A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1426

Chapter 1426 

Bernard’s hand moved with lightning speed, the gun in his grip barking death as he dropped a goon in black with a single shot. 

Just as he was about to pivot and target another, red laser dots danced across Eleanor’s body. 

At the same moment, the gun in the hand of the black-clad assailant pressed coldly against Eleanor’s temple. 

“Mr. Law.” 

Three controllers, cradling their rifles, emerged slowly from the panic room within the safehouse. 

“The terms laid out by Sector 2-5, Mr. Law. Comply, and your wife goes free. Otherwise…” 

One of the controllers hadn’t even finished speaking when the goon pushed the gun harder against Eleanor’s head. 

“Don’t hurt her!” 

Bernard’s heart raced with fear at the mere posturing of the thug. It was clear now that his concern for Eleanor surpassed even his own life. 

Even the slightest scratch on her, and he would be beside himself with anxiety. 

“Come at me, leave her out of it.” 

The icy resolve in Bernard’s eyes had melted away, replaced by desperation. The leverage they held was Eleanor’s life, and it paralyzed him. 

“We might spare her, but you have to atone with your own life, in front of us.” 

The words struck Eleanor like a death sentence. She gazed at Bernard’s handsome face, shaking her head slowly. 

“Don’t be a fool.” He’d been hurt too many times for her. already; she couldn’t stand to see him play the hero again. 

The love and concern that shone in Eleanor’s clear eyes warmed Bernard’s heart. 

“Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.” After soothing Eleanor’s fears, he shifted his intense gaze from her to the three controllers. 

“I’ll atone, but I won’t be your sacrificial lamb.” 

The Siren Syndicate had done some dark deeds in their quest to cleanse the corporate world, like when Gianna sent Teresa Hyde to fend for herself in the wilds of Montana, or when Bernard himself had Josef Caporal thrown in jail to be taught a harsh lesson. But since he had taken over, he had never allowed the senseless slaughter of others, certainly nothing as brutal as Area Opaca’s bio-engineered vendettas. 

Bernard admitted the Syndicate’s guilt, but not to the extent that it warranted death. 

However, as the Syndicate’s leader, he knew a price must be paid. 

“I’ll fire a shot in penance, then you let her go.” 

With that, Bernard raised his gun, turning it on himself, and without flinching, fired into his shoulder. 

Bang- 

The gunshot echoed deafeningly through the corridor, shattering the silence of the safehouse and piercing Eleanor’s ears and heart in a single moment. 

The whine of tinnitus filled her head as she looked on, dazed, at the man standing tall despite the bullet wound. 

“Don’t be afraid.” His words reached Eleanor after a long delay, her vision blurred with tears as she saw the crimson blood flowing down his shoulder, soaking his pristine white shirt beneath the dark suit jacket. 

With every drop that fell, it hammered a sharp pain into Eleanor’s heart. 

“Bernard!” 

Frantic, she struggled against the goon’s hold.