Chapter 285 Chapter 285 Blood poured from Damons chest , soaking through his shirt as pain surged like fire through his nerves .
He staggered back a few steps , clutching the wound tightly .
His palm was instantly drenched in red but even as the agony intensified .
Damon didnt make a sound .
He didnt want to alarm the others inside the house .
Instead , he just stood there , shocked , stunned ... staring at Noelle Why would Noelle do this ? But in the midst of his pain blurred vision , he saw the tears streaming endlessly down her cheeks .
Her face was twisted in grief , filled with unbearable sorrow .
In that moment , one thought echoed in Damons mind .
I Dont cry , dummy todays your birthday .
But even those simple words he didnt have the strength to say them aloud .
His body gave way.
The pain and the blood loss swallowed his senses , and he collapsed .
Noelle she choked out his name in a broken cry as Damon hit the ground , eyes closed , the knife still buried in his chest .
She had stabbed her brother .
couldnt even make a sound .
All she could do was stand there , staring at Damons She wanted to scream , to cry out for help but she co unmoving body , her soul in pieces .
And then- Noelle A voice , urgent and familiar , called from behind .
Nicolas was running toward her .
The moment she saw him , the tears came even harder .
Nicolas rushed to her side , and when he saw Damon lying in front of her motionless , a knife protruding from his chest his heart dropped He didnt know what had happened , but it didnt take a genius to guess : Noelle did this .
His face turned grim , but he didnt waste time , Kneeling down , he quickly checked Damons vitals .
There was still a pulse faint but steady .
The blade hadnt hit any vital organs , but the blood loss was severe .
There was no to was no time for proper first aid . Nicolas pressed both hands against Damons wound , trying to stem the bleeding .
Dont panic , he told Noelle firmly .
Damons still alive .
Those words were the lifeline she didnt know she needed .
Noelles lungs finally remembered how to breathe .
With a shaky voice , she asked , He ... hes alive ! Yes .
He is , Nicolas confirmed But deep down , he was filled with questions .
Noelle clearly didnt want to hurt Damon .
Then why ... ! Just then , Brandon strolled over casually , hands in his pockets , as if nothing unusual had happened .
He clicked his tongue and sighed .
What a disappointment .
You couldve killed him instantly ... but you held back .
Noelle turned to face him , her tear stained face contorted with fear and anger .
Nicolas took one look at Brandons smug expression and immediately understood d the entire picture .
Youre insane , Nicolas snapped .
There are military units all around this house , and you still dared to make Noelle attack someone ? Chapter 285 Brandon smirked .
Why not ? Even if they gun me down , dragging a few people down with me sounds like a fair trade , doesnt it ? Besides who said Im dying tonight ? You think youre walking out of here? Nicolass tone dropped , icy .
If this goes public , the labs human experiments will be exposed .
Thats it .
Game over for all three of your so called research facilities .
Brandon let out a low laugh .
So what ? You think I give a damn about those labs ? The madness in his eyes sent a chill down Nicolass spine .
He wasnt bluffing this man truly didnt care about anything .
Nicolass mind raced .
Brandons combat ability was on par with his , maybe even stronger .
And it was unclear if Noelle could resist him .
To shift the odds , Nicolas needed to break Brandons control over Noelle .
He looked her in the eyes and said loudly , Noelle , remember what you told me ! You said youd never hurt me .
Or your family .
Why are you listening to him ? Noelle turned to him , confused and shaken .
Seeing her hesitation , Nicolas pressed on .
Youre a person , Noelle not a tool .
You don have to follow orders .
You have a family .
Friends .
Me .
Do you really want to throw all that away and return to that dark , hopeless life ? ... Her lips trembled .
Her body swayed .
Brandon , watching their exchange , sneered .
Can you two stop with the soap opera ? Its nauseating .
Nicolass glare hardened .
What , jealous ? Brandon scoffed .
You really think your so called love can override everything ? Dont flatter yourself , Nicolas .
One word from me , and Noelle listens whether she wants to or not He stepped toward her and grabbed her clenched fist , prying open her fingers one by one , as if breaking her will by force .
Then he shoved a knife into her hand .
Noelle , Brandon said coldly , kill Nicolas .
The command hit her like a hammer .
The mental imprint began gnawing at her reason again .
Noelle clutched her head , struggling to resist .
She didnt want to hurt him . Nicolas saw her pain and said quickly , Dont listen to him ! I believe in you .
You told me even if its the labs orders , you wouldnt hurt us .
I believe you can resist .
Youre capable of anything , Noelle .
Youre strong enough to fight this ! Nicolas ... Nicolas ... Her voice cracked .
Noelle gripped her head and shook it wildly .
Her cries were choked , her body wracked with agony .
Nicolass heart broke watching her .
He wanted to run to her , hold her .
But he couldnt he had to keep pressure on Damons wound .
If he let go , Damon would bleed out .
So all he could do was speak , try to reach her through words .
Noelle , he said gently but firmly , think about everything weve shared .
Your friends , your family .
Do you really want to throw that away for his command ? If you give in now , theres no going back .
She clenched her jaw , trying to force the instinct down .
Her mind felt like it was being torn apart .
The pain was unbearable like her skull would crack open .
When will this nightmare end ... ? Brandon watched her struggle , unmoved So this is what she looks like when shes fighting for Nicolas , he thought bitterly .
All this ... for him.
Noelle was supposed to be mine .
And I will make her remember that Then , without emotion , he gave the command again .
Noelle What are yo you waiting for ? Nicolas is right there there .
Kill um .
ola Noelle , dont ! 23 ç±