Married To My Ex's Brother, Reborn Miraculously

Chapter 349: End this game together

"Come on, you can do it later," Remi tugged at his arm and steered him to a group of men gathered on the other side of the hall. "Hey, look who is here. Augustine..."

Augustine recognized them – Lucien’s close allies.

"Hey, man...It’s been ages," one of them greeted, giving Augustine a firm slap on the shoulder. "You are as strong as before – still built like a rock. That’s impressive." The man looked Augustine from head to toe as he took a sip of his drink. "Any plan to return to the ring?"

Before Augustine could reply, Remi cut in smoothly, "Nah, he is a big businessman now. He left that life a long time ago." He wrapped an arm around Augustine’s shoulder firmly. "He is now a family man. His wife is expecting."

He glanced at Augustine. "How is she? Didn’t she come with you?"

A cold unease rippled through Augustine. Those piercing gazes seemed to read his mind, but he kept his expression steady. "No. She can’t travel right now."

"Ah, make sense...Come, have a drink." Remi raised a hand, summoning a waiter with a simple flick. He plucked a glass from the tray and pressed it into Augustine’s hand.

Augustine glanced at the amber liquid in the glass, tipping it back in one go. His throat burned, but he endured it. It was nothing compared to the fire that was burning in his chest.

"Easy, man," Remi scoffed. "The night is still young, and we don’t lack alcohol tonight. You can drink as much as you want." He shoved another glass into Augustine’s hand. "Take it easy."

Augustine lifted the glass, took only a small sip this time, and forced a polite smile. "Thanks. I’ll go greet Lucien now." He turned to leave, but Remi’s hand clamped down on his arm.

"Uh, wait a moment. Don’t go now."

"Why?" Augustine squinted at him, masking his unease with curiosity.

"What is the hurry, Augustine?" Remi studied him, taking a step closer. "You look impatient. Is everything alright?"

Augustine’s heart skipped a beat, his skin prickled under Remi’s scrutinizing gaze. He wondered if Remi suspected him. But he knew he couldn’t fail tonight. For Anne, he had to do this. Swallowing the rising tension, he chuckled lightly.

"I came all this way, crossed half the world, just to see an old friend," Augustine said smoothly. "And I haven’t even greeted him yet. So yeah, maybe I’m a little impatient."

"Come on, man, don’t be like this. You have the whole night to talk to him."

Augustine said nothing. He took a swig of his drink, restless. Time was running out. He had waited the whole day. He couldn’t wait any longer.

"Look at him." Remi pointed toward the man with Lucien. "That man is the main guest of today’s party, a powerful player. The boss is locking down an arms deal with him. Once it’s sealed, our power will only grow. So, let’s not disturb him. Come. Let me show you something. You will love it."

He took him to another room next to the hall, where the atmosphere was different. Neon lights bathed the space, and on stage, a woman swayed around a pole while men hollered, tossing cash at her feet.

"Isn’t she hot?" Remi also shouted in joy. "Come and sit. Let’s watch the show." He shoved Augustine down onto a leather sofa and dropped beside him, cheering with the others.

Augustine had no interest in watching it. His impatience only grew with each passing moment. He downed the remaining alcohol and put the glass down.

"Excuse me. I need to use the restroom." He stood up and hurried out.

Remi’s sharp gaze followed him as he took a sip of his drink leisurely, his lips curling slightly.

Inside the restroom...

Augustine leaned forward, his hands clasping the edge of the marble counter. He looked into his reflection in the mirror. Dark circles were visible under his eyes, a reminder of the sleepless hours. Tension coiled in his gut.

Time was running out, every passing second intensifying his restlessness. He didn’t even have a chance to get close to Lucien, let alone take him out of this place. Above all, the casino was full of guests. Coupled with Remi’s watchful eyes, the level of difficulty rose even higher.

How was he going to carry out his plan?

The air felt thin around him. Despair gnawed at him, eroding his confidence. But the images of Anne’s sufferings didn’t allow him to give up.

’I can’t fail. I have to do this,’ he told himself, gathering his strength. ’For Anne, for our baby...’

He shoved back the despair, forcing steel into his spine. With a sharp twist, he turned on the faucet and splashed the cold water into his face – once, twice, thrice.

The door cracked open, and a tall figure stepped in. Augustine paused and looked at the figure in the mirror.

Lucien filled the doorway, his presence immediate and commanding. Their eyes met in the mirror.

Augustine’s heart sank as he felt a stab of guilt. He couldn’t meet his friend with honesty in his heart this time.

"Augustine," Lucien grinned. He stepped forward. "Come on, man. Give me a hug." He spread his arms widely.

