Chapter 179 She Didn't Call Me Dad

Howard suddenly erupted in anger, like a wolf king protecting its cubs, baring his teeth and snarling.

Gone was the calm demeanor he had moments ago.

I always thought Howard's years of business experience would keep him cool in any situation, maintaining a laid-back attitude to throw off his opponents.

I knew about Howard's efforts, the sacrifices he made behind the scenes, studying and reviewing under the lamp every night, constantly pondering the value of business. 

He was practically a human machine, meticulously planning every step, observing every figure.

I had thought Howard's weakness might be the company, his career, or his late wife. 

But I never imagined it would be Zoey.

Howard had long considered Zoey as his own daughter, someone he would protect at all costs.

Ronald squinted at Howard, watching him for a moment before speaking.

"All these years, I've seen it. It's impossible not to be grateful for your dedication, your sacrifices, your love for Zoey. You've surpassed me in that regard."

"Deep down, you're jealous of me. I'm Zoey's biological father. She calls me Dad, but she's never called you that."

Howard suddenly grabbed Ronald by the collar, his voice filled with hatred.

"What right do you have to be Zoey's father? After all these years, I'm here to see you one last time. Don't be greedy. Zoey won't be coming. Erica and I have made sure of that."

"You should be grateful. These injuries are your doing, and I haven't blamed you. I'm standing here now, giving you a chance to say your final words. If you have any last wishes, speak up!"

I snorted at this.

"Howard, let me remind you, Ronald must face legal consequences. The danger is over, and out of respect for the situation, I'm giving you ten minutes to talk. But that doesn't mean you can let Ronald commit suicide."

When Ronald's detonator failed, I had already pulled out my phone, ready to call Benjamin and Leonard downstairs to arrest Ronald and prevent any accidents.

But Alan stopped me, shaking his head, indicating to give Howard a few minutes to finish speaking.

Spanning over twenty years, the fate of two generations, whether it was Alan or anyone else, I wanted to give them time for a final farewell and explanation.

"Nancy, today I'm in charge."

Howard said calmly, "When I came up, I installed a signal jammer downstairs. The fire below has stopped, and there's no immediate danger. I don't recommend you shout and draw attention. I won't do anything, but Ronald has a gun."

"For Alan, for you, for Zoey, I hope you seriously consider my suggestion."

With that, Howard stopped talking to me. He was certain I wouldn't call for help. He struggled to stand, his figure even more unsteady, and looked at Ronald.

"One last chance. State your demands, your final wish. I will help you achieve it. This is the end of our twenty-year friendship, my last effort for you."

Ronald sighed, "If you knew me, you wouldn't say such things. I hate being condescended to."

"Secondly, I never change my decisions."

"So, my final wish hasn't changed. It's not to see Zoey, but to take everyone with me, including you, my friend. Let's fight one last time in another world!"

Howard's eyes widened, his expression suddenly turning to horror. He shouted, "Run!"

It was too late. Ronald pulled out a gun, and a shot rang out!

Blood splattered, and a uniformed officer standing by the iron door had a bullet hole in his forehead. Blood mixed with brain matter flowed out, his eyes wide open in disbelief.

"Silverlight City Police Chief Ralph Cook betrayed me recently, secretly submitting evidence against me to seek leniency. I don't allow that, so I punished him."

Ronald said calmly.

"Don't move. There are four bullets left in the gun. I can't kill all of you, but whoever tries to run will be the first to die. You should pray the bullet doesn't hit your forehead."

Then, two more shots!

"Silverlight City Deputy Chief Ronnie Ford, Investigation Department Captain Leroy Hamilton, you conspired with Ralph. When things went wrong, you hid behind and told me about Ralph's actions. Inside and out, you deserve to die. I declare punishment!"

Two bullets left!

I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself, thinking of ways to defuse the current crisis.

But there were none.

I could choose to sacrifice myself and call Leonard and Benjamin to act.

In fact, the gunshots had already alerted those below. The alarm sounded again, and Leonard's voice came over the broadcast.

"Ronald, put down the weapon and seek leniency. Otherwise, you'll miss your last chance and face eternal damnation. Think of your daughter, your wife. Do you really want them to live with infamy and shame?"

Leonard was trying to get into Ronald's head, knowing that ordinary threats and persuasion wouldn't work.

Ronald laughed, shaking his head.

"Annoying, outdated clichés, like a buzzing fly..."

Before he finished, his face changed, and a young girl's voice came over the broadcast.

"Stop."

Zoey's voice was filled with pleading, pain, and infinite sadness.

Howard, Erica, and I instinctively ran towards the edge of the rooftop, completely forgetting Ronald's threat.

Downstairs, Zoey, with tears on her face, broke free from Ruben's restraint and walked step by step towards the building.

"Don't come up!"

We shouted in unison.

Zoey, crying, looked up at us and continued walking resolutely.

"Go back!"

Ronald's angry voice came from behind.

"Why should I go back? Why should I listen to you? Have you ever listened to me?"

Zoey cried out.

Ronald walked over, pressing the gun to Howard's head.

"Ronald, what are you doing?" I shouted angrily.

"Let him go!" Erica cried.

Zoey stopped, staring blankly at us on the rooftop, hesitating.

Seeing Zoey's reaction, Ronald's face showed a hint of sadness for the first time.

He looked at Zoey downstairs for a long time and said, "Howard, I'm giving you a daughter. Do you want her?"

"This time, she didn't call me Dad."

"Ronald, you..." Before Howard could finish, Ronald lowered the gun and shot Howard in the back!

"It's over. I failed. Erica, Nancy, take care of Zoey."

With that, Ronald pressed the gun to his own forehead.