She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 671

The words 'family ties' sent a visible shock through Coleman Pierce. His body tensed, and he lowered his eyes, momentarily paralyzed.

Lucian didn't rush him. He simply leaned back against the plush sofa, exuding a lazy, dangerous patience.

Five minutes passed in heavy silence.

Finally, Coleman spoke, his voice hoarse. "If I plead guilty... will I get the death penalty?"

"Tell me who gave the order," Lucian replied flatly, "and you live."

Coleman's lips parted, and he hesitated. Just as he was about to confess, a commotion erupted at the front door. His wife's shrill voice cut through the air as she argued with the officers.

"What do you mean 'obstructing justice'? This is my house! I have every right to see what's going on with my husband and daughter!"

The moment Coleman saw her wearing a black dress and clutching a bouquet of white lilies, a wave of confusion washed over his face. It was as if a jarring memory had just struck him. He glanced at the calendar on the wall, and sudden realization morphed instantly into pure despair.

"I don't know who it was," Coleman said, his tone entirely different now. "The contact is overseas. He only promised to pay me. Posting my daughter's hundred-million bail was the last thing he agreed to do for me."

"You must have forgotten my profession," Lucian said coldly. "You're lying."

As a seasoned military commander, reading people was second nature to Lucian. Coleman's micro-expressions had told an entire story: determination, hesitation, gathering courage, and finally, absolute defeat.

Yet, having made his fatal decision, Coleman suddenly looked relaxed. He leaned back, pulled a cigar from his case, and lit it. Exhaling a thick cloud of smoke, he unleashed his pent-up fury.

"I'm not lying! I just have a problem with the president. I have a problem with the laws of this entire country! Why do those of us who dedicate our lives to public service get treated like dirt, while these filthy rich billionaires live above the rules?"

"Why should I play it straight? Why can't I be like them? What good is authority on its own? Money and power combined—that's the ultimate trump card!"

Coleman took another aggressive drag of his cigar. "It's a garbage system."

He locked eyes with Lucian. "Haven't you ever thought about it? You go on missions, you bleed, you get targeted by assassins, and your compensation doesn't even come close to what you sacrifice. Don't you hate it? The Shapiro family didn't build its empire on military medals. Your grandfather went into business after he retired. As a commander with the highest rank, what tangible rewards do you actually get besides 'honor'? Don't you feel wronged? Don't you feel the injustice?"

"You must crave that billionaire lifestyle too, right?" Coleman sneered. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be working yourself to the bone, juggling so many roles that you barely even sleep."

"The public praises you. They call you a hero. But look at them." Coleman leaned forward, his voice dripping with venom. "It only takes one tiny lie for them to turn on you and point their blades at your throat. Is it really worth it, Lucian?"

Throughout the unhinged rant, Lucian remained entirely unfazed. "This isn't the first time I've been asked that. But my answer is always the same. I put on this uniform to protect our borders, not for a reward. Everyone has their own conscience. All I care about is the safety of this nation. I don't let personal emotions get in the way."

He truly didn't care about the public's misunderstanding or outrage. His only desire was to protect his homeland.

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