Chapter 997: Chapter 1003

The unwavering loyalty of Johnny was even more terrifying.

Josie remembered Johnny’s adoration for Rachel, and a chill ran down her spine. If she were to fall, he could potentially cause a death.

“I’ll repeat what I said, Johnny. It’s not worth staining your hands with blood for the sake of love,” Josie said, with nowhere to retreat and facing his knife directly.

This time, Johnny’s eyes showed no hesitation; instead, they were filled with ruthless determination.

“Perhaps it wasn’t worth it before. But now that you’ve reduced Rachel to a target of scorn, why should I let you live?”

The tip of the blade pressed against Josie’s throat. She closed her eyes. She was no longer as fearless and indifferent to death as she had been before. Now she had many concerns.

At that moment, Mark struggled to get up, but the intense pain made it extremely difficult for him.

Josie gestured with her hands at his sides, signaling him not to force it, reminding him that it was dangerous.

She had no intention of returning to the Olsen family, nor did she want to be inexplicably implicated in a murder.

However, Mark seemed oblivious to this. He continued to persist in trying to stand up.

“Listen to me, young man. I can give you whatever you desire—money, status, or even women. I can even let Rachel go, let her be with you. Where do you want to go? If you can’t live in this country, then go abroad!”

Mark spoke rapidly, fearing that Johnny might act impulsively.

Johnny still held the knife, but he slowly turned his head. “You’re willing to let her go?”

“Of course!”

“You’re lying!” Johnny’s knife moved a few inches closer.

Mark extended his hand and exclaimed, “I’m not. I will let her go. You like her, don’t you? I’ll let her go with you!”

Such words were quite tempting.

From Josie’s perspective, he was a man over fifty years of age who had let go of all his pride, almost begging to save her life.

The sincerity of that moment left her in a daze.

Is this… familial love? Is this the paternal love from my biological father? Or is it simply that he doesn’t want me to die because he doesn’t want to bear the guilt?

Johnny was clearly hesitant, but he quickly snapped out of his temptation. He shook his head. “No, you’re defiling her. She wouldn’t want to go with me, so…”

He looked at Josie, his eyes gleaming menacingly. “You still have to die.”

Josie’s pupils dilated.

“Drop dead!” Johnny’s voice was soft as he swiftly thrust the knife forward. Josie closed her eyes.

“No!” Mark screamed, and then he abruptly rose and lunged forward, embracing Josie and shielding her from the incoming blade.

The amplified sound of a knife piercing flesh echoed, yet the anticipated pain surprisingly never arrived.

Josie opened her eyes, only to be startled by the sight of Mark standing protectively in front of her. His face gradually paled, and blood dripped from his back.

“Mark!” she cried out, unable to accept the scene before her.

Johnny had stabbed the wrong person, his courage completely drained away. He stood there, watching as Mark slowly collapsed.

“Mark… Mark…” Josie crouched down and lifted Mark’s body. “Don’t die. Hang in there. Please don’t die…”

Her tears fell uncontrollably onto Mark’s gaunt and bony face.

He raised his hand, intending to catch her tears, but he no longer had the strength.

“Leanne… I’m sorry…”

Josie was on the verge of breaking down. She pressed his wound to stop the blood from flowing out.

She couldn’t utter a single word, only her tears were pouring out.

“I… I owe you so much. I fear I may never be able to repay you. I’m giving my life to make amends. All I ask is that you… you don’t blame your mother…”