Wife Rock 204

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204 Chapter 204 – No Trust, No Cure: Liam’s Defiance

“The Thornton family is prepared to withdraw all charges. You’d be free to leave.”

Hleaned forward, my decision made. “I refuse. If Tristan Thornton dies from whatever affliction he’s suffering, it won’t be on my conscience. My answer is no.”

“There’s a breathing exercise I can show you,” I said finally. “It won’t make you a fighter, but it will strengthen your body and help you recover from injuries faster.”

“No,” I replied firmly. “I’ve learned my lesson about trusting those who believe themselves above consequence.”

1 rose unhurriedly to my feet. No need to show eagerness or fear.

“You’re making a grave mistake,” he hissed. “Do you understand what you’re turning down?”

“You could save a life,” Mcbride pressed. “And your own in the process.”

I laughed–a harsh, bitter sound. “Of course they’re desperate. But not desperate enough to keep their word to someone like me.”

I raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Eamon’s face lit up. “I would be forever grateful.”

“What’s really wrong with him?” I asked.

I studied Mcbride’s face, searching for deception. On the surface, the offer seemed too good to be true–my freedom in exchange for saving someone’s life. But I knew better than to trust anything connected to the Thornton family.

He didn’t smile. “I’ll be direct, Knight. Your situation is precarious. The charges against you would see most men executed without trial.”

“Perfectly,” I replied. “I’m refusing to be deceived. The Thornton family has no honor, no integrity. They would never keep such a promise to someone they consider

beneath them.”

Our session was interrupted by the echoing sound of heavy boots approaching the cell. The inmates tensed collectively. Visits from guards rarely meant anything good.

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204 Chapter 204 – No Trust, No Cure: Liam’s Defiance

Mcbride led us to a small interrogation room. Unlike the meeting room from earlier, this one had only one chair–clearly meant for me.

Mcbride’s face flushed dark with anger, his fists clenching at his sides as my words struck home. Whatever response he had planned, the truth in my accusation had clearly hit its mark.

“Let me understand this correctly,” I said slowly. “The same family that orchestrated my imprisonment now wants my help? And I’m supposed to believe they’ll simply let me walk free afterward?”

I nodded slowly. “I’ve learned a few things.”

Mcbride remained standing, towering over me. “You’ve made quite an impression in your short time here.”

“Tristan Thornton has fallen grievously ill,” Mcbride explained. “The family’s doctors are baffled. They believe only someone with your… unique medical knowledge might

save him.”

I considered his request. Teaching him anything substantial would be impossible without proper spiritual foundations, but there was one technique…

My jaw tightened. Just another example of the corruption I’d been fighting against.

“Thank you,” Eamon said suddenly. “For standing up for me. No one’s done that since I

arrived.”

“I never expected to see you here,” I said quietly, examining his gaunt face. Prison had not been kind to him.

“What rumors?” I asked.

He nodded eagerly, already looking more alive than when we’d started.

“Sometimes,” he said carefully, “we must take chances on the promises of the powerful.”

“That you’d become one of the most powerful men in Havenwood City. That you’d overthrown families who’d stood for generations.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “That you were untouchable.”

“Remember,” I instructed, “four counts in, hold for seven, release for eight. Practice

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this cycle ninety–nine times each morning and night.”

I laughed bitterly. “Clearly not untouchable enough.”

I met his gaze directly. “Tell me, Mcbride, do you believe the Thornton family would honor such a promise? Once Tristan is healed, what guarantee do I have that I won’t end up back here–or worse?”

I had just slammed the door on what might have been my only way out. But some prices were too high to pay–even for freedom.

A few muffled snickers came from around the room.

I waved away his thanks. “I promised to help you once. That hasn’t changed just because we’re behind bars.”

I complied, watching him carefully. This wasn’t a standard intimidation tactic. Something else was happening.

“Then…” Eamon hesitated. “Could you teach me? Not the complex techniques–I know I don’t have the talent–but something simple. Something that might help me survive

in here.”

Mcbride’s expression changed so dramatically it was as though a mask had fallen away. Gone was the professional prison administrator, replaced by something colder and

more dangerous.

“Take me back to my cell,” I said with quiet finality. “I’d rather face death with dignity than live by the false mercy of liars.”

“And if I agree to treat him?” I asked carefully.

The three men I’d just dealt with were being helped to their bunks, their pained groans filling the otherwise silent room. No one dared approach us.

I stood up, ignoring the guards‘ twitching hands moving toward their weapons.

“They fell,” I replied evenly.

Mcbride’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile before he controlled his expression. “Step out here. We need to talk.”

“I’m aware.”

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204 Chapter 204 – No Trust, No Cure: Liam’s Defiance

“However,” he continued, “an opportunity has presented itself. One that could potentially secure your release.”

“How did you end up in this place?” I asked.

A key rattled in the lock, and the barred door swung open. Gage Mcbride stood there, his bulky frame filling the entrance. His eyes scanned the room before landing on me.

Mcbride shrugged. “I’m not a doctor. They say it’s some kind of poison or spiritual backlash. He’s been comatose for days.”

“What happened to them?” Mcbride asked, gesturing toward the three injured men.

For the next hour, I guided him through the basic positions and breathing patterns. It was a remnant of my earliest training, but even this simple technique would make a difference for someone like him.

I closed my eyes briefly, weighing my options. My instincts screamed that this was a trap. Once I finished treating Tristan, they’d have no reason to keep their word.

So that’s what this was about. I leaned back in my chair, considering the implications.

“I’m a people person,” I replied dryly.

Eamon’s shoulders sagged. “It was three years ago. I was in Shiglance City for a business deal when I accidentally bumped into a young master from the local branch of the Martial Arts Association. He demanded I kowtow in the street. When I refused…” He shook his head. “They claimed I assaulted him. Three years for a crime I never

committed.”

“You remember that day? When you treated my daughter?”

Eamon’s hands trembled slightly as he settled on the floor beside me. “Nor I you, Mr. Knight. Especially not after all the rumors…”

“You’re in no position to refuse,” Mcbride warned, his voice hardening.

Eamon looked at me with renewed hope. “Is it true what they say? That you’ve mastered ancient healing arts?”

The cell fell silent after my display of power. Eyes that had looked at me with contempt now held a mixture of fear and respect. I helped Eamon to a corner where we could talk privately, away from curious ears.

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204 Chapter 204 – No Trust, No Cure: Liam’s Defiance

“Actually,” I countered, “I think I am. What will they do if I say no? Kill me? They were planning that anyway.”

Uncertainty flickered across his face. He was no fool; he knew the Thornton family’s reputation as well as anyone.

I moved toward the door, aware of every eye in the cell watching me. As I passed through, two guards immediately flanked me, though they kept a wary distance.

“I remember.” The memory of his gratitude that day remained clear.

“Knight,” he called out. “Front and center.”

“Sit,” Mcbride ordered as the guards took positions at the door.

“Those men,” Eamon nodded toward them, “they’ve been tormenting me since I arrived. Daily beatings, stealing my food rations… I thought I would die here.”