They had anticipated this outcome all along—Nolan was a madman. He had come here with murder in mind.
After the brutal display, Nolan casually wiped the blood from his hands on the shirt of a trembling man nearby. With an air of nonchalance, he returned to the sofa, sinking into it as if nothing had happened.
Fixing his gaze on Gregory, whose face was now a pallid mask of rage and despair, Nolan spoke in a tone as light as it was menacing.
"Now, are you ready to reconsider my proposal? I'm only giving you one chance. If you do as I say, you'll live—and so will the rest of your men. But if you refuse, everyone dies.
A dangerous glimmer danced in Nolan's eyes as he added softly, "To be honest, I wouldn't mind if you refused. It's been a while since I've indulged in a proper bloodbath."
Gregory drew a long, shaky breath, his eyes locked on Nolan. After a tense silence, he said, "Mr. Greene, your power must rival that of a grandmaster. But don't you feel such wanton slaughter disrupts the natural order?
"Mr. Greene, I'll admit it—I've lost today. But mark my words, this grudge won't be forgotten."
There was a bitter resignation in his tone as he gritted his teeth and continued, "You've won. I yield. But, Nolan, this isn't over. I'll find a way to settle this score."
Turning to leave, Gregory had barely taken a step when Nolan's voice, calm and cutting, stopped him cold.
"I don't care if you seek revenge—anytime, anywhere. But I'm in a foul mood today, and I don't take kindly to threats.
"Cut off one of your arms, and you can leave."
The room seemed to freeze. Gregory spun around, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Nolan, you've gone too far! If I'm forced to retaliate, you might win, but you'll pay dearly for it!"
Nolan's lips curled into a faint smirk, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper.
"Is that so? Then go ahead, try. But know this, you'll be the first to die."
Gregory's face shifted from pale to red, then back again, a volatile cocktail of shame and anger coursing through him. But he knew Nolan was right.
After witnessing his terrifying strength, Gregory realized there was no alternative, unless he wanted to die.
Taking another deep breath, his eyes glinting with malice, Gregory growled, "Bring me a knife."
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