Chapter 39 The Conclusion
The doctor still couldn’t believe what had just happened. Not long ago, Marcus had been fine–yet now, he was gone. The doctor looked to Wesley, brows furrowed with confusion. “Mr. Paige, Marcus was healthy just recently. How did he pass away so suddenly? Was there… something unusual?”
Wesley cast a scrutinizing glance at the doctor and replied coldly, “That’s none of your concern. If you couldn’t save him, then leave.”
The doctor nodded, taking note of Wesley’s serious expression before quietly exiting the room.
Once outside, he found a secluded spot and pulled out his phone, dialing a number.
“Sir,” he said, his voice low, “I’ve just confirmed it. Marcus is truly dead. His heart stopped, and his body was cold. There’s no way he’s coming back. Right now, Wesley is calling his family to claim the body,”
Merrick Fenton’s voice turned sharp on the other end. “The drug I gave you was meant only to cause him pain, maybe some wound infections–but not to kill him! Explain this.”
The doctor’s tone was measured. “Sir, if you wanted revenge on Marcus, wouldn’t it have been quicker to just end his life? Why keep him alive to torment him? So… I added a touch of poison to the drug, ensuring he wouldn’t survive.”
Merrick’s anger flared, his voice a barely controlled shout. “That was not your decision to make! I wanted him alive- suffering, repenting. Now he’s dead, his suffering over. What about mine?”
Hearing Merrick’s fury, the doctor stammered, “Sir, I was wrong. I’m ready to accept any punishment you see fit. But Marcus is dead. Maybe it’s time to let go of this vengeance and move on.”
‘From the moment he destroyed my life, moving on became impossible for me; Merrick thought.
Merrick gripped the phone tightly, his voice a cold whisper. “You overstepped the boundary.” With that, he hung up.
The doctor lowered the phone, a bitter smile crossing his face. He thought, ‘Yes, I overstepped. Mr. Fenton hates it when I meddle in his affairs and this time I went too far. Marcus is dead. If he decides to take my life as retribution, so be it.
After the doctor left, Wesley quickly removed the small tube of anesthesia from Marcus‘ body, allowing his blood flow to gradually return to normal.
About an hour ago, Marcus had called him, asking for his help in staging a convincing “death.”
He hadn’t explained why he needed to pull off such a risky act, only that Wesley should follow his instructions exactly. Trusting him, Wesley had agreed.
To make the ruse foolproof, Marcus had prepped Wesley on how to administer a specific sedative that slowed his heartbeat to a near standstill, creating the perfect illusion of death.
During the scene, when the cardiologist unexpectedly began pressing Marcus‘ chest to revive him, Wesley’s heart nearly stopped himself. Any misstep could have caused real, irreversible damage, potentially even stopping his heart for good. But as Marcus stirred slightly, Wesley breathed a sigh of relief. The plan had worked–and Marcus was alive.
As Marcus‘ eyes fluttered open, he gazed up at Wesley. “Did anyone suspicious show up while I was… out?” “Not yet, Wesley replied.
Marcus‘ expression tightened. “Alright. I want you to step outside now. I’m expecting a visitor soon.”
He was determined not to let his would be assassin slip through his fingers.
Celeste was right; anyone who truly wanted him dead would eventually show up to confirm the job was done.
Now, all Marcus needed to do was wait in the hospital room, keeping a careful watch.
Wesley gave him a knowing nod and left without another word.
After Wesley was gone, Marcus lay back down, closing his eyes, pretending to be dead.
He waited, listening. Time seemed to stretch endlessly before he heard footsteps approaching his bed.
Merrick’s voice, filled with bitter satisfaction, broke the silence. “Marcus, I never imagined our reunion would look like this.” He leaned close, his voice venomous. “Do you have any idea how I survivert these years? Fueled by hatred for you, for everything you took from me.
Successfully unlocked!
“I came back to make you pay, and finally, I got close enough to see a happen. But that damn fool doctor killed you instead, and now, here you are, dead. It’s maddening”
Merrick paced beside the bed, his gaze burning as he looked at Marcus‘ pale face. His hand reached out, grinning Mareret throat. “Dead or not, I still feel the urge to kill you all over again!”
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Chapter 39 The Conclusion
But as he squeezed, Marcus‘ hand shot up, catching Merrick’s wrist with a steely grip. His eyes snapped open, cold and piercing. “Did you really think I’d give you that chance?”
Instead of shock, a twisted smile spread across Merrick’s face. “I knew you wouldn’t die that easily, Marcus. After all, if you were that easy to kill, the car crash would’ve taken care of you years ago.” He forcefully pulled back his hand.
Marcus‘ gaze remained unyielding. “So, you admit that the car accident and this poisoning were all part of your plan?” “Of course,” Merrick replied, savoring each word. “Not only that, but I also destroyed your company and orchestrated countless other schemes you don’t even know about. Surprised I’d tell you all this? Think I’m worried you’ll send me to prison?”
Marcus simply stared, eyes reflecting a little bitterness.
Merrick laughed. “I’m beyond caring, Marcus. There’s nothing you can prove, no evidence to pin on me. And you? You’re left with nothing.”
Marcus knew Merrick was right–there was no proof, nothing solid enough to put him behind bars.
And if Merrick hadn’t confronted him today, he might never have suspected Merrick was behind it all.
After all these years, it was clear Merrick still didn’t believe what Marcus’d told him back then.
Marcus had insisted he wasn’t the one responsible, but Merrick refused to accept it.
Exhaling in resignation, Marcus spoke softly, “Even if I had evidence, I wouldn’t send you to prison, Merrick. I…”
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