Unexpected turn of events.

Ella let out a sigh of relief as Michael showed his loyalty to Jasper. She felt a mix of emotions, gratitude, and sadness, and couldn't help but sob uncontrollably.

Michael was about to leave when he suddenly felt a cold, unyielding metal pressed against his head. His hands instinctively shot up in surrender. He dared not move and looked behind.

"Jasper, don't do anything stupid," Michael pleaded, his voice shaking. "You still have time. Don't make things worse. Let's go back and resolve this peacefully."

Jasper's response was laced with fury, rejecting any notion of a peaceful resolution. "Your boss started the violence. I don't want any peace deal with him. I want retribution," he asserted, his determination unyielding.