Chapter 40 This tm is going to slap me in the face! (Rewritten)

The security guards lay sprawled on the stairs, resembling charred steak. Traces of electric shocks marred the walls and railing, permeating the air with heat and a pungent burnt odor.

Helena, despite the pain, seemed to have forgotten it, her eyes fixed on Stephen descending the stairs, her expression one of despair.

Avoiding bullets alone was enough to shock her out of this world, but the unintended pun lingered in her mind.

She could no longer find words to describe it. Was this something humans were capable of?

Gunfire erupted from downstairs, followed by alternating screams of people. After a few seconds, the screams finally subsided. The home security guards were likely dead. Despite obeying her father's orders, these guards had blood on their hands. Helena still regretted her decision.

It wasn't that she regretted selling out and sacrificing Stephen. Although the decision left her deeply saddened and distressed, she was willing to go to any lengths to achieve her goal, even sacrificing herself. She could only apologize to Stephen.

What she regretted was not anticipating Stephen's abilities. And now... she feared her purpose might remain unfulfilled, even if she pleaded.

She never thought Stephen would let her go. Even if he did, he might not keep their secret.

Ding, ding, ding.

Footsteps echoed on the stairs. Stephen ascended with a relaxed expression and stood before her, grabbing her hair and dragging her downstairs. Helena, devoid of courage, was dragged like a lifeless dog, all the way to the fountain near the villa gate, where she was dropped to the ground.

"Darling, what's with that expression? Do you regret it?" Stephen knelt down and asked with interest.

Regret her decision? In that moment, she thought of her mother, beaten daily by her father until her tragic death. She thought of the families destroyed by her father. Her gaze grew serious, and Helena spoke firmly. "I only regret not making my father pay for his crimes. I know I've wronged you, but... you can do it now, you can kill me."

Helena closed her eyes.

Stephen remained silent, taking no action.

After a while, Helena opened her eyes in surprise. "Why? Why didn't you kill me?"

"Hah, I never intended to kill you, dear," Stephen lightly smiled.

"You... Don't want to kill me?" Helena was bewildered, a wave of hope suddenly rising. "So, have you forgiven me?"

Stephen pondered for a moment, then sat on Helena's back, observing her in pain and chuckling. "I told you, what you are, what will torment you. Expectation is the source of all pain. I don't expect sleeping with you twice to become more important to you than your original intentions. Whether or not I'm the only one who's slept with you doesn't matter. So I don't mind, nor am I angry that you tried to hurt me to keep it a secret, because I would have done the same. People are selfish, even if they pretend to be 'selfless' in their dedication. The kind ones are those who satisfy their own spiritual and emotional needs."

"But I'm not angry, I don't mind at all. However, that doesn't mean I forgive you." Stephen smiled brightly, and seeing his smile, Helena felt a premonition of anxiety. "Death would be too easy for you. I don't care about success or failure. So I won't tell you if I won't kill you. I want you to oscillate between hope and despair, unable to die no matter how hard you try."

Helena felt as if she had fallen into an icy cave, her entire body cold. Stephen's gentle and radiant smile appeared more terrifying to her than the devil.

Killing and condemning the heart, indeed.

Suddenly, the iron gates of the villa's walls slowly opened to the sides, and a luxurious car that was approaching halted abruptly. The scene inside the villa left them in awe for a moment.

Helena's father, Frank, sat in the car.

After all, he was the leader of a criminal syndicate, accustomed to facing the harshest trials and tribulations. Although Frank was shocked, he quickly composed himself. He observed the peculiar man sitting on his daughter and the bodyguards in the courtyard, felled as if struck by lightning. Frank got out of the car with a grim expression.

The bodyguard and the driver stood guard with guns in their hands, protecting Frank.

"Hey, kid, do you know who I am?" Frank asked, his gaze fixed on Stephen, lost in thought.

"Yes, Frank Bertinelli, leader of the Starling City crime syndicate," Stephen replied as he observed Frank. Not bad, he didn't erupt in anger and start shooting or turn and flee in fear.

"Do we have a grudge between us?" Frank gloomily inquired.

Stephen shook his head.

"Then, did someone hire you to cause trouble for me?" Frank continued his questioning.

Again, Stephen shook his head.

Frank furiously grinned. "Very well, then I promise you won't die a quick death."

Glancing backward slightly, the bodyguard and the driver swiftly approached Stephen, guns in hand.

Stephen stood up, raising his hands in surrender. As the bodyguard and the driver grasped his shoulders, an electric current surged from him, shocking everyone who made contact.

Boom! Boom!

The bodyguard and the driver collapsed to the ground.

Frank squinted his eyes, stepping back in horror and disbelief. He saw Stephen smiling and heard him say, "I want your daughter."

"What... What do you mean?" Frank asked calmly.

"Literally," Stephen lightly smiled.

Frank took a deep breath, excitement replacing his earlier fear. "What can you offer me in return?"

"Well, let me think... Hm... Until I lose interest in her, I will ensure your safety," Stephen replied.

"It's a deal!"

Although it may have seemed like Stephen only promised protection and not assistance, Frank agreed without hesitation. What did this man with such a bizarre ability offer in exchange for his disobedient daughter's safety? Moreover, who knows what fate awaits him if he refuses?

Frank smiled, taking a few steps towards Stephen, extending his hand for a handshake. Suddenly, the sound of a gunshot echoed from a distance.

Boom!

The bullet struck Frank, causing him to collapse.

Stephen squinted his eyes. "Was he going to slap me in the face?"

...

Real Author: Marvel King

Translator: Zatch[King]Rex