Each word struck the boy like a silent needle, piercing deep. He bent over, clutching his head.

“I don’t know… I just want them to survive.”

“There are countless ways to survive, but you chose the worst path! If I were your family and knew what you were doing, I’d be ashamed.” Her voice held a firm note of disappointment.

She actually had no patience left for someone so hardened; sympathy was a distant thought as well. Now, all she could do was buy time, hoping for a chance for her and Vincent to escape.

Vincent caught on to her intentions. The boy’s turmoil had diverted Karl’s attention.

With a sneer, Karl kicked the boy, snarling, “This was the deal you made. Don’t act like I forced you.”

A spark of determination flashed in Vincent’s eyes. Now was the time!

Vincent didn’t hesitate. He picked up the gun, aimed steadily, and fired at Karl’s head without a flicker of doubt.

The shot rang out, loud and sharp.

Karl had no time to react. His body wavered, a few shaky steps forward, his legs gave out, and then he crumpled to the ground.

A clean shot—right to the head.

The boy’s face turned pale as he stumbled forward, his hands grabbing at Karl’s lifeless shoulders. His voice came out in gasps, cracking with fear and tears.

“Karl, please, wake up! Don’t do this to me. My family… If you’re gone, who’s going to feed us?”

Katelyn, still holding her gun, walked over, calm and steady. She looked down, checked for any sign of life, and then turned to the boy with an icy stare.

“He brought this on himself. And if you keep following in his footsteps, you’ll end up the same way.”

ore capters @ g?ν?

The boy’s gaze dropped, his eyes filling with hopelessness. He sank to his knees.

“I didn’t ask for this life,” he whispered. “What choice do I really have? What else can I do?”

For a moment, Katelyn’s hard expression softened. She reached into her bag, pulled out her wallet, and handed him all the cash she had.

She let out a quiet sigh, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

“This will keep your family going for a while,” she said quietly. “Maybe it’ll give you a chance to rethink things.”

Everyone messes up, but don’t keep making the same mistakes.

The boy took the money in stunned silence, lost for words.

Vincent’s voice cut in, sharp and cold.

“We’re done here. Let’s go.”

Katelyn gave a small nod, but her eyes lingered on the boy, a hint of something softer showing through. This was all the help she could give. His path was his own now.

As they walked away, frustration gnawed at Katelyn. This whole trip had been nothing but a waste of time.

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. Official source is Find?Novel.net