No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 758

"Dustin, I get what you're after, but let's cut to the chase—my answer is a flat no," I stated upfront, sparing us both the unnecessary banter.

"Felicia, you can't win against the Clark family," Dustin's tone was a mix of persuasion and intimidation.

But after all I've been through, intimidation was the last thing to work on me. I offered him a faint smile, "But I want to give it a shot. Who knows, I might just pull it off."

"Like a moth to a flame, you do realize that, right?" Dustin mocked my audacity.

I pursed my lips, "Do you know what makes humans greater than any other animal, Dustin? It's the courage—the courage to stand up, to try, to break through."

Seeing my resolve, Dustin fell silent for a moment before he finally spoke, "If you want Ernest to be safe, hand over what they want. Take the money and live the life you wish for. Isn't that a good deal?"

His willingness to negotiate showed he had let go of his obsession over me.

Yet, I knew better than to follow his path, as it would only lead Ernest and me to a worse fate.

"Dustin expects me to just survive?" I shook my head lightly, "My parents taught me to live with integrity, to walk the earth without shame so I can sleep peacefully and eat well."

Gazing towards the sky not far away, I continued, "If I lived as you suggest, I'd be too ashamed to face my parents even in death."

Dustin nodded slightly, acknowledging my stance, "Well, if that's how you feel, so be it. But remember, you're only safe now because the Clark family respects my word."

"Dustin's word is quite valuable, then," I couldn't help but lay the sarcasm thick.

His expression stiffened, "Since you're set on this path, there's nothing more for me to say."

He turned to leave, but thinking of Ernest's predicament, I couldn't help but add, "If anything happens to Ernest, we'll both be attending his funeral."

He paused, then continued on his way without looking back.

I sighed heavily, my worries for Ernest growing, alongside my longing for him.