Chapter 75. Unexpected Friendship
The entire house was tense when they returned. Bernard’s fury hadn’t waned a bit. His voice echoed through the hall, filled with rage and frustration.
"I know someone helped them from the inside," Bernard roared, pacing back and forth. "And I swear on my life, when I find out who it is... I will rip that person’s heart out with my bare hands!"
He faced the guards with clenched fists and eyes burning with fury. No one dared to speak. The silence was thick, and even Maria felt the heaviness of betrayal lingering in the air.
Inside the living room, Maria slumped onto a couch, her mind restless.
Who would want Elijah Simons alive? she wondered. Could it be someone from his past, seeking their own revenge? Or someone trying to stop the execution for personal reasons?
Her eyes flicked up as Beta Gilbert sat down heavily beside Bernard. The Beta looked just as frustrated, rubbing his temples.
"Bernard, we need to calm down and think this through objectively," Gilbert said. "Elijah Simons isn’t some random criminal. We underestimated him. I did. And that was a mistake."
Bernard frowned. "What exactly are you saying, Dad?"
"I’m saying Elijah still has powerful allies. People who wouldn’t hesitate to pull strings for him. We need to focus on tracking them down and restoring our reputation."
Bernard nodded slowly. "Then I know what to do. I’m calling in every contact I have. A bounty on Elijah—dead or alive."
"I’ll do the same," Gilbert added. "This will force him into hiding. Eventually, he’ll slip."