Augustine crossed the distance and hugged him.

"It’s good to see you," Lucien murmured.

But Augustine couldn’t say that, his face paling. "I am sorry, Lucien," he whispered and then pressed the barrel of his gun hard against Lucien’s stomach.

Lucien went still, his gaze moving down to the gun in Augustine’s hand. He smirked as he looked into his friend’s eyes. "Is this a new stunt?"

Augustine shook his head, his expression serious. "It’s not a stunt. I am dead serious. Please come with me."

"Are you serious?" Lucien scoffed. "You want to take me out of here at gunpoint. Augustine, don’t fool yourself. Tell me what’s wrong. I can help."

"I know," Augustine said seriously. "It’s only you who can help me, no one else. That’s why I am here – to take you along."

"In front of so many people?" Lucien smiled sarcastically. "You can’t. Leave it. Talk to me in private. I promise I’ll help you."

"I don’t have time," Augustine said firmly, impatience lacing his tone. "I need to leave now – with you. And you’ll take me out of here."

"What if I refuse?" Lucien countered. "I can make you disappear forever in one minute. Why would I follow you?"

Augustine knew the risk, but he wasn’t afraid. What he feared the most was failing to rescue Anne.

"You can," Augustine said without a trace of hesitation. "But I have my reasons. Please cooperate. Come with me without alarming anyone because there are snakes among your people. They are watching us. Do as I say, and we’ll go through this. I promise I’ll tell you everything once we get out of here."

Lucien gave a curt nod. "Because of the friendship we have, I’ll come with you."

"Thanks." Augustine nodded toward the door. "After you."

Lucien stepped into the hall, the cold barrel nudging between his shoulder blades. His sharp and calculating gaze swept the empty corridor. "You should have trusted me enough to explain," he muttered, his tone edged with disappointment. "Instead, you chose this."

He paused, turning his head slightly to look back at Augustine over his shoulder.

Augustine, on the other end, felt dizzy, his vision swimming. His limbs seemed to be going numb, and the gun felt suddenly too heavy for him. He squinted at Lucien, his mind racing in panic and confusion. He realized the alcohol he had was spiked.

"What did you do to me?" he asked, his voice trembling. The gun slipped out of his grip, his hands shaking. His knees weakened, and he collapsed the next moment.

Lucien turned around, towering over him.

Augustine helplessly looked up at him. "I only wanted to save my wife," he barely could utter those words before he lost consciousness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Augustine stirred back to awareness, his eyelids heavy as he blinked at his surroundings. Confusion gripped him when he realized he was strapped into a seat on his own jet. The last thing he remembered was collapsing outside the restroom.

’How did I end up here?’ His mind reeled, scanning the cabin in disbelief.

In the meantime, Lucien stepped out of the cockpit.

Augustine straightened up, alarmed.

"You are awake," Lucien said with a smirk. "How are you feeling? Any dizziness?"

Augustine’s throat tightened. He had so many questions, but no word came out of his mouth.

Lucien sat down across from him. "Now, we are alone, away from the prying eyes. You can tell me everything."

Augustine blinked, stunned by his calm tone. ’Shouldn’t he be angry with me?’ he thought. ’How could he be so calm?’

Lucien smirked. "I knew you would come."

Augustine’s face turned pale instantly. "You knew?"

Lucien let out a deep sigh. "I know that the vipers are regrouping, making allies with many small gangs worldwide. Even in my gang, there are moles. I have been hunting them down, yet some remained hidden. But I also have a few very dedicated people among the vipers, feeding me every piece of information."

Augustine understood how Lucien had known about it. He had been naive to think he could outsmart a mafia king and make him do as he pleased. Shame and guilt churned within him.

"I knew about their demands. And I also knew you would come to me. I could have stopped you, but I let it happen. I wanted to catch the hidden snakes. And finally, they revealed themselves."

Augustine knew there was no escape. He had wronged the most dangerous man in the world. "Glad to know that you caught the moles." He mustered a smile. "I know I wronged you. But before you kill me, please fulfil my last wish."

His gaze was pleading. "Save Anne."

"Don’t worry. We’ll rescue her together," Lucien assured him. "And no – I’m not going to kill you."

Augustine blinked, once, twice...He couldn’t believe his ears. "I pointed a gun at you. Aren’t you angry with me?"

"If I were in your place, I’d have done the same," Lucien said with a casual smile. "Those bastards dared to touch your pregnant wife and blackmailed you. Let’s punish them together."

Hope sparked in Augustine’s eyes. The worry and fear in his heart disappeared. "We’ll end this game – together."