Chapter 116: Compensation

Zesasus looked at Joseph, frowning. “I know what I did back then was wrong, and I didn’t expect so many people to die. But you know, those deaths weren’t entirely my fault.” “I only gave them a crucial secret. I just needed some money. If you all had resisted a bit more, no one would have died over such a small thing.” “The key point is…” He wiped away tears from the corners of his eyes. “The key point is, I was in desperate need of money at the time. You know about my family’s situation.” “If I didn’t have the money, I couldn’t have done it.” Joseph looked at him. “But if you needed money, you could have told me! Why did you have to exchange the blood of our brothers for your money?!” “Is your money worth that much?” Unexpectedly, Zesasus glared at Joseph, growing angry himself. “You have money? What money? When I was with you, you had no money! I told you long ago not to form the Hell Organization and to live somewhere else, but you wouldn’t listen!” In the early days of Hell’s formation, those were the hardest times. They had no money, and the brothers couldn’t even afford food. They couldn’t even buy the simplest weapons. Every fight was a brutal, bare-knuckle brawl. Many warriors in Hell died back then, in large numbers. Joseph met Zesasus because the latter was heavily in debt and had nowhere else to go. Because of Joseph, he found a place of his own abroad. Joseph and Zesasus had different goals from the start. Joseph worked hard to build a protective force for himself. But Zesasus only sought temporary luxury. Reflecting on this, Joseph narrowed his eyes, coldly staring at the man before him. Zesasus had no idea what awaited him; he smiled faintly. “Look at my life now. If you had followed me, you could be enjoying this too!” Joseph’s gaze grew even colder, suppressing his anger, he spoke in a low voice. “If it weren’t for me, you’d still be wandering aimlessly. Our ideals have never aligned; we’re fundamentally different.” Zesasus’s expression shifted slightly, but he quickly resumed his smile, trying to persuade Joseph. “Why are you so stubborn? What’s wrong with this life? Power, wealth, status, I can give you everything you want.” Joseph abruptly stood, his voice decisive. “I don’t need your charity. I have my own pursuits. You chose this path, and we’re destined to go separate ways.” “Besides, all your luxuries were bought with the betrayal of our brothers!” “Do you think you’re some noble person? Absolutely not! You scum!” Zesasus didn’t confront Joseph directly. Instead, he looked at Joseph calmly and said. “Think about it, aren’t we the same? Your Hell Organization also relies on those brothers fighting for you to develop. I went home and earned quick money by selling them out.” “In a way, we’re the same.” “Joseph, without those brothers, without the Hell Organization’s warriors, you’re just a nobody!” Seeing Joseph remain silent, Zesasus thought he was considering his words. Zesasus calmly said. “We don’t need to dwell on the past. It’s been so long. If you come live with me in Texas, I can solve everything for you.” “No matter what happens, I can handle it.” “There’s just one thing…” Zesasus looked at Joseph calmly. “Don’t bring up those old issues again. I don’t care about them anymore.” “If you’re really hung up on it, I’ll compensate you. I’ll count each brother’s life at a million dollars each. How about that?” Joseph stared coldly at him. Hearing Zesasus’s words, Joseph’s fury ignited instantly. “Do you think money can compensate for your crimes? Those brothers’ lives can’t be measured by money!” He shouted angrily. Zesasus remained unfazed, sneering. “Hmph, your so-called justice and morality are worthless in reality. Only power and wealth can wield true strength.” Joseph’s gaze was firm. “No matter what you say, I won’t abandon my beliefs. I founded the Hell Organization to protect the innocent, not to pursue selfish desires like you.” At this moment