Chapter 304

LUKE

I knew Nick’s pain. I’d felt it myself years ago when I found out what my father had done to Olivia. That kind of rage doesn’t leave you. It festers. And when it boils over, you do things you never thought you’d do. I’d been there. I’d crossed that line. Now Nick was about to do the same.

Nick always believed people could change, even Xander. He wanted to see the good in him, wanted him to be a father to his son. But Xander crossed a line no parent could ignore. He brought the kids into this. And now? There was no going back.

My legs gave out for a moment, the weight of it all crashing down. I steadied myself, hands shaking, vision blurring. The fear for the kids, the anger, the helplessness—it hit me all at once. I couldn’t fall apart. Not now.

I had to call Marcus. I had to know about Samuel and Olivia. My fingers trembled as I dialed. He answered fast.

“Marcus, how are they? I heard Samuel was outside during the shooting,” I said, my voice tight.

There was a pause. “Physically