Chapter 460 Tighten The Leash
Villain Ch 460. Tighten The Leash
Sophia had expected a reaction from Allen when she attempted to provoke him. She had hoped to see him embarrassed or angry, anything that would dent his pride. However, her assumptions proved to be wide of the mark. Allen remained remarkably composed, unfazed by her taunts.
He remained calm and collected, a nonchalant demeanor enveloping him. "You're right. I shouldn't do this," he conceded in an easygoing tone. Allen's response took her by surprise. "I will excuse myself then," he added, seizing the opportunity to make a swift exit. In that moment, he reached out and took Larissa's hand, leading her away from Sophia and the situation.
Sophia was taken aback by this turn of events. She had not anticipated Allen's composed response, and it left her disarmed.
"Wait!" She desperately called him back, to engage him in conversation, to do anything to keep him by her side. But Allen did not halt his pace, ignoring Sophia's attempts to get his attention.
Sophia was left with a sinking feeling in her heart. She felt her chest tighten as she watched Allen and Larissa gradually distance themselves from her.
Despite her heartache, or perhaps because of it, Sophia refused to let Allen go. She couldn't bring herself to give up on the connection they once shared. With determination, she decided to follow him, her steps quickening to keep up with his pace.
At the same time, Darren and Liam stood among the onlookers, observing the ongoing drama between Allen, Larissa, and Sophia. The scene had drawn a small crowd, and murmurs rippled through the gathered players.
Darren, his eyes fixed on the unfolding situation, finally turned to Liam and asked, "Don't you want to help her?" He nodded subtly in Sophia's direction. Darren had been busy creating a hundred high-level tonics that provided exceptional resistance to fire and thunder, as per Sophia's request. These tonics were essential for countering the Emperor's devastating area attacks, and their high-level nature made them challenging to craft. Frustration was evident on Darren's face as he contemplated the demanding task. Not to mention they hadn't gotten any valuable information in real life.
Liam, however, had been engrossed in creating a staff for Sophia, tailored to enhance her healing abilities and buffs significantly. This staff was a testament to his craftsmanship and dedication. Yet, he seemed uninterested in coming to Sophia's aid in her current predicament.
"No," Liam replied firmly. "I want her to see us. I'm not interested in letting her get close to Allen." His eyes remained locked on the trio ahead. Sophia had specifically requested the staff from Liam, trusting his skills to craft an instrument that would make her even more formidable as a support player.
Darren's frown deepened as he exchanged words with Liam. "After what she did to us, you still put your hope in her?" he questioned incredulously. The recent events had left a bitter taste in Darren's mouth, and he found it hard to fathom how Liam could hold onto any trust for Sophia.
Liam turned to Darren, his expression resolute. "Hope? Not exactly. I want her to pay us," he clarified. Liam's focus was on ensuring that Sophia would face consequences for her actions. Her betrayal had wounded their trust deeply, and he wasn't willing to let her off the hook easily.
Darren paused for a moment, considering his friend's words carefully. "Aren't you being too stubborn? Your expectations might be too high," he cautioned Liam. Darren had taken the Emperor's warning to heart and had become more cautious and critical of his decisions. He didn't want to blindly follow Liam as he had in the past.
Liam contemplated Darren's warning in silence. "Maybe," he responded with uncertainty. His gaze shifted to Sophia, and a glimmer of annoyance flickered in his eyes. "But I refuse to be a mere tool for her. I won't hand her over to Allen either," Liam declared firmly. He couldn't bring himself to admit that Allen might be right in his assessment of Sophia. The video she held over their heads was a constant reminder of her ruthlessness, and Liam had little faith that she would ever truly release her grip on it, even if she succeeded in getting Allen.
Darren couldn't help but narrow his eyes in disbelief as he listened to Liam's audacious plan. "You're crazy," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. He couldn't quite wrap his head around the sheer audacity of the scheme Liam was proposing.
Liam, however, acknowledged his own audacity with a shrug and an admission. "Yes, I'm crazy," he confessed, not mincing words. "This is probably a terrible idea. But if I'm going down, I won't go down alone. I'll get my revenge, and I'll make sure he pays for her actions. I'll tighten the leash around her neck," Liam declared with a determined gleam in his eyes.
Turning to Darren, Liam gave his friend an option, one that was tinged with a sly grin. "And as for you, Darren, you're free to join me or not. I won't force you into this. It might be too much for you to handle. But here's the thing—if you don't help me, then she'll be mine. However, if you choose to stand with me, we can share her for the satisfaction of our revenge," Liam explained, his grin growing more mischievous. "Just like the last time…" he added, a playful reminder of the exhilarating experience they'd shared together.
Darren found himself torn, his thoughts whirling as he considered the implications of Liam's proposition. On one hand, he couldn't deny that Sophia had betrayed them, and there was a part of him that burned with the desire for vengeance. But on the other hand, the path Liam was suggesting was fraught with danger and uncertainty. He had to weigh his loyalty to Liam against the potential consequences of such a reckless plan.
Images from their past adventures flashed before Darren's mind's eye—the camaraderie, the excitement, the shared victories, and defeats. It was a bond he cherished deeply. But this time, the stakes were higher, the risks greater, and the consequences more dire.
'What should I do?' thought Darren.
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