Chapter 176 Never Turn Back

"Charles already filled me in on what's going on."

I nodded and gave a quick response.

Erica paused, then let out a bitter laugh and said sadly, "The professor's always had some reservations about me. When he came back from abroad and saw things like this... It's my fault for not protecting the kids."

My feelings toward Erica were really complicated. 

She was Zoey's mom and had helped Alan and the others before. But she also ignored Ronald's brutal actions at the old steel mill. By not reporting him, she was kind of complicit.

Legally, though, it was a dead end. The ownership of the old steel mill orphanage had changed hands, and any criticism was more about ethics.

But maybe there was no need for criticism anymore. This case, spanning over twenty years, had seen everyone suffer through sacrifices and self-sacrifice, tormented by fate.

I was about to say something when I saw the sorrow on Alan's face and remembered Charles' probing. Especially when Charles mentioned this was Erica's final lesson.

Wasn't this also a form of love and protection for Erica?

I took a deep breath, looked at Erica intently, and said softly, "Charles cares about you deeply. He's proud of you."

Then, glancing at the people gathered on the rooftop, I suddenly remembered something and felt a jolt of panic. I quickly asked, "Where's Zoey? Is she still at her grandmother's?"

Erica nodded, her eyes filled with guilt.

Would Zoey really stay put at her grandmother's?

The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I felt. 

Taking advantage of Ronald's distraction, I quickly called Ruben.

"Mr. Adams, what's going on? Did something unexpected happen up there? We're ready to provide backup!"

"No need. Stay put. There's been a twist, but it should still be within your plan. Ask Benjamin and Leonard; they'll know."

Thinking back, Benjamin and Leonard allowing the three of us up here must have been part of a well-coordinated plan with Frank and Alan.

"Let me ask you something. Did you mention today's events to Zoey?"

"No," he answered decisively.

"I'm asking you again."

I emphasized my tone. 

Zoey absolutely couldn't witness today's events. I had a feeling that today wasn't just about Ronald facing judgment. How Erica would handle herself was also a question.

Even if we explained it to Zoey later, I couldn't let her see this firsthand!

Even if it was irrational, even if Zoey was an adult and should face it, she was my student, like a sister to me. As her mentor and friend, I couldn't let her witness this horror!

I had a premonition that more than just Laura might die today.

"Mr. Adams, I like Zoey and want to prove my worth to her, but I can't compromise my principles as a cop for her. I know a bit about her situation, and I don't want her to see this either. If you can, comfort her for me. She listens to you."

"Alright."

Ruben didn't refuse this time. He knew right from wrong. With Zoey out of the picture, my only worry was gone.

I hung up the phone and turned to Ronald, who looked completely stunned. 

I raised my voice, "Ronald, your plan's a bust. All the hostages are free and right here! Surrender now, and you might still get some leniency."

Leniency? That was just a bluff to get him to give up. Ronald had gone too far to escape the consequences.

My goal was to stop him from doing something drastic. He needed to face legal justice. Those who mocked and trampled on the law would eventually get what they deserved.

Right now, violence was the worst option. Psychological tactics were key. For Ronald, trapped in despair, direct statements were more effective than suspicion and manipulation.

"Ronald! You failed! You failed yourself!"

"Your arrogance, your so-called perfect plans, your self-proclaimed genius and control—it's all a joke now!"

"You ignored the most precious part of humanity. Those who sacrificed for you—Erica, George, and Zoey—you betrayed and sacrificed others. That's not self-improvement; it's an excuse to fall into the abyss. From that moment, you were destined to fail!"

"Ronald, face the law's judgment!"

As I finished, I glanced at the people who had entered, including several in police uniforms. 

I remembered working with them during my time at the prosecutor's office. Though we weren't close, they recognized me. 

Seeing my gaze, they averted their eyes and slowly lowered their heads.

They hadn't expected that Nancy from the prosecutor's office, who had faced despair after her husband's "death," would stand strong and declare Ronald's defeat.

"Well done, Nancy."

Ronald snapped out of it and stared at me.

"Leonard's biggest mistake was letting you leave the prosecutor's office. If you had stayed, he could have become the chief prosecutor five years earlier."

Even in his final moments, Ronald was obsessed with power.

"Leonard has many flaws, and I dislike him, but compared to you, I admire him more. Leonard chose to endure the darkness and adversity, but he never condoned it. He always stood firmly on the side of justice, waiting for the right moment to act." 

"But you, you embraced the darkness, driven by your inner insecurities and cowardice. You accepted the unfairness and even became its perpetrator to gain a false sense of security. Ronald, give it up."

I said calmly.

"Such strong words, such calm analysis. You're truly impressive."

Ronald said wistfully, then suddenly laughed maniacally. "How did I betray you, Erica? Did I betray you?"

Erica held Laura in her arms, silent.

"Everything I did was to earn respect. I wanted to prove that you didn't marry the wrong man. I wanted to achieve what others could only dream of. Was that so wrong?"

"Everything I did was to make Zoey proud of me, to make others envy her, to ensure she had a stable life. Where did I go wrong?"

"Everything I did was to fight against fate and God. I refused to accept a mediocre life. I wanted to be the strongest, the greatest, to strike a fatal blow to fate and change the world. I wasn't wrong!"

"I will never turn back! None of you have the right to judge me, least of all you!"