Chapter 23

A searing pain hit Maverick, forcing out a strangled cry he couldn't suppress. The desk was stained with fresh blood. However, he didn't stop. Instead, he pushed harder. Clenching his teeth, veins standing out on his forehead, sweat streaming down his face, he forced himself to continue, prying the nail free. The pain was overwhelming, so intense it nearly knocked him unconscious. Yet, as if driven by self-punishment, he trembled and slowly moved his hand toward his index finger once more. Sam watched in shock and stepped forward to stop Maverick, but froze when met with his bloodshot stare. In the end, Maverick ripped away all five nails from his left hand. His left hand was in terrible shape. He collapsed into the chair, as if hauled out of water, his body soaked with cold sweat, his breathing faint and unsteady. Yet on his face lingered a twisted smile—one that looked almost like relief. "Send… send the video… to Nicky," he said weakly to Sam. Suppressing his discomfort, Sa