Redeemed in Blood

Cristian stared at the large words on the cover. His face darkened instantly as he questioned her. "Amelia, what do you mean by this?"

Amelia looked at him and let out a soft laugh. "Silly, it's fake. When you're not by my side, no one protects me. If we divorce, those people won't target me anymore. Cristian, my mom is getting older. She can't handle this stress."

Cristian flipped through the papers with lingering doubt in his eyes.

Amelia turned to the signature page and pressed a pen into his hand. "Cristian, you've taken knives for me, and I've blocked bullets for you. Our love has long surpassed life and death. We'll never part in this lifetime. Don't you think so?"

Cristian's fingers paused on the pen.

As he hesitated, a subordinate burst in with a tense expression. "Boss, bad news. Natalie got hurt."

Cristian's face changed. He dropped the pen and started to leave.

Amelia grabbed his hand firmly. "Sign it first, then go."

Disappointment flashed in Cristian's eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but Amelia cut him off. "Cristian, does Natalie's business matter more to you than mine now? Do you remember what you promised me?"

He had promised to keep distance from Natalie. He had promised to always put her first.

Cristian fell silent. Guilt surged through him as he thought about his recent actions.

Under Amelia's indifferent gaze, he picked up the pen again.

Each letter he wrote sent a stab of pain through his heart.

By the final stroke, the ache nearly stole his breath.

He had no time to dwell on it. His men urged him repeatedly until he left.

Before going, he glanced back at Amelia. She seemed different from before.

Cristian suddenly realized he hadn't seen her smile in a long time.

Pain pierced his chest, but he forced himself to look away.

In truth, he had already decided in his heart. Once he stabilized the situation here, he would hand all the operations to Natalie.

He would retire completely and live the peaceful life Amelia always wanted.

On one side stood his brothers who had followed him for years and grown resentful. On the other stood the wife he loved most. Cristian refused to let either down.

With his mind made up, his steps grew firm.

The moment the elevator doors closed, a voice drifted into his ears. "Three days from now, we'll meet at the airport. Remember to prepare fake identities for us."

Cristian found the voice somewhat familiar, but he had no time to think deeper. The elevator reached Natalie's floor.

His subordinate led him quickly to her hospital room. She was already getting dressed.

Cristian frowned. "Why aren't you resting properly?"

Natalie smiled casually. "What injury haven't I survived? As long as I'm not dead, I can fight alongside you anytime."

Her eyes turned seductive. She reached out to touch Cristian's face, but he caught her wrist midway. "Natalie, I have something to say."

Natalie sensed trouble from his cold, distant gaze. Cristian released her hand and addressed everyone in the room. "After this job, I'll hand all operations to Natalie. From then on, she'll be your boss."

Shock rippled through the room. Natalie clenched her fists tightly and ground her teeth. "What did you say? Then what were we doing all this time?"

Cristian only gave her a cold glance before looking away. "My decision is final. Let's move out."

He walked out first. He never noticed the unwillingness and venom in Natalie's stare as she watched his back.