Chapter 270: Let go… let go… Hoyts voice cracked.


    Despite being the illegitimate son, he had lived a life untouched by hardship.


    His mother, Nova, though controlling, had never disciplined him beyond a p.


    He had never tasted real painuntil now.


    Hoytshed out, his bravado crumbling.


    If you dont let go, youll regret it! His threat fell from his lips like a brittle shield, hoping to stave off the torment.


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than Ken casually reached for the baseball bat.


    Oh, really? Ken smirked, his tone as cool as winters edge.


    You must understand the cost of trespassing better than I do.


    Even if I put you six feet under, it wouldnt raise many eyebrows.


    He pressed the bat against Hoyts forehead with deliberate slowness, like a predator savoring the moment before the kill.


    Shall we see who blinks first? Hoyts chest tightened with fear, breath escaping him in shallow, uneven gasps.


    His body trembled violently.


    I… I didnt mean it, he stammered, barely holding onto hisposure.


    Kens reputation preceded hima man as wild as a storm at sea.


    You could never predict when he would capsize your world.


    And Hoyt, already drowning in fear, knew this was no idle threat.


    Desperate, Hoyt turned his eyes toward his mother.


    Mom, help me! His voice cracked like a childs cry for rescue.


    Novas face hardened at the sight of her son groveling.


    She knew Ken wouldnt cross the line, not in front of an audience.


    This was a show of dominance, not execution.


    Yet, she hadnt counted on Ken not only being on his feet but moving with the precision of a viper.


    It meant he had been hiding his strength all along.


    Ken, Nova began, her voice a calcted mix of regret and sadness.


    I know youve harbored resentment toward us.


    You hate me for stepping into your mothers ce, and for that, I owe you an apology.


    As a single mother with no one to rely on, we never shouldve entered your world.


    She leaned back against the wall, feigning frailty, her voice trembling with emotion.


    Tears brimmed in her eyes, casting her in a light of sorrow and remorse.


    But Hoyt is still your brother.


    Blood is thicker than water.


    If anyone deserves your anger, it should be me.


    Her words dripped with martyrdom, ying the part of the wronged yet noble stepmother.


    She appeared as though one more word from Ken would have her on her knees, begging for mercy.


    Kens gaze never wavered.


    Do you think I dont dare? Nova dared not speak.


    She realized Ken was being unreasonable and impervious.


    Nobody could change his mind.


    What will it take for you to let Hoyt go? she asked.


    That depends on what the one involved wants, Ken said, ncing at Allison.


    His eyes were as dark and unreadable as the depths of an abyss.


    After all, Hoyts offense wasnt against me, Ken said, pressing the bat harder against Hoyts forehead, leaving an angry red imprint.


    It was Allison he crossed.


    Violence and malice radiated from him like the heat off a fire.


    In that moment, Ken looked every bit the predator.


    Allison, on the other hand, appeared unfazed.


    Tilting her head with a soft, almost disarming smile, she seemed as harmless as a gentle breeze.


    Im always the forgiving type, she said, her tone as sweet as honey.


    Hoyt probably just needs a lesson.


    So why dont you teach him some manners, Mr.


    Lloyd? Allison thought Nova had an edge over most people.


    Novas fragile facade was her sharpest de, wielded with precision.


    Allison reflected on what Gordon had uncovered.


    Nova might have yed a role in the death of Kens mother.


    Kens eyes locked onto Allisons, his grip on the bat betraying his tension.


    His long, slender fingers curled tighter around the handle.


    As you wish, Ken said, his voice steady.


    Hoyt stood there in shock, shrinking under the weight of Kens words.


    Rage red in him, his disbelief boiling over.


    Youre really gonna hit me over a woman? If you dare, Ken, Father wont let this slide! His threats tumbled out in desperation.


    Just because your legs are healed doesnt mean you can go acting crazy.


    When Father hears about this Before Hoyt could finish, Kens bat connected with his side in one swift motion, cutting him off mid-sentence.


    Ahhh! Hoyt screamed, his voice torn with agony.


    His vision blurred as pain flooded his body, nearly driving him into unconsciousness.


    Not another word of protest escaped his lips.


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