men left, leaving him with Frank and Faith.
"What about you two? Plans?" Nathan asked.
"We're coming now," Frank answered.
"Yeah, whatever," Nathan muttered, walking away.
Mariely laughed softly at their exchange. Nathan headed straight for his car, feeling the weight of everything that had happened. He gripped the steering wheel, took a deep breath, and started the engine—Frank's car right behind him.