Anna's heart pounded. She wasn't scared of Richard—she was furious.
After all his crimes, all his suffering, he was still acting like a victim.
She took a step forward, but Alexander grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
His grip was firm, a silent warning: Don't do anything reckless.
Then—
Damien laughed.
Not a nervous chuckle.
A full, amused laugh as if Richard were nothing but an annoying insect buzzing around him.
Richard's hand shook violently. "DON'T LAUGH AT ME!"
Damien finally moved, stepping closer without a single hint of fear.
"I should be scared, shouldn't I?" Damien murmured, staring directly into Richard's wild eyes. "But see… I don't fear dead men."
Richard's mouth opened—then froze.
A sharp pain shot through his wrist.
His fingers numbed.
The gun? Gone.
A small dagger gleamed under the chandelier, its tip now lightly grazing Richard's throat.