Chapter 763 Sacrifice
As Jotham aimed his weapon in Zobber’s direction and was ready to pull the trigger, a blur shot past him. Instinctively, he let go and dodged.
Before Jotham set foot on Florona, he had once been a reigning force and treaded a dark path. He was fierce in combat, every move lethal.
After the blur passed, Jotham regained composure and faced the situation calmly. But Branden’s prowess was overwhelming. Despite Jotham’s experience, he was no match.
After a few exchanges, Jotham found himself overpowered by Branden, who had a firm grip on his throat. A little more pressure, and Jotham would be meeting his maker.
Jotham was defeated, and his crew fell incapacitated by the combined force of Catherine and Zobber. All of them fell to the ground.
Branden exerted a bit more force, and it caused even a tough man like Jotham to wince in pain. Enduring the agony, Jotham glared back at Branden. “Your grandfather took me down back then, and today, it’s your turn. I thought the Duncans with your good-for-nothing dad would eventually fall. I didn’t expect you to be quite impressive. Come on. Enough talk. Let’s finish this.
After saying that, Jotham closed his eyes and was prepared for Branden to end it. The winner took all. That was the rule he knew in this life. Since he confronted Branden and lost, he had to accept it.
Seeing Branden subdue Jotham, Regan breathed a sigh of relief. But when Jotham conceded, and Branden prepared to strike, her heart raced up.
Her relationship with Jotham all these years was genuine. She knew Jotham’s feelings for her very well. She was grateful to have encountered Jotham again. Without him, she might not have been in this world.
Years ago, during her husband’s infidelity, Regan had spiraled into severe mental distress and contemplated ending it all. Then Jotham received word and returned. He proposed taking her away from Casier to Florona, where no one could find them, under the condition of never leaving. Without a second thought, Regan agreed, and Jotham abandoned his career to be with her.
Regan knew she could never repay this debt. Despite feeling ashamed in front of her son, she decided to try once more for Jotham’s sake. If Branden refused, she was willing to leave this world with Jotham. Just as Regan was about to speak up, the leader, who had initially departed, returned.
Catherine looked at the scheming leader coldly. When two parties fought with each other, he stood aside. With one party defeated and his interests at stake, the leader eagerly returned. His intentions were transparent on his face.
Despite the leader’s persuasion, Branden remained stoic and was seemingly unconcerned with his presence. This attitude made the leader uncomfortable. He had intended to be more forceful. However, after witnessing Branden’s capabilities, he quickly dismissed that idea. Some powerful individuals were best left unprovoked.
As the situation reached a stalemate, Regan stepped forward. She looked at Branden with her red eyes, and she hesitated before finally speaking. She said, “Branden…”
Branden stared at her expressionlessly and offered no response.
Regan, though hesitant, continued, Branden, I know I have no right, but please spare Jotham. I’ll make amends for his wrongdoings. If you release him now, I’m willing to sacrifice myself, even to die.”
Jotham was astonished. He’d always believed Regan didn’t care about him. He didn’t expect that she was willing to sacrifice herself for him.
Jotham looked at Regan excitedly with his red eyes and said with a trembling voice, “Regan…”
Branden sneered at the emotional interaction between the two, and his expression grew darker. Those familiar with him started trembling. They recognized it as a sign of Branden losing his temper.
Seeing the situation on the verge of spiraling out of control, Catherine, who had been silent, suddenly said, “Tide’s about to turn. Let’s go.”
Leaving Florona required precise knowledge of the tidal shift. Safety lay in departing just before the tide turned. Once the tide began rising, leaving became nearly impossible.
Branden, who was about to act, suddenly halted. He realized that the past held no significance. It was the present, the people in front of him, that he needed to cherish.
Branden pushed Jotham away, leaped off the pickup truck, and walked over to Catherine. Then he took her hand.
Witnessing the two prepare to leave, everyone promptly followed suit and was prepared to depart.
Regan rushed forward and helped Jotham up. “Are you okay?”
Despite his injuries, Jotham felt surprisingly good at that moment. He looked at Regan happily. “Regan, I never expected…”
Before he could finish, Regan interjected, “Jotham, wait for me.”
Assured that Jotham was relatively unharmed, Regan intended to catch up with Branden. Jotham gripped her wrist with fear in his eyes.
“Jotham, trust me!” Regan reassured him firmly. She just wanted to have a private conversation with Branden, not to leave.
Initially, Jotham worried that Regan wanted to leave due to his belief that she didn’t care about him enough. But now he realized her willingness to sacrifice herself for him. He was touched and believed he held a place in Regan’s heart. Jotham slowly released her hand and managed a faint smile. ” Regan, go ahead. I’ll be here waiting for you!”
Regan nodded and hurried toward Branden. She finally caught up just as Branden was about to board the ship. She called out, “Branden!”
As the voice sounded, everyone halted, but Branden didn’t turn back and kept moving. However, the next moment, Catherine pulled him back.
With one hand in her pocket, Catherine gazed coldly at Branden’s handsome face. “I’ve gone through a lot to arrive here with you. It can’t be for nothing.”
Catherine had endured the trials of reaching Florona and the ensuing turmoil. Now, if Branden acted stubbornly, her efforts would be in vain.
Hearing Catherine’s words, Branden frowned. Catherine saw his reluctance and urged once more, “Go on. I’ll be waiting for you on the ship.”
In his lifetime, Branden seldom heeded others’ advice, yet he followed Catherine’s command. This time was no exception. He had just harbored intentions of killing, but he heard Catherine’s words and spared Jotham.
After settling Catherine, Branden turned away and left the ship. He stood before Regan and waited for her to speak.
