Chapter 286 Chapter 286 Noelle ... Nicolas stared at her , stunned .
Even Brandons expression darkened as he spat , You actually ... The knife in Noelles hand hadnt pierced Nicolas but her own palm .
The blade went clean through , skewering her hand entirely .
Blood spilled down in thick drops , trailing along the metal and splashing to the ground .
Noelle stumbled backward from the pain , her body trembling , sweat beading on her brow .
But in that agony , she found a sliver of clarity .
Gritting her teeth , she looked straight at Brandon , shaking her head .
No , she said hoarsely .
I wont kill Nicolas .
Brandons face turned grim Cone was the calm , composed demeanor replaced by a stormy darkness , Even after tightening the grip of the neural conditioning , she was still resisting .
Could it be ? That the mental imprint the labs psychological branding was actually being overpowered ... by love ? Ridiculous .
His eyes narrowed , and he issued the command again , this time louder , sharper .
Noelle .
I command you kill Nicolas Now .
The impulse surged again fierce and suffocating .
Her instincts itched to obey .
But Noelle shook her head violently , retreating step by step .
No.
I wont Brandons focus narrowed entirely on her .
That was the opening Nicolas needed .
He fired .
The shot rang out , sharp and sudden .
But it didnt hit Brandon turned his head slightly , and the bullet merely grazed his cheek leaving behind a red trail across his face .
He raised a hand , wiped the blood away, and looked at Nicolas with a mock smile , Cheap shot . Pretty cowardly .
Nicolas wasnt surprised it didnt work .
Still , it stung to know even with the element of surprise , all he managed was a scratch .
No human could move like that .
But Nicolas didnt flinch .
He held Brandons gaze and smiled coolly .
When facing a monster , I think a little head start is fair .
Brandons expression twisted .
He couldnt stand that even now , Nicolas still looked composed , Its because of him , Brandon thought .
Because of this man , Noelle is in pain .
If he didnt exist , everything would be different .
Brandons voice dropped .
Ive made up my mind .
His steps echoed across the ground as he slowly walked toward Nicolas , killing intent burning in his eyes .
Noelle wont fish the job , then Ill do it myself .
Nicolas expression tightened as he heard the voice .
He could tell that Brandon genuinely intended to kill him .
Despite the dire situation , Nicolas forced himself to stay calm .
letting out a mocking laugh as he taunted .
Didnt you want Noelle to personally sever her emotional ties ? So why are you taking matters into your own hands now ! Looks like you dont have much faith in her , huh ? .
You dont need to try and provoke me , Brandon replied , his pace unchanged .
He shrugged with a smile , then continued .
Noelle has Chapter 286 been so deeply swayed by you.
Its only right that I eliminate you , this threat , on her behalf .
Its only reasonable , dont you think ? Isnt that just admitting your lack of confidence ? Nicolas sneered .
The concept of her ! r killing me versus you doing it can they really be the same ? Youre no longer sure shell kill me , are you ?
You were so confident before .
Its laughable .
Say whatever you want , Brandons eyes narrowed with rising murderous today .
With that , Brandon lunged toward Nicolas .
intent .
No matter what you say , youre going to die here Nicolas instinctively moved to dodge , but he was acutely aware of Damons precarious condition .
If he let go , Damon would likely start bleeding again , and there might be no coming back from it .
What should he do ? Run or stay ? While Nicolas struggled with this dilemma , Noelle suddenly rushed forward , shoving Brandon aside Stop ! she shouted Brandon , taken completely off guard , nearly lost his balance .
His face darkened with fury as he turned to face the small figure standing in front of Nicolas , Noelle .
Noelle stood in front of Nicolas , her eyes full of hostility as she faced Brandon Are you out of your mind ? Do you have any idea what youre doing ? Brandons smile vanished , replaced by a cold , threatening expression .
Noelle , still struggling to free herself from the mental shackles placed by the laboratory , panted heavily .
But she clung to her remaining bit of sanity and made a firm decision to protect Nicolas I cant let you hurt Nicolas , she forced herself to say , each word an immense struggle .
Brandon laughed again , his tone cruel .
So , youre going to defy the labs orders for this man , huh ? Is that what youre saying , Noelle ? Noelles instinct was to obey .
She had grown up in the laboratory , where following orders was drilled into her from an early age .
She had always complied without question .
But Nicolas had told her that it was okay not to follow those orders .
However , whenever she tried to resist , a stronger mental force urged her to comply, to follow the labs instructions .
Was this what they meant by a mental stamp on her thoughts ? Had the lab done this to ensure her obedience ? Not following orders felt like her mind would tear apart .
Noelle was resilient , but she hated pain especially the kind of headaches that reminded her of the torturous brain experiments from her past .
If she had known that disobeying would hurt this much , she probably wouldnt have resisted .
But now she had people to protect , and no matter how much it hurt , she couldnt follow an order that would harm them .
She was Noelle , the highly capable transformer who always completed her missions flawlessly .
She had the power to do anything she set her mind to . How could she let a single command , a single sentence , make her do something she never wanted to do ? Besides , she had promised Nicolas she wouldnt let anyone hurt them because of some so called orders .
She couldnt break that promise .
After an intense internal struggle , Noelle shook her head fiercely , then faced Brandon directly .
With firm resolve , she said , each word deliberate and unyielding .
Id rather not follow the so called mission than hurt Nicolas , And that includes you , Brandon Jones .
From the moment she met Brandon , she had always addressed him simply as Brandon .
But this time , she used his full name , as symbolize the clear line between them from now on .
They were no longer friends .
Brandons eyes flickered as he realized the significance of her words .
He pursed his lips , silent for a moment , as his expression grew more ambiguous , seemingly contemplating something .
if to After a long pause , he let out another soft laugh .
He looked at Noelle , his smile tinged with something darker , and asked , Noelle , are you really planning to cut ties with me completely ! Yes , Noelle answered resolutely .
2/3 Chapter 286 If she didnt sever ties with Brandon , she wouldnt be able to protect everyone .
What mission ? What task ? They could all go to hell Brandon felt the fuality in her words .
He realized that even the so called mental stamp couldnt fully break her will .
In the end , she had chosen what mattered to her family and love .
He sighed , an almost bored sound .
Ah ... this is getting boring His words sent a chill down Noelles spine , and an ominous feeling settled in her gut A look of disappointment passed over Brandons face as he spoke , his voice tinged with regret .
Noelle , I had high hopes for you .
I never expected you to disappoint me like this .
Youre really going to defy me for that man Noelle could only stare at Brandon , unable to respond .
Brandon lazily rolled his neck , cracking his knuckles .
His emerald eyes reflected Noelles image as if the were the only thing in the world , and he smiled at her , his tone final .
Since youve chosen him , Ill have to kill both of you right here .
AD