Page 188 of Lust & Lies

Seo-Jin nodded at me just as Viper cried out, begging for her life. I moved fast, slashing the blade across her throat. Blood sprayed from the wound, splattering across Mr. Park’s desk, his chest, and the papers in front of him.

Viper’s body jerked, blood pooling beneath her as she gurgled, choking on her own blood. I held her down as she bled out.

Mr. Park shot to his feet. “You...”

Seo-Jin moved just as fast, placing a firm hand on his shoulder and shoving him back into his seat.

“Sit down and watch,” Seo-Jin ordered coldly.

Still holding Viper down, I glanced over my shoulder when I heard movement. Behind me, Fuse had stepped aside to let the others in. Aiden entered first, followed by Tristan, Ethan, Sam, and Gertrude. The gang was all here. They fanned out, surrounding Mr. Park’s desk.

“Grandsons! Help me! Noe has gone crazy. She’s turned on us.”

Aiden’s eyes widened as he rushed to my side, taking in my appearance.

“Are you okay?” he asked, gripping my arms. “Where are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, love. Most of it is her blood,” I nodded to Viper, who had already stopped moving.

Aiden shoved her body aside, causing her to fall right in Mr. Park’s lap. With a scream, the old man shoved her dead body off him. She fell to the floor at his feet.

“Are you sure you’re not hurt?” Aiden asked.

I nodded, smiling up at him, knowing I had to look like a psychopath with blood splattered over my face.

“I’m fine,” I told him, wiping my bloody hands on my pants.

“Let me get you a wipe,” Aiden offered, rushing around Mr. Park’s desk to open the drawer.

“I’m the one you should be worried about,” Mr. Park yelled.

Not paying him any attention, Aiden returned to my side. He placed Seo-Jin’s dagger on Mr. Park’s desk, then began cleaning my face and hands. My heart melted for this man all over again as he took care of me.

“I look a mess, don’t I?” I asked as he cleaned my enemy's blood off me.

“You look beautiful,” he told me. “My violent little butterfly.”

“Awww, Aiden,” I cooed.

“What the hell is wrong with you all?” Mr. Park yelled. “Noa has gone rogue, so have her team members. Call the guards in. Now!”

Tristan stepped forward, holding a brown envelope.

“Her name isn’t Noa,” Tristan told him. “It’s Noelani Cartwright. Daughter of Elani and Noel Cartwright.”

“You know that name has been dead and buried,” his grandfather told him.

Tristan nodded to the envelope. Mr. Park reached for it and ripped it open. He read the contents, eyes widening.

“What have you done?” he rasped.

“I’ve given Noe back something she lost because of you. I’m giving her back the name her mother and father gave her.”

Tristan snatched the papers from his grandfather and turned to me. He smiled. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Here, Noe,” he said. “I’m sorry it took so long for this to happen. And I’m sorry for everything you’ve suffered through because of my grandfather. This won’t make up for it, but I hope it makes your life a little easier.”

“Tristan...” I whispered, reaching for the papers.