The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow

Judson stood on the edge of the room, looking down at the man kneeling at his feet as though he were nothing more than an ant.

"Tie him up for me."

The words slipped out cold and effortless, devoid of any warmth. Hackett's eyes widened in terror, but before he could utter a word, he was hoisted off the ground like a ragdoll.

A wad of cloth was shoved into his mouth.

"Mmmph!!!"

Hackett wasn't the only one who sensed the looming danger; his cohorts, too, began to feel the urge to flee.

But before they could even take a step-

Bang-

A silenced bullet pierced through Hackett's knee.

"AAAAHHH!"

Cries of agony quickly filled the room.

"Shut up!" Judson's deep voice cut through the noise, carrying a chilling authority that demanded attention.

Those who were about to scream swallowed their cries.

Moments later, two towering men in black entered, standing respectfully behind Judson. "Mr. Buchanan, it's ready," one of them said.

Judson nodded curtly, his demeanor icy as he approached Nancy.

She was deeply asleep, undisturbed by the chaos around her.

With swift precision, Judson raised his gun and fired at the shackles, the metal clinking open. He gently cradled the unconscious Nancy in his arms, as if she were the most fragile treasure.

As Judson turned to leave, Hackett spat out the cloth, pleading desperately, "Mr. Green, please spare me! I'll leave Ardenwood immediately!"

He tried to scramble up from the floor, but a sharp, overwhelming scent of gasoline filled the air from outside.

Hackett froze, his breath caught in his throat.

"Mr. Green, I swear I won't dare try anything again, please, just let me go!"

Judson, with Nancy in his arms, paused at the doorway to look back at Hackett sprawled on the floor. "Save it for hell."

Hackett's eyes widened in horror, but before he could respond, click-

Judson tossed a lighter into the room.

The small flame met the gasoline, and a raging fire erupted instantaneously.

Hackett had no time to escape as the flames raced across the floor, devouring the wooden boards and beds alike...

The door slammed shut, sealing off the desperate screams within.

Outside, Michael looked at Judson, who had a stony expression on his face. "Judson, take her to the hospital. I'll handle things here."

Judson nodded, placing Nancy gently into the car. Just as he did, a sleek black car screeched to a halt beside them.

Baldrick stepped out, surveying the burning cabin, then turned to the nonchalant Michael before locking eyes with the impassive Judson.

Their gazes met, and Baldrick spoke with certainty, "Judson, you've regained your memory, haven't you?"

Ever since Judson had appeared at the negotiation meeting, with Neil bowing and scraping, Baldrick had suspected as much.

And he'd been right.

Judson's expression was stone-cold. "Nancy got hurt because of your mess. If anything happens to her,

Lumina Corporation will crumble." With that, he climbed into the car, slamming the door shut.

Baldrick rushed forward, only to be blocked by Michael.

"Move!" Baldrick's voice rose, eyes flashing with barely contained fury.