My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash Calicraft) novel Chapter 2326

Barther charged at Smiley frantically, unleashing his frustration over his parents' failed reunion on the innocent young girl. His anger and twisted mindset knew no bounds.

Seeing that Barther was growing even more unhinged instead of stopping himself, the masked man quickly grabbed Smiley and tried to get her away from danger.

Nonetheless, the rampaging Barther, who had now transformed into a relentless pursuer, was hot on their heels.

Francel desperately tried to intervene, but his efforts seemed futile. In a frantic attempt to buy more time, the masked man fired another shot.

Blinded by his rage, Barther did not even attempt to dodge and took the impact directly. Even so, he continued his assault on Smiley without a second thought.

The masked man then stepped in to block, knowing full well that he was no match for Barther. His frail physical condition meant that this next clash could easily be his last.

Undeterred, he shielded Smiley. As expected, Barther's powerful blow shattered the masked man's disguise, knocking him unconscious. Francel arrived just in time to witness the chaos and knew immediately that only he could stand between Smiley and Barther.

With renewed determination, Francel engaged Barther in close combat.

Weakened by the masked man's earlier hit, Barther found himself evenly matched with Francel.

As a seasoned member of the Stick Gang, Francel's endurance was superior. Even though Barther's earlier strike could have been fatal, Francel had anticipated the impact point and adjusted his true energy just in time, narrowly avoiding disaster.

Now, he had to keep Barther occupied at all costs.

The battle became a tense exchange of moves and countermoves, with each man testing the other. They knew that even the slightest mistake could decide the fight.

Francel knew he could not afford to slip up. One wrong move could mean a swift and brutal end.

At this point, Barther was losing patience. He made the first aggressive move by stepping forward recklessly.

Francel recognized the opening immediately—Barther's advance was a crucial misstep. Francel dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding Barther's fierce attack. As Barther struggled to regain his balance, Francel swung his staff and struck Barther's leg.

Nonetheless, Barther endured the blow, pushing through the pain. He then countered with a powerful punch.

Francel swiftly pulled back, using the momentum of his staff to spin away from Barther's assault.

"Pine?!"

It was the Stick Gang's leader, Pine Kopers, who had stabbed Francel from behind.

At that moment, everything became clear to Francel—the reason he was trapped in the barrier without noticing was because Pine had been working against him all along.

Why?

They had grown up together and were practically like brothers. Francel could not comprehend why Pine would betray him.

There was no time for answers. Barther seized the opportunity and delivered a powerful punch, piercing Francel's chest.

The blow was decisive, and Francel was defeated. He knew this would be the end.

Barther withdrew his arm. Then, he began advancing step by step toward Smiley once more without pause.