Chapter 288 Chapter 288 As soon as Bennett finished speaking , Brandon vanished in a blur appearing right in front of him .
In the blink of an eye , Brandons hand was wrapped around Bennetts throat .
Gone was the composed , confident man from before .
His expression was vicious , rage burning in his emerald eyes .
You really think you can pull tricks on me and live to talk about it ? he snarled .
Bennett choked under the pressure but still managed a defiant smirk .
Like doing everything you say wouldve kept me alive anyway .
Brandon , your arrogance will be your downfall .
Brandon laughed coldly , tightening his grip .
You couldve lived a little longer , but since you had to open your mouth- He was ready to crush Bennetts windpipe when Noelle lunged forward , bloodied knife in hand .
She pressed it firmly to Brandons neck .
voice sharp and unwavering .
Brandon .
Let him go .
Brandon turned his head , her reflection caught in his eyes , momentarily dulled by a mix of emotions .
He hadnt expected to be cornered like this .
Killing Noelle was supposed to be simple now he had her memories .
He could recreate her a thousand times if needed .
But thanks to Bennetts interference , that certainty was gone .
If he made a wrong move now ... he might lose Noelle forever .
You really think that little knife matters ? Brandon asked quietly .
Blood was still dripping from Noelles wounded palm , the same hand she had stabbed earlier to break the labs control over her .
Youre bleeding .
Brandon said , reaching g out to grab her hand .
You need to stop the bleeding- But Noelle quickly pulled away .
Dont touch me , she warned . Let Bennett go .
Now For the first time , Brandon looked almost ... defeated .
His voice softened .
You really know how to use my weaknesses against me , huh ? One little knife and youve got me cornered ? Then , with a swift motion , Brandon closed the distance between them , snatched the knife from her grasp , and grabbed her wrist before she could escape .
A slight pull , and she was back in his arms .
Noelles face went pale .
She tried to struggle , but Brandon shot her a cold glare .
Try anything , and Ill kill everyone here .
You know you cant stop me .
He was right .
She couldnt .
So Noelle went still , glaring at him with all the fury and helplessness she had , Brandon , unfazed , tore a strip from his own shirt and gently began wrapping her injured hand .
His movements were slow and careful , almost tender, as if he couldnt bear to see her hurt .
It was surreal seconds ago , hed nearly killed her .
Now he was tending to her wounds like a doting lover .
Everyone held their breath , watching Brandon in silence , unsure what hed do next .
For now , all their lives hung in his hands .
After finishing the bandage , Brandon suddenly turned to Bennett and asked .
You werent lying , were you ? That memory chip is really incomplete ? Bennett snorted .
If you think Im bluffing , go ahead .
Kill us all .
But dont come crying when the new Noelle wakes up and doesnt even know your name .
Brandon didnt speak .
After a pause , he turned to Noelle with a smile that didnt reach his eyes .
Tell me , Noelle .
If I kill everyone here , would you fight me ? Yes , she said without hesitation .
And if I cant kill you , Ill kill myself .
Her voice was firm .
Steady .
Final .
Brandon let out a breath of laughter .
Fine , I admit it I underestimated Bennett .
Guess youre more useful than I thought .
He tossed a glance at Bennett , then sighed dramatically .
Ill let everyone live .
But theres a condition .
Noelles eyes narrowed .
What condition ? 1/2 Chapter 288 Noelle free .
Brandon chuckled .
What , did you think Id just walk away empty handed after all this ? That Im some kind of saint ? He wasnt .
Noelle knew that better than anyone .
From the very start , Brandon had always been dangerous brilliant , powerful , and terrifying Shed just been too naive to realize how far hed go Its an easy choice , Noelle , Brandon said with a smile .
Stay , and they all die .
Come with me , and they live .
Whats it going to be ? Noelles lips parted .
She was just about to answer when Noelle Nicolass voice broke through him .
He was staring at her , eyes locked on hers .
He didnt need to say it .
She already knew what he meant .
He couldnt stop her from going .
Not right now .
Not without getting everyone else killed .
And even if he was selling to die for her , what about the others ? The Andersons . The staff .
The innocents .
So Nicolas forced a smile , pushing every ounce of heartbreak deep down , and said , Dont worry .
Ill come for you .
Noelles eyes filled with tears , but she nodded and smiled back .
Till be waiting Brandon scoffed .
How touching he muntered , and wrapped an arm around Noelle , forcing her to turn away .
Her gaze swej over everyone one last time Damon lying unconscious , background ... and finally , lack to Nicolas , Take care of Damon , she whispered .
And Nicolas ... Il be waiting for you .
on edge , Stanley trying to blend into the With that , she let Brandon lead her into the night , disappearing into the darkness .
Once they were gone , Benisett finally let out the breath hed been holding and rushed to Nicolass side .
He checked Damons injury bad , but the knife had missed the heart .
We were lucky , he said .
Wheres the ambulance ? Call them As Damon was taken away .
Nicolas turned to Bennett .
That memory chip ... was it really incomplete ? * Bennett raised an eyebrow .
Of course .
What , you think Id risk all our lives on a bluff ? Nicolas fell silem , both reassured and deeply uneasy .
Brandon was far more dangerous than hed anticipated .
hed Looking at Stanley , whod stayed uncharacteristically quiet , Nicolas asked , Can you kick a tree in half ? Stanley blinked , What ? Nicolas pointed toward the massive tree Brandon had split with one kick .
He did that .
One foot Stanley stared .
The tree trunk was as thick as a grown mans torso .
Its base was a mess of jagged splinters .
Holy shit , he whispered .
Brandons that kind of psycho ? Nicolas nodded slowly .
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