A chilling wind swept through Port Hudson. Victor Roland and his family lay bound with coarse ropes on the damp concrete, discarded like cargo.

Four hulking men in black loomed over them, their gun barrels glinting coldly under the moonlight.

"Please spare us!" Jason Roland was the first to break, his face slick with snot and tears. The bully who once tormented Jenna now trembled like a leaf.

Fiona Roland forced composure, though her voice quivered. "Name your price, gentlemen. Just don't shoot!"

The scar-faced leader pressed his gun beneath her chin. "Oh? How much can you offer?"

"Fifty thousand! No—a hundred thousand!" Fiona blurted. "My husband's orchard had a good harvest this year—"

"Bullshit!" Victor roared suddenly. "We don't have that kind of money! This is extortion!"

The scarred man smirked, shifting his aim to Victor's temple. "Some people won't yield until they see their coffin."

"Dad!" Jason shrieked. "Just agree to their terms!"

Fiona kicked her husband desperately. "Victor, you miser! Is money worth more than our lives?"

Beads of sweat formed on Victor's forehead. Years of withholding Jenna's wages and exploiting orchard workers had indeed padded his savings. But handing it over felt like carving out his flesh.

"One point five million for three lives," the leader drawled. "One cent less, and you'll feed the fishes."

Another thug added, "This dock's cleared out tonight. Not even a fly could get through."

Jason completely unraveled, wailing, "Dad! The Roland bloodline ends with me!"

Fiona suddenly hissed, "Victor, survival first. We'll deal with that wretched Jenna later!"

Victor's pupils constricted. Was Jenna behind this?

"Counting to three." The leader cocked his weapon. "One—"

"Fine! Take it!" Victor finally relented, though his heart bled. This money was meant for orchard expansion.

As Fiona exhaled in relief, the scarred man uttered chillingly, "Too late."

The gun's dark muzzle pressed against Victor's forehead.