Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

In one swift move, Gregory had proven his mettle.

Mark was sent flying, crashing into a table and scattering cups of coffee everywhere.

The waiter rushed over, but Lucius was already on his feet, handling the payment through his phone app.

"You think you can lay hands on my people?" Gregory's voice was laced with an unspoken threat, the air around him charged with tension.

Cradled in Gregory's arms, I was still reeling from the shock, my heart pounding against my chest. It was clear Gregory had no love lost for Mark, and now, with Mark's true colors showing, his anger was palpable.

"What do you want?" Gregory challenged, his stance defensive yet ready for another round if necessary.

Mark slowly got to his feet, wiping the blood from his lip. A self-mocking smile played on his lips, and though the atmosphere turned heavy, he offered no answer to Gregory's question, his gaze fixed on me instead.

"Jane, think over what I said, alright?"

"Greg..."

The rapid shift in dynamics left me unsettled, my heart still racing. Taking a deep breath, I turned to Gregory and said, "I want to go home."

"Alright."

As Gregory and I turned to leave, Mark's words halted us.

"Jane, don't you want the antidote? If you don't get it, your grandma will die. Didn't you say how important your grandma is to you, how well she treated you, entrusting the Myers family legacy to you? Can you bear to watch her die without having enjoyed her life properly?"

My grip on Gregory's hand tightened, my breath slowing.

Gregory gently pried my clenched hand open, massaging it soothingly as he asked, "Do you trust me?"

"Of course."

I didn't hesitate. My trust in Gregory was solid. In this world, he was the one person I absolutely couldn't afford to doubt.

Believing he had a plan, I decided it was best to stay back and let him handle things, especially considering my current condition and the fear of endangering our child.

"Then I'll wait for you in the car," I concluded, sensing his intent.

My trust in Mark, once steadfast and grateful, was now shaken.

As for Gregory's actions, I wouldn't interfere.

Lucius hurried to escort me to the car.

The café had been reserved by Mark, ensuring privacy for what was to come.

Lucius managed the situation with a mix of threats and persuasion, ensuring the staff stayed out of the way. After all, when titans clash, it's

After

the bystanders who suffer, though compensation was duly provided.

Gregory had long harbored the desire to confront Mark, restrained only by his concern for me. Now, with no need for restraint, he was unleashed, though not without consideration. "Antidote."

Mark, clutching his abdomen and spitting out blood, sneered mockingly.

"You could kill me, but that wouldn't save Ramona."

Gregory's fists clenched, his knuckles cracking with the tension.

His usual laid-back demeanor was gone, replaced by a cold, deadly calm. "I'm trying to be reasonable with you, out of respect for the bullet you took for Jane. But don't mistake my patience for weakness. I can make you hand over that antidote."

Mark remained defiant. "I only deal with Jane. The antidote is for her."

Gregory's smile was chilling, his eyes void of warmth. "Mark, I know what you're playing at, but as long as I'm alive, forget it."

"And what if you're dead?"

Gregory laughed, as if hearing the world's biggest joke. "My life hasn't been smooth sailing. If I could've died easily, I wouldn't be standing here, living the life I do. Death isn't part of my plan."

Mark stood his ground. "Some things are uncertain."