The Last Bloodline; The Tale of the Master’s Revenge

CHAPTER 012

Marcus didn’t move for a long moment. The night breeze brushed past him, but his mind was trapped inside the echo of the pendant’s warning.

Lost my heart of humanity.

Become the villain.

He swallowed hard.

Evelyn stepped closer. “Marcus, you’re scaring me. What’s going on with you?”

Before he could answer, the ballroom doors swung open sharply. Victor stepped out, followed by two security officers.

“Marcus!” Victor called. “We need to talk.”

Evelyn straightened but didn’t leave his side.

Victor approached with urgency. “The security team checked the chandelier mount. That hook didn’t break on its own. Someone tampered with it.”

Marcus tensed. “You’re saying it was intentional?”

“Yes,” Victor said quietly. “Somebody wanted Melissa dead.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened. “Why would anyone want to kill her?”

Victor’s jaw tightened. “Because she filed a major complaint against Sterling Corporation last week. It… threatened some powerful business partners.”

Marcus stiffened. “She didn’t tell me that.”

Victor sighed. “She wouldn’t. She’s stubborn. Just like you.”

One of the guards leaned forward. “Sir, we found tool marks on the hook. Someone filed it halfway.”

Marcus felt his blood run cold. “Meaning the chandelier didn’t fall early.”

The guard nodded. “It fell exactly when it was meant to.”

Evelyn gasped. “Timed… to the music drop.”

Victor turned to Marcus. “Whoever did this is still inside.”

Marcus stepped away from the wall. “Then let’s find them.”

But Victor shook his head sharply. “No. You’re injured, and whoever this is—they’re not small players. Leave this to security.”

Marcus clenched his jaw. “That almost killed her. I’m not walking away.”

Before Victor could respond, the ballroom doors burst open again—Melissa stumbled out, tears streaking down her cheeks, her dress torn at the shoulder.

“Marcus!” she cried, running toward him. “I need—”

But she didn’t finish, because a figure in a black suit rushed out behind her, grabbing her wrist.

Marcus’s eyes sharpened instantly.

“Let go of her,” he said coldly.

The man froze, his face shadowed by the dim lights. “Step aside.”

Victor barked, “Who are you? Release her!”

The man hissed, “Stay out of this, old man,” and tightened his grip.

Melissa winced. “Marcus—!”

In a flash, Marcus crossed the distance, grabbing the attacker’s arm and twisting it behind his back. The man grunted, stumbling forward.

“You picked the wrong person tonight,” Marcus growled.

The man tried to elbow him, but Marcus blocked it and slammed him against the wall.

Evelyn covered her mouth. Victor stared in disbelief at Marcus’s speed.

The attacker spat, “You should’ve stayed broken, Marcus. She was meant to fall. You ruined everything.”

Marcus’s chest tightened. “Who sent you?”

The man smirked. “Ask your wife. Oh wait—she traded you for someone richer.”

Melissa flinched. “Marcus, I—”

Marcus shoved the man harder. “Answer me.”

But suddenly the man’s body jerked—his eyes rolled back—and he collapsed to the floor, foam forming around his mouth.

Evelyn gasped. “Is he—”

Victor knelt beside him. “Poison capsule. He bit it.”

Marcus stood frozen, staring at the lifeless body.

Someone powerful wanted Melissa dead enough to send men who’d rather die than talk.

Melissa hugged herself tightly. “Marcus… I didn’t know. I swear I didn’t—”

“Save it,” Marcus said quietly. “We’re not doing this right now.”

She opened her mouth, but Evelyn stepped between them.

“You need to rest,” Evelyn insisted. “All of this is too much.”

But Victor looked at Marcus with a deeper understanding. “No. The boy has questions that need answers.”

He turned to Melissa. “Who have you angered, child?”

Melissa wiped her eyes shakily. “I only reported irregularities. Funds disappearing. Illegal transactions. I didn’t know they’d take it this far.”

Marcus stared at her, searching for truth. “Does the name Ryker Investments mean anything to you?”

Melissa’s face drained of color. “How do you—”

“That’s who Victor cut ties with last year,” Evelyn whispered. “They threatened to bankrupt him.”

Victor gripped his cane tightly. “They’re the ones whose deal Melissa blocked. Dangerous people.”

Marcus’s eyes darkened. “They tried to kill you because you exposed them.”

Melissa trembled. “Marcus… I’m sorry. I didn’t know who else to turn to. You were the last person I thought would ever help me.”

He didn’t respond.

Because he didn’t know what to say.

The pendant pulsed once—so faint he almost missed it.

New mission uploading… Target: Marcus.

His heart stopped.

What?

Evelyn noticed his expression. “Marcus? What’s happening?”

He didn’t answer. He couldn’t.

He was staring at the words flashing in his mind.

Mission: Protect yourself.

Threat Level: Red.

Ryker Investments has issued a kill order… on you.

Marcus inhaled sharply.

Victor misread the look on his face. “What is it? Did you remember something?”

Marcus lifted his eyes slowly.

“No,” he said quietly. “But everything just changed.”

Evelyn stepped closer. “Marcus—”

He turned to Melissa, his voice controlled but heavy.

“They aren’t just after you anymore. They’re coming for me.”

Melissa’s breath hitched. “Because you saved me?”

He nodded once.

Evelyn whispered, “Then we need to leave. Now.”

But Victor stepped forward, his voice steady.

“No. We’re not running. If Ryker wants war… then they just picked a fight with the wrong family.”