Richard Paige: They Chose the Wrong Enemy

002: Marcus’ Sacrifice

The white Rolls-Royce rolled away from Sterling Horizon Group.

Neither man spoke yet.

Richard sat quietly in the back seat, staring out the street.

Marcus glanced at him through the rear-view mirror. "I'm sorry, man."

Richard gave a faint smile.

"You have nothing to apologize for. As long as I have my little bean, everything will be fine."

Marcus tightened his hands around the steering wheel. His expression quickly changed, his eyes locked onto the rear-view mirror.

"...Richard."

Richard immediately noticed the change in his voice.

"What is it?"

Marcus didn't answer right away. Instead, he pressed harder on the accelerator. A pair of bright headlights appeared behind them.

He spoke quietly.

"We've got company."

Richard turned to look through the back window.

Three black SUVs. They weren't trying to overtake immediately; they were following.

"They've been behind us since we left."

Marcus nodded.

"Seems so."

Richard's expression remained calm. "They're not here to talk."

"Certainly not."

One SUV suddenly sped forward, and it swerved across the road. Marcus hit the brakes.

The tires screamed.

Before either man could react… Two more SUVs blocked the road behind them.

They were trapped.

The doors of the SUVs flew open. Seven men stepped out, each wearing dark clothing, carrying a steel baton.

The first attacker charged.

Richard stepped aside; the baton sliced through empty air. He caught the man's wrist, twisted gently, and sent the weapon clattering across the road.

Marcus had already disarmed another attacker. The two friends moved without speaking.

Years of trust guided every step, one covered, the other advanced. Another attacker rushed toward Richard.

Richard blocked the swing and pushed him backward without wasting a movement. More men closed in.

Marcus laughed. "I almost forgot how stubborn you are."

Richard clicked his tongue.

"I've been called worse."

For a brief moment. It looked as though they might actually break through.

Then, a car door opened. A familiar pair of polished shoes stepped onto the road.

Daniel Thornton.

He adjusted his expensive suit and smiled as if he had arrived at a celebration.

"Amazing." He clapped slowly. "I expected you to struggle. I didn't expect you to embarrass seven grown men."

Richard looked at him without fear. "So this was your plan."

Daniel shrugged. "I prefer finishing unfinished business."

Marcus quietly moved closer to Richard.

Daniel noticed. "You really do inspire loyalty." His smile widened. "Unfortunately..."

"Loyalty doesn't stop bullets."

One of the attackers slowly raised a handgun. Marcus' eyes narrowed. Richard's gaze remained fixed on Daniel.

Daniel folded his arms.

"You've been wondering something ever since you left the banquet."

Richard said nothing.

"So let me answer it. You weren't only supposed to lose your position today. You were meant to lose your life."

Richard's eyes hardened. Daniel took another step forward.

"Do you know why?" He laughed softly. "Chairman Blake changed his will before he died. He left the largest share of his estate to you."

Thick silence crept in. Even the attackers glanced at one another.

Daniel smiled with cruel satisfaction. "My dear Victoria, Eleanor and I simply couldn't allow that."

Daniel looked at the armed men with a coded wink. Immediately, the men closed in.

Richard and Marcus stood shoulder to shoulder. Neither took a step back nor looked away.

And then the first gunshot shattered the silence…

The sharp crack echoed through the night.

"Richard!"

Marcus threw himself forward without a moment's hesitation. Richard was shoved backward.

Another shot rang out.

Marcus staggered. For a heartbeat, he remained standing. Then he slowly collapsed.

"Marcus!"

Richard caught him before he could hit the ground. He lowered his old friend onto the cold road.

"No..."

Marcus looked at him and managed a weak smile.

"I finally... pushed you farther than you pushed me."

Richard shook his head.

"Save your strength."

Marcus chuckled softly. "You've always been stubborn."

Richard gripped his hand tightly.

"We're leaving together."

Marcus slowly shook his head.

"No. The future… needs you."

Richard's jaw tightened.

Marcus took a slow breath.

"Promise me..."

"...you'll not let them win."

Richard didn't answer immediately. Then he nodded.

"I promise."

Marcus smiled as his eyes slowly closed. His hand slipped from Richard's.

A slow clap broke the silence. Daniel Thornton stepped forward with a satisfied smile.

"Touching. I almost feel sorry for you."

Richard slowly stood; his suit was torn. His face carried fresh bruises, but his eyes never lowered.

Daniel laughed. "Even now... You refuse to kneel."

Richard calmly replied, "I never will."

Daniel's smile disappeared.

"Hold him."

The remaining attackers rushed forward. Richard fought with everything he had left. He blocked one strike, escaped another. But exhaustion was catching up with him.

A heavy blow sent him to one knee; another followed. His vision blurred.

Daniel walked over until he was standing directly in front of Richard, then an extra thought slipped into his mind.

He slowly nodded and let out a cruel chuckle, then turned toward his men. Without saying a single word, he gave them a small wink.

The men immediately understood.

One quietly walked toward the back of an SUV; another opened the trunk.

Daniel adjusted his suit, then he took out his phone. The call connected almost instantly.

Victoria answered.

"Daniel?"

A satisfied smile spread across his face. "Congratulations."

A brief silence. Then he said calmly,

"Richard Paige won't be a problem anymore."

Victoria let out a relieved laugh.

"So… it's finally over."

Daniel glanced once toward Richard's motionless figure.

"Yes. It's over."

The call ended.

The convoy slowly drove away. Their headlights disappeared slowly from the cold streets of New York

Far away, a convoy of black luxury vehicles raced through the night. Inside the lead car sat an elderly man with silver hair. His fingers rested on the head of a wooden cane.

His phone suddenly rang. He answered immediately.

"Speak."

A tense voice came from the other end.

"Sir… we've found the location."

The old man's eyes narrowed.

"And?"

There was a painful pause.

"One man is shot dead."

The old man closed his eyes for a brief moment. "And Richard?"

"We… we're still searching."

The old man opened his eyes, filled with determination. "Search every inch of that road. I don't care how long it takes…"

"Bring my godson home!”