The word "otherwise" lingered ominously in the air, like a death sentence pronounced by the Grim Reaper, sending shivers down the kidnappers' spines.

They couldn't understand why, being men themselves, they felt so intimidated by Charlie's mere presence, his simple statement enough to make them consider retreat.

The man holding Vivian Lesser, apart from the big brother, was the most significant figure among them.

His hatred for Charlie was deeper than that of the others.

Seeing Charlie had already shown up, how could he think of retreating now?

"Charlie Firth!"

He bellowed with feigned bravery. "Don't get too cocky! Remember, the barefooted are not afraid of those wearing shoes. We're not cowards here! If you don't surrender, I'll kill this woman!"

Any other man might have felt pity seeing Vivian's face distorted with fear, but Charlie merely tilted his head as if appreciating her frightened expression.

His lips curved slightly, "Do you think I care?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Charlie suddenly burst into action. He lunged at the nearest man and, with a thunderous punch, struck him right on the temple.

With a "pfft" sound, the man spat out blood and fell to the ground, unable to get up again.

The other two kidnappers and the one holding Vivian stood agape, unable to believe that Charlie had knocked a man down with a single punch.

He was indeed demonstrating that he genuinely didn't care about Vivian's life or death.

After knocking one down, Charlie didn't rush to attack again. Instead, he casually rotated his wrist and looked mockingly at the man holding Vivian. His teasing smile infuriated the man even more.

Behind him, Nancy's shocked and excited voice rang out, "Wow! Honey, you're amazing! So handsome! Ahhh... Honey, you're so cool..."

Charlie turned to throw her a meaningful glance...

This...

This was...

This was infuriating to the extreme!

The man holding Vivian, his chest heaving violently, shouted, "Charlie! Do you believe I'll really kill her?"

"Go ahead,"

Charlie applauded, his face showing no panic but rather a look of appreciation. "I've wanted to kill her myself for a long time. The only thing stopping me was the law. Now you can do it for me, and I'll feel relieved."

"You!"

Vivian cried out in anger, "Charlie, you're not a hero!"

Nancy scoffed and stepped forward a few paces to stand beside Charlie, hands on her hips and adorably huffing, "Whether my husband is a hero is for me to decide! What does it have to do with you!?"

Vivian was utterly despairing.

How could she have thought of such a foolish idea to have Nancy save her?

She knew Nancy hated her, yet she still used this method to lure Nancy out, wasn't that akin to seeking her own death?

Now, not only had Nancy not fallen for the trap, but Charlie had also come along, and both were perfectly in sync, not caring about her life at all.

Damn it

Why is my life so miserable...