The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 457

Looking at the righteous and impassioned Nolan, Wayne found himself at a loss for words. What Nolan was planning to do was a good thing, so why didn't he support him?

Wayne sighed. "Nolan, do you really think the villagers don't know about what they did? Maybe they don't know all the details, but they surely know some of it, right? Yet, have you ever seen them make a fuss about it? Nolan, you're still too naive.

"Those people sitting up there—they've provided these villagers with a livelihood. To the villagers, they are their bread and butter—their lifeline. Do you really think the villagers will stand by you if you go after them? They can rally all the villagers to isolate you or maybe even push our entire family out! Do you understand?"

At the mention of that, Wayne's expression darkened. It was as if he had experienced it firsthand.

Nolan remained silent for a moment before saying, "Dad, I know that because of my time in prison, you and the family have suffered in this village. But don't worry, you'll never have to go through that again."

He paused, then slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the villagers around him. He chuckled lightly before continuing, "I could let go of the times they had ostracized you and slandered me. But Dad, the same situation cannot happen again.

"If, this time, they persist in their ways and continue to aid the wrongdoers… Then I'm sorry, I just have to take away the livelihood I gave them."

A cold gleam flashed in Nolan's eyes. He could treat these villagers with the utmost kindness, but he could also punish them with the deepest malice. He wasn't a saint, nor would he allow anyone to trample on him.

Wayne looked at Nolan, feeling as though he no longer knew his son. Ever since Nolan's return from prison, he had become someone Wayne could no longer fully recognize.

Wayne immediately nodded. "Alright. They're not going to trouble you as long as you behave yourself. But if they insist on making trouble, then I'll stand by you." He gritted his teeth and continued, "This is all my fault. I lacked the capabilities and backbone.

"But all these years—whether it comes to Niall, Liana, and your mother's health—there's nothing I could've done. My only concern was to make sure the family survives no matter what."

The last sentence carried so much pain, causing Nolan's eyes to dim for a moment. But after that, it quickly filled with seething anger.

Survive? If everything Nolan left behind before his imprisonment had been properly given to his parents, there was no way his father would have to utter such sorrowful words. In fact, forget about everything—just a small portion of it would have been enough.