CHAPTER 134: CHAPTER 134 BRUTAL ACCIDENT!!

"I locate you here in Darwin College, and a murder is trending on the headlines—what are the odds?" Alexander smirked as he stirred the wheel.

"Don’t mind him, Daniel. Were you the one who killed the professor?" Xylander asked more gently, sensing Daniel’s scent all over the murder premise—which wasn’t a good thing.

They were on the road, and Draven sat silently while the two in front questioned Daniel about the murder at his school. He too was curious, because the timing didn’t seem coincidental—something was definitely off.

"You both shouldn’t even be speaking to me," Daniel muttered, turning his face toward the window. "Last I remember, we were leaving New York City without Draven, so don’t judge me."

Alexander, who was driving as usual, felt a pang of guilt. They’d ignored Draven again—just like before—promising to figure things out but never truly doing so. Instead, they focused on taking Daniel away, when they should’ve consulted Draven first. After all, he was the father of Daniel’s baby.

"Leaving? I don’t understand," Draven exclaimed in shock. "You’re all leaving New York City and I’m just finding out now?"

Daniel shrugged, tossing the blame toward the two men in front.

"I’m sorry, Draven," Xylander said, glancing at the rear mirror to catch his reaction. "It happened suddenly. We couldn’t find you, and Daniel’s safety was the priority. Matt is still out there, hunting for him, so the further he is from the city, the safer he’ll be."

Draven’s face fell. "But I thought we were finally getting along—why would you all just do this without telling me?" His voice cracked, hurt blooming in his tone. It seemed no matter what he did, true acceptance among them would always slip from his grasp.

Charles noticed Draven’s breathing turn shallow—the same way it always did whenever he was upset. Hearing that Matt Valez was still after them gave him goosebumps. He warned Draven that Daniel was danger himself and should be avoided, but Draven never listened. And now, he was tangled in problems he could never escape from.

"I’m sorry. Truly," Xylander said softly. "But to make it up, you’ll stay with Daniel—at a safe house outside New York. That city and its dangers have to be avoided. Once Matt is gone permanently, I’ll come over and start everything from scratch."

He sighed, his tone heavy. "I’m tired—so tired of the countless dangers we face. Our family can’t grow in such a toxic zone. That’s why I’m trusting you, Draven. Only you can make Daniel happy out there."

His words fell like a melancholy melody, pulling the car into silence.

Daniel kept his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, sunlight glinting off the buildings as the city rolled by. He heard every word, and each one tasted bitter. He was leaving his purpose behind.

Revenge.

His family was still out there—breathing, walking, enjoying life—while he suffered because of them. Yet, he couldn’t deny that if they hadn’t sold him to that brothel, he would’ve never met Xylander, Alexander, or Draven. Maybe everything did happen for a reason.

"So, Draven, are you ready to talk now?" Alex asked, eyes still on the road.

Draven clenched and unclenched his hands. Just like Charles and Daniel had told him—he had to speak up, stop dying in silence. Maybe they couldn’t fix everything, but it was worth trying.

"Yesterday, my parents called," he began quietly. "I was so surprised. The last time I heard from them was five years ago—and it was about school issues."

He sighed. "They said they’re facing financial problems, going bankrupt soon. And now I’m supposed to marry Beatrice Bradford to secure the family name. Apparently, through the marriage, I can ’save their future.’"

Daniel exhaled sharply. So that was it. His family was broke, and they came running back to him only when they needed saving.

"That’s where you’re wrong, Draven," Xylander said firmly. "You’re part of us. As long as I’m here, you won’t go broke. But your parents—they’re selfish people. I can’t stand people like that. So no, I won’t help them. I’ll help you. The money’s yours to decide what to do with."

Draven’s eyes softened. "You don’t have to, Xylander. I’ll figure out something. And about the marriage—it’s already off. I texted my mom, rejecting the proposal. I’m sure her call will come soon enough." He chuckled faintly.

Xylander wasn’t convinced. "This is when we should stand together—as one family. That can’t happen if one of us is struggling. Take it, Draven. Or I’ll have to force it into your hands."

Charles reached over and squeezed Draven’s thigh gently. "Stop pretending. Just accept it. We all know you need it."

Charles wasn’t comfortable with the arrangement, but he also found something strangely endearing in it. The way they loved each other, how messy and intense it was—it was kind of beautiful. He smiled faintly, hoping they’d finally get a chance at happiness.

"But what about school?" Charles asked suddenly. "Won’t people notice Draven’s absence—and his exams?"

Daniel’s face lit up. "That won’t be an issue anymore. I’ve completed my final studies. I can graduate in peace now."

Draven’s eyes widened. "Wait—what? You’ve already finished?"

He realized it instantly. That must have been the reason Daniel was here—the reason for the fight that led to the professor’s death.

"So you threatened the old man, got him to give you a good grade, and then killed him?" Alex said bluntly.

Daniel shrugged. "Something like that. But honestly, that man was a horrible person masquerading as a kind soul. I hate pretentious evil like him."

Xylander’s heart sank. He hated that Daniel had to go that far—that the world had pushed him into bloodstained choices. He wanted peace, a quiet life where Daniel’s hands wouldn’t have to stay dirty.

"Well, Daniel, you know I love you anyway," Alex said with a smirk. "And I’m proud of you—for standing up for yourself and your partner."

Charles blinked, disturbed. What was so good about killing someone? He just wanted to get out of that car.

"So, stranger at the back," Alex called over his shoulder, "are you coming with us, or should I drop you off?"

Charles looked at Draven, who gave him a small nod—it was his choice.

"I’ll come. Anywhere you go, I go," Charles said firmly. "We’ll start a new life together at your new place."

Draven smiled softly, relieved.

"So, Daniel, about your birthday," Xylander added, "sorry it turned into a mess. Once we get there, we’ll celebrate properly."

Daniel chuckled. "That little thing you did at the hospital was more than enough. I never planned to celebrate anyway."

The three men exchanged secret glances. A surprise awaited Daniel Lancaster—and his mind would surely be blown.

As they drove, Xylander’s sharp eyes caught something in the rearview mirror—a truck following them, speeding up.

"Alex, wait—let’s see if that truck—"

Then, before he could finish, something slammed hard into their car from behind.

The impact was brutal. The vehicle lurched, spinning violently across the road.

Charles’s eyes widened in terror. No. He wasn’t ready to die.

Alex reached for his weapon, the others snapping alert, but when he hit the brakes—they didn’t respond. Panic surged through the car like lightning.

They were on the highway. One wrong move, and they’d all be crushed.

Xylander realized the car wasn’t stopping. He leapt to the back seat, wrapped his arms around Daniel, shielding him with his body. With one powerful kick, he smashed the door open and threw himself out—crashing onto the asphalt with Daniel clutched against his chest.

He hit a brick hard—pain exploded, and everything went red. Blood pooled fast as Xylander lost consciousness.

Daniel was unharmed, thanks to him. But the car—

It smashed into a pillar and crumpled on impact.

Daniel barely had time to scream before a bag was thrown over his head. Darkness swallowed him whole.