Chapter 4 Return

The vicious dog emitted a pained wail as its skull was crushed, staining the ground crimson with blood. Marcus, overwhelmed with intense anger, found himself standing in the aftermath. Sadie was lying on the ground, taking shallow breaths, her eyes gradually opening. Tears gathered in her eyes, deep and infinite like the sea. "It's him," she muttered, her gaze filled with disbelief. "Am I in hell? Why does this world continue its unfairness? Even after death, must I face the demon who pushed me into the abyss?" Marcus noticed the hatred and disgust in Sadie's eyes. He returned her to reality with a single sentence, "I've returned." Sadie's eyes fell silent. Marcus continued, "I've rescued Lily, so rest assured." Hope sparked in Sadie's gaze. Was this reality? Had she escaped her torment? Despite her salvation, Sadie was devoid of happiness. She rose and delivered a slap to Marcus's face. The once-dominant military doctor of Wintermere was left dumbfounded by Sadie's reproach. "Marcus, how could you show your face now? Have you come back because the Eternity Group is entering the public eye, and your fiancée is amassing wealth, making you want in on the affair?" Five years. Over those five years, Sadie hadn't caught even a glimpse of Marcus, not so much as a basic hello. How was she supposed to believe his sudden reappearance was meant to keep her safe? Marcus felt his throat tighten, his eyes widened as he tried to explain urgently, "Sadie, you must believe me! For five years, I was in the dark about your being alive! That night we spent together—I had no clue it was you!" But before Marcus could elaborate, Sadie slapped him across the face, her anger echoing in the space. "Keep your justifications for someone who cares." With another sharp slap ringing, Sadie stormed off from the Haven Night Club, caught in a whirlwind of emotions. She believed her daughter was safe, yet devastated by their intense encounter. Stumbling past Marcus, the smell of alcohol on her breath and her ripped attire, exposing several injuries, pierced Marcus with sorrow. If he had been any later, a brutal dog attack might have claimed Sadie's life. "Your dog?" Marcus's foot pressed down on the vicious dog, his eyes ablaze as he confronted Devon. Devon, still smoking, nodded arrogantly. "What can you do to me?" Before Devon could finish, Marcus appeared before him like lightning. Bang! With a loud crack, Marcus broke Devon's hand. Devon screamed, staring at Marcus in agony. "How dare you strike me!" Marcus ignored him, fixating on Devon's phone. On it, a video continued to play. In the video, Lily, not yet five years old, was forced to consume garbage, mouthful by mouthful. Bound and helpless, she whispered, "Daddy, Daddy, save me." Marcus's heart clenched violently. Devon didn't stop there but revelled in her suffering, culminating in pushing Lily off the crane. Thud. A heavy impact echoed from Trash Peak. Marcus's heart sank, the pain unbearable. That was his daughter, whom he hadn't seen or loved in five years, falling from the crane. Was Devon a devil? How could he commit such an atrocity? Marcus forcefully crushed the phone in his hand, his heart writhing in torment. "What are you planning to do!" Devon understood that Marcus had lost control and retreated. Yet, feeling trapped, Marcus relentlessly chased him. "Why are you doing this? Stop this mad guy!" Devon cried out to his friends, urging them to help. Suddenly, they all found themselves kneeling before Marcus. The underlings stood no chance against the King of Wintermere. Marcus grabbed a beer bottle from the table, smashing it into pieces. He shoved the shards into Devon's mouth. "Choke on it!" Devon spat blood. Marcus seized another beer bottle from the room, his fury exploding like a volcano. No one could bear it. He had become a legendary figure in Wintermere for saving innumerable lives through his exceptional medical skills. The entire world recognised his abilities. The Divine Phoenix Robe possessed dual aspects: its white side was renowned for saving lives and offering unmatched protection in battle. On the contrary, its black side could deliver death, a formidable power not even Asura could match. Devon vomited, his eyes bloodshot. Finally, his stomach filled with shards of glass. With a steely gaze, he challenged Marcus, "What do you intend to do? I am Don's son!" Intent clear, Marcus lifted Devon's body and marched toward the mountain of trash. Step by step, his heart bled. He wanted Devon to suffer Lily's pain and despair. Tenfold! A hundredfold! A thousandfold! No matter who Don was, even if he was Netherwood's sky. The heavens would fall for him! Arriving at Trash Peak, Devon trembled. "Marcus, dare you touch me?" Without a word, Marcus hoisted Devon's body. And slammed him to the ground! All his rage concentrated in his hands. Devon trembled in despair. Bang! A thunderous crash! Devon hit the ground. Blood coated the trash heap, drowning in his despair. The killing intent swept Trash Peak. No. All of Netherwood drowned in it. Before Devon could feel the pain, his body rose again. Bang! Another loud crash. Bang! One after another. Devon vomited repeatedly and was thrown from the crane. Wails echoed from Trash Peak, relentless and haunting.