The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 603

It was a very tempting offer, to say the least.

After all, the Norberg family's foundation ran deep—unshakeable in the Eastern State and holding influence beyond its borders. Gaining their unwavering allegiance would be an undeniable advantage for anyone.

But it was too late.

Nolan glanced at Vernon and let out a soft chuckle.

"For the esteemed Mr. Norberg Senior to make such an offer, you must truly be in a difficult position. After all, your ambitions have never been small either, have they?"

Vernon shook his head and said, "The Norbergs have been nothing more than big fish in a small pond, trapped in our own narrow view for far too long. We forgot that there are always greater forces beyond our reach.

"With formidable fighters like Scarlet under your command, and the unwavering support of Mr. Pierce, your future is limitless. We were wrong. We made the wrong choice. Please, Mr. Greene, grant us one more chance."

Nolan burst into laughter. "If I were the one who lost this time, would you have given me a chance?"

Vernon remained silent, but the answer was already clear.

Nolan let out a sigh and pointed toward the figures hanging from the flagpole—Hound and Owen.

"Mr. Norberg Senior, aren't you going to save them? After all, these two seem quite important to your family."

"It's just a shame that Lense is already dead. If I don't send you all to the grave with him, then I would be the one betraying him. I can lose all my wealth and power, but I cannot betray my friends. So, Mr. Norberg Senior, my apologies, but you and your entire family are going down with Lense!"

The Norbergs grew restless, their frustration reaching its peak. They were already willing to concede on so many fronts, yet Nolan still had no intention of sparing them. How could they not be afraid? How could they not despair?

Vernon took a deep breath and turned to Nolan, saying, "Mr. Greene, what happened to Lense was the doing of a few individuals. Most of my family members are innocent. Please, give us a chance. Though I know you are powerful and not afraid of anyone, are you truly willing to commit a massacre?

"To wipe out an entire family? If word of this spreads, it will deal a great blow to your reputation. Mr. Greene, I beg you, please think carefully before doing anything you can't take back."

Looking at Vernon, Nolan let out a cold laugh. "Is my reputation really that important? Can it bring Lense back to life? If anything, I think my reputation has been too good. Perhaps if I had a reputation terrifying enough, so terrifying that my enemies would rather die than go against me, I'd have far fewer troubles. And more importantly, my friends would face far fewer dangers."