The Sway and Slide of Love novel Chapter 713

"There's no other way, Tony," Nathan said. "Look around you. These are all men who've worked alongside you for years. Can you really bear to see them all go to prison?

"And let's not forget—you're responsible for your own brother's death. Did you honestly think you'd walk away unscathed? If you die now, at least May might have a chance at a better life."

As Nathan spoke, he glanced at the woman beside him. May's face was filled with terror, and her eyes were bloodshot. As if realizing what he was about to do, she shook her head frantically.

Tony gritted his teeth and finally said, "Don't worry about me! Kill Hendrix first!"

At his words, those who had been hesitating immediately charged forward.

Hendrix's expression darkened. He first kicked Tony away, then grabbed a wooden chair nearby. Next, he pulled a lighter from his pocket.

He had actually quit smoking a long time ago, but he still kept the lighter Noelle gave him on him at all times. The switch was still responsive, and with a light flick, a blue flame sprang to life.

His action stunned everyone in the room, especially Nathan. When he realized what Hendrix was about to do, he froze for a few seconds before shouting, "Stop him!"

His prosthetic legs made it impossible for him to move quickly, so there was no way he would be able to stop Hendrix in time. But the others were no better.

As soon as Nathan finished speaking, Hendrix set the nearby curtains on fire. The door had already been shut, and Hendrix had sized up the house earlier. Though parts of it had been renovated, the beams and wooden pillars were still the original, aging structure.

Once a fire started in a house like this, it would be hard to control. So now, without much effort, the flames quickly began to spread. The fire devoured the curtains in seconds and then leapt hungrily toward the wooden beams above.

…

The police quickly cordoned off the area, keeping everyone at a safe distance. Noelle was no exception.

"Where's Hendrix? Did you get him out? Where is he?" Noelle grabbed the arm of a police officer, her voice and hands trembling. "Whose house is on fire? He's not over there, is he?"

Her nails dug into the officer's skin, and her skis bore into his.

"Ma'am, please calm down! We don't know if Mr. Freeman is inside, but the house is about to collapse. You need to leave immediately!"

As the officer spoke, Dan finally caught up to Noelle. He grabbed his arm and said, "Mrs. Freeman, let's just—"

Before he could finish, Noelle shook him off. Then, without hesitation, she pushed past the people in front of her and charged toward the fire.