The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 609

Just the first page alone made Harper's expression turn unbearably grim.

The documents were disturbingly detailed—so detailed that even if she wanted to dismiss them as fake, she couldn't bring herself to say the words.

As Harper read through the documents, Scarlet—seemingly fascinated by the art of manipulating human emotions—casually said from the side, "Joel Norberg—he forced underage girls to serve him, ran over and killed three people while drunk, and more. Every crime is backed by solid evidence. And this is only what we've managed to uncover so far. Now, Harper, tell me—does he deserve to die?"

With a darkened expression and gritted teeth, Harper said, "Yes, he deserves to die!"

Scarlet nodded and waved his hand.

Moments later, Joel was dragged out and forced to his knees by the lake. Then, a dagger slashed across his throat, and blood began to pool on the ground beneath him.

At this moment, Harper remained relatively calm, as Joel had committed unspeakable crimes, so he deserved to die.

Besides, though he bore the Norberg name, she hadn't interacted much with him. Thus, she didn't feel much, if any, guilt at all.

With that, she tossed the first page of documents aside.

Then, without hesitation, her gaze fell upon the second page.

Scarlet continued, "Grady Norberg—he killed a man over a mere disagreement and destroyed the evidence. He withheld wages from migrant workers and ordered his men to viciously beat those who dared to protest, leaving them permanently disabled. Tell me, does he deserve to die?"

Harper silently nodded. "Yes, he deserves to die."

Hearing her response, Scarlet chuckled and waved his hand once more.

And so, another member of the Norberg family was dragged to the lakeside and executed without hesitation.

Nolan cast an indifferent glance at Pierce and said, "Pierce, I know you care about her. But don't you know that excessive concern can sometimes do more harm than good? If she wants to surpass you, she must first break through the barriers in her own heart.

"This is her moment of evolution. If she can push through, her future will be limitless. But if she can't, then let her live a quiet, ordinary life, as she doesn't have what it takes to enter the world of the strong."

Nolan was simply stating the truth.

Even if Pierce wanted to argue, he wouldn't be able to.

The world of the strong was merciless. Harper had made it this far by relying on her exceptional talent, but in reality, she had already reached her limit. Taking another step forward would be as difficult as reaching for the heavens.

At the very least, if she remained naïve, it was only a matter of time before she met a fate she wouldn't even see coming.