The hall fell into silence once Harrells words hung in the air.
Corinne understood the individual words Harrell uttered,but the meaning behind them eluded her.
What was he saying? That her grandfathers most loyal subordinates were involved in smuggling illicit drugs into the Darkmoon Assassin Group Impossible! Her grandfather would never touch those forbidden substances.
Corinnes shock was palpable; her lips quivered as she struggled to find her voice. Finally she whispered in disbelief, Youre spouting nonsense. I cant believe it.
Harrells face twisted into a grim smile as he replied,I couldnt believe it either,not until I saw it with my own eyes.
Stop it! I wont believe it! Corinnes voice rose to a shout, her face flushed,and her lips and chin trembled with anger.
What was he saying? That her grandfathers most loyal subordinates were involved in smuggling illicit drugs into the Darkmoon Assassin Group?
Impossible! Her grandfather would never touch those forbidden substances. Corinnes shock was palpable; her lips quivered as she struggled to find her voice. Finally, she whispered in disbelief,Youre spouting nonsense. I cant believe it.
Harrells face twisted into a grim smile as he replied,I couldnt believe it either,not until I saw it with my own eyes.
Stop it! I wont believe it! Corinnes voice rose to a shout,her face flushed, and her lips and chin trembled with anger. My grandfather has dedicated his life to the Darkmoon. Its more important to him than his own flesh and blood. He would never harm his people with drugs. Harrell,youll have to find a more convincing lie!
Harrells eyes welled with tears as he took a deep breath, his voice tinged with sorrow.Please, Corinne, try to understand. I know this is hard to accept. I couldnt believe that this is hard to accept. I couldnt believe that Mr. Scott would do something like this.
His voice trailed off,the absurdity of his own words not lost on him.
It was true; Britton had committed his life to the Darkmoon Assassin Group. How could he possibly introduce illicit substances? How could he lead his own people,even the entire group, down such a perilous path?
Harrell managed a bitter smile. Mr. Scott raised me, so naturally, I trusted him. But when I discovered Jeremy living in his house, and a lab built specifically for him..
You think thats enough to accuse my grandfather of smuggling drugs? Corinne snapped, her voice shrill. The mere mention ofillicit drugsseemed to unhinge her.
Harrells gaze fixed on Corinne,and his voice grew urgent.Do you know what I found in that lab?
His red eyes bore into hers,and Corinne felt a chill, knowing she wouldnt want to hear the answer.What?she demanded.
Harrells fists clenched, and he spoke deliberately, his voice heavy with emotionI found the raw materials used to manufacture illicit drugs, and the finished products.
As he finished, a lone tear escaped and traced a path down his cheek.
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Harrell quickly averted his gaze,not wanting Corinne to witness his moment of vulnerability as he wiped away the tear.
Corinnes mouth opened,words forming, but they died on her lips when she caught the anguish in Harrells expression. She found herself unable to speak.
His voice cracking, Harrell turned to Corinne and asked, Do you understand the consequences if the drugs from that lab I just destroyed were to reach the streets? How many lives would be lost, how many families torn apart and left in ruins?
Stop it! Just stop! Corinnes voice broke as she clutched her head, her face contorted in agony. Is this the end of it?
Witnessing Corinnes distress, Harrell instinctively stepped closer,his voice soft and comforting.Corinne
But she sharply raised her head,pushing him away with force.Stay away from me! Harrell stood, shocked and wordless.
Her eyes ablaze,Corinne shouted,How dare you lie to me like this? How could you accuse my grandfather of such a thing?
I dont need to lie to you, Harrell replied, his voice filled with helpless sincerity.
You know how my father died! Corinnes voice was shrill as she pushed him again,her words tumbling out in a torrent of anger.You know he died from using those very drugs! How could my grandfather bring them into the Darkmoon? How is that even possible?
Stumbling back,Harrell managed to keep his footing, his fingers twitching in suppressed emotion.I know the pain and death these drugs cause Thats why I did what I did. Corinne jabbed a finger at Harrells chest,her voice fierce. And dont forget that your parents sold you to human. traffickers because of their addiction, and they had no money left. If my grandfather hadnt saved you,youd be dead by now! How can you repay his kindness with these accusations?
Leaving the hall, Brandon and the others retreated to the lounge to await Harrell.
After half an hour, Harrell finally emerged, his face red and swollen.
Upon seeing the marks on Harrells face, Natalie exclaimed, You
Franks eyes widened in shock as well. Did Corinne do this to you? Thats too much! Brandon gripped Natalies hand, his brow furrowing as he studied the red imprint on Harrells face. What happened? Is there anything we can do to help?
Harrell managed a bitter smile and shook his head. Im fine.
Frank placed a reassuring hand on Harrells shoulder.Dont keep it all inside.If you need help,just let us know. Well do whatever we can.
Brandon nodded his agreement. Without you, today might have ended in disaster. Harrells smile grew slightly more genuine at their kind words,though heshook his head again.Itsokayreallyllhandle the situation with the Darkmoon. You can go home without worry.
Brandon bit his lip, recognizing that Harrell didnt want to discuss it further.
As Harrell saw them off to the helicopter Frank suddenly called out,Wait, I have something for you.
He dashed onto the helicopter,rummaging through a medical kit before triumphantly producing a jar of ointment.
He handed it to Harrell, explaining with a smile,This will help with the swelling. Use it.
Touched by the gesture, Harrell murmured his thanks.
After the helicopter had taken off, Frank leaned against the window, watching the Darkmoons headquarters shrink in the distance. He sighed heavily, murmuring,Such a devoted man.
Natalie looked at him quizzically. You mean Harrell?
Frank nodded his expression thoughtful.Harrell istalented and faithful.If hed chosen to come back to Barnes with us, he could have achieved great things. But he refused to leave, insisting on guarding the nearly deserted Darkmoon,all for the sake of a woman like Corinne who doesnt even care for him.
Then he shrugged and shook his head, saying,Its really not worth it.
After a moments reflection,Natalie responded,I dont think love is about whether its worth it or not. It depends on whether the person feels its worth it. If hes willing, then it is worth it.
Raising his eyebrows, Frank cast a meaningful glance at Brandon, echoing,Its worth it if the person is willing to.
Everyone knew that Corinne had harbored feelings for Brandon for several years. The fact that Harrell hadnt turned against Brandon, but rather had helped him on numerous occasions, was indeed surprising.
With a warning glint in his eyes, Brandon shot Frank a cold look. Do you feel sorry for Harrell?