His Destructive, Toxic Love

In this world, is there really no one you care about? Your mom's gone, but what about your grandma? She's almost a hundred-are you really going to make her suffer the pain of losing you? Zach, that's quite the way to show your respect."

Dillon's words hit Zach right where it hurt.

Calm as a lake one moment, Zach suddenly flared up, his eyes flashing with anger. "Don't try messing with my mind. I'm telling you, my grandma doesn't have much time left anyway. If things go south, we can all go down together. Maybe I'll even drag some of the Welton family with me. That would be worth it."

"Zach." Casper stepped up to him, his face cold as ice. This was his last attempt to speak reasonably to the man. "All your troubles were brought on by your mom and Tristan. They have nothing to do with us. Instead of bickering here, why not make Tristan happy and secure what he's got? It would set you up for life."

"Live just for that?" Zach laughed like he'd heard the punchline of a great joke, his laughter rolling out uncontrollably. "If I were just after an easy life, I'd have traded it all for peace and quiet in the countryside ages ago. Casper, you have no idea what it's like to be in my shoes.

"Over the years, you've taken over Welton International, built a family, married, had kids, faced death more times than I can count, and yet you always come back as the CEO of Welton International. Life's been a breeze for you. So why am I coming up empty?

"We're both Tristan's kids, same blood and all. I can't even get a foot in the Welton family door. Why? Just why?

"I'm telling you, I'm not content. I want you all gone..."

Zach was the very picture of someone who becomes more desperate the less

they have. The more he wanted, the crazier he got.

Truth is, Tristan adored him.

Growing up, whatever Casper had, Zach had too, and even more on occasion. Though labeled as the illegitimate child, aside from not being allowed in the family mausoleum, he wasn't wanting in comparison to Casper in many ways.

He could've easily lived the life of a carefree, spoiled rich kid.

But no, he had this fierce urge to compete, always wanting what wasn't his.

That would be his undoing.

Perhaps only in downfall could there truly be an end.

"Well, that's going to rain on your parade."

Casper snapped his fingers, and a dozen men in black stormed in.

Each one armed, their guns aimed right at Zach.

He froze for a second, then laughed wildly. "What's the plan? Off me here? Seems like you don't care about finding your son anymore. Fine, shoot. At least I won't be going to hell alone."

"Zach, I absolutely hate being threatened."

Casper pulled a gun from his

Wend, aimed at Zach's thighet

and

without a moment's

hesitation.

"Bang."

The silencer kept things quiet.

A bullet tore through his thigh, leaving a gaping hole.noveldrama

Then, without missing a beat, he pulled the trigger again, hitting the other leg.

With a heavy thud, Zach's legs buckled, and he hit the ground hard.

Blood quickly soaked through his pants, his face contorted with unbearable pain. "You, you..."

He clutched his injured legs, wanting

to hurl curses at Casper, but

Qurses at Casper, but t

pain robbed him

t belongs to swnowne

voice.

"Dillon, take him away. Lock him up. If anything happens to my son, he's the first

to go."

"Got it."

With a nod from Dillon, the men in black moved in, lifting Zach and hauling him out.

Casper wasn't one for small talk.

He was all about action.

Right now, finding Fiona was top priority.

Where could she have gone?