An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori Chapter 1223
“Natasha?” When Hector looked carefully, he was instantly agitated. ” Kate Harmon! Don’t do anything stupid! She’s your cousin!”
“What cousin? She’s just a bitch!” Kate yelled. She added, “She has always liked to compete against me since we were kids. It remains the same even to this day.
“Whenever there was something good at home, you always gave it all to her. I could only use whatever that was left. What right did you have to do that? How am I inferior to her?”
“Kate, I have never been biased toward any of you. Natasha worked hard for her success today. Both of you started with the same resources.” Hector said sincerely. In fact, he gave more resources to Kate than he did to his daughter.
“Nonsense! Do you think I’ll believe your bullshit? If you weren’t secretly helping her and providing her with all kinds of assistance, how could Natasha be better than I am?” Kate snorted.
From her point of view, Hector had used his status as the family’s patriarch to pave the way for Natasha. It was also why she was always second to Natasha since they were kids.
“Kate, both of you are my family. Why would I play favorites?” Hector’s gaze became complicated.
“Hmph! Stop acting in front of me!”
Kate continued with a cold expression, “I don’t have time for your nonsense now! I’m going to ask just one question: are you giving me the treasure map or not?”
As she spoke, she increased the pressure on the knife.
The wound on Natasha’s neck became deeper as blood started trickling down along the blade. Hector’s pupils constricted and said nervously, “Kate, stop before it’s too late!”
“What’s it going to be? Is the treasure map more important than your daughter’s life?” Kate asked.
She scowled and held the knife next to Ruth’s neck. “If you think Natasha’s life isn’t enough, then I will sacrifice Ruth’s as well for the treasure map!
“I’ll let them go as long as you surrender the treasure map to me. If not, I’ll kill them right before your eyes!
“Kate! Blood is thicker than water. Why are you doing this?” Hector was getting anxious.
“You’re not going to surrender? Fine!
I’ll kill one first to show you I mean what I said!” Kate’s gaze became sinister as she raised the knife and aimed it at Ruth’s head.
“Stop! I surrender! I’ll give you the treasure map!” Hector’s face paled, and he shouted in a shrill voice.
The vibration of the blade could be heard as Kate paused. The knife stopped just above Ruth’s neck.
“Well, we could have saved all this trouble if you had surrendered earlier. You had to do it the hard way!” Kate snickered.
Regardless of one’s stubbornness and bravery, they would always have an Achilles’ heel. With that, coercing them into submission wouldn’t be a problem.
“Hey! Why are you playing dumb? Tell us now!” Vlad urged impatiently.
“Truth be told, I don’t have the treasure map with me.” Hector shook his head. “What is it? Are you playing tricks? Do you think I won’t kill them?” Kate’s expression became gloomy.
“I’m not lying. To prevent it from being stolen, I already gave the treasure map to someone else.” Hector looked solemn.
“Who did you give it to?” Kate asked. “Dustin Rhys,” Hector said truthfully.
“Dustin Rhys?” Kate frowned. “Uncle Hector, I didn’t think that you’d rather give it to an outsider than us. You’re such a parasite!”
“Kate, I did it for the family,” Hector said earnestly.
“Shut up! You traitor!” Kate shrieked.
“Let me warn you, you’d better not lie to me. If not, I’ll make sure they die together with you!” she finished.