09
90%
They hesitated, but ultimately took the water and drank, mindful that Howard Lee had already paid them.
For people like them, any task is acceptable, provided the price is right. What’s the harm in drinking a bottle of water?
Unexpectedly, less than thirty seconds after consuming the water, they were overcome with dizziness and blurred vision. One by one, the men collapsed.
The scene I remembered failed to materialize, leaving me to wonder just what Howard Lee intended to do.
Then, to my surprise, he produced a military knife from his bag and advanced towards the
men.
The next instant, in the darkness, something scalding erupted, splattering across my face, followed by another, and another…
After a few final sobs, those people breathed their last.
It was only then that I realized Howard Lee had actually murdered them all!
I was instantly paralyzed with terror, rendered speechless.
But he wasn’t satisfied; he continued stabbing them manically with the knife until they were a bloody, unrecognizable mess.
Finally, having finished this gruesome task, he stood and approached me, wiping the blood from my face with a ghastly smile.
“Madeline, I’ve killed everyone who hurt you. Can you ever forgive me?”
“I don’t find you repulsive, and don’t hate me for this, but let’s continue as we are.”
I stared at him, incredulous, and it took an age to recover my voice, which trembled as !
spoke.
“Howard Lee, you’re mad!”
“Possibly.”
A disturbing mix of madness and savagery flickered in his eyes, yet his voice remained
unnervingly calm.
“But going mad for you, just once, is a price I’m willing to pay.”
“Now, only one final act remains.”
With that, he began to unbutton his shirt, his gaze fixed on me with the predatory certainty of
a hunter.
Understanding his intent, I struggled wildly, but bound as I was, hand and foot, I was utterly
helpless.
An overwhelming despair washed over me, mirroring my previous life. I couldn’t fathom ‘
D in this predicament, could possibly offer assistance.
Howard Lee, utterly dismissive of my struggles, even cast a smug glance towards the video camera positioned nearby.
11:22 Sat, 3 May .
0
རཌ,96%1
Finally, having finished this gruesome task, he stood and approached me, wiping the blood
from my face with a ghastly smile.
“Madeline, I’ve killed everyone who hurt you. Can you ever forgive me?”
“I don’t find you repulsive, and don’t hate me for this, but let’s continue as we are.”
I stared at him, incredulous, and it took an age to recover my voice, which trembled as I
spoke.
“Howard Lee, you’re mad!”
“Possibly.”
A disturbing mix of madness and savagery flickered in his eyes, yet his voice remained
unnervingly calm.
“But going mad for you, just once, is a price I’m willing to pay.”
“Now, only one final act remains.”
With that, he began to unbutton his shirt, his gaze fixed on me with the predatory certainty of
a hunter.
Understanding his intent, I struggled wildly, but bound as I was, hand and foot, I was utterly
helpless.
An overwhelming despair washed over me, mirroring my previous life. I couldn’t fathom who, in this predicament, could possibly offer assistance.
Howard Lee, utterly dismissive of my struggles, even cast a smug glance towards the video
camera positioned nearby.
“It’s your own fault for refusing to help me. Only by making you like me will you finally be compelled to save me, won’t you?”
“Besides, once your father learns I’ve laid hands on you, he’ll undoubtedly consent to your
marriage to me.”
“I’ll commit murder for you; you’ll marry me. How idyllic.”
In due course, the entirety of the Chase Family’s holdings will be his. He’ll revert to his former self, just as in the previous life. After all, Vivian Lynn caused him so much harm; her demise is insignificant, a matter of indifference to him.
As for Madeline Chase, he wouldn’t object to making her Mrs. Lee, provided he obtained
everything he desired.
After all, he was, in a manner of speaking, indebted to her.
Howard Lee, having indulged in his visions of the future, then proceeded to force himself
upon me.
As his hand reached for my clothing, tears of despair welled in my eyes.
It was at that moment that the basement door was violently kicked open from the outside.
11ZZ 9868 MAY 19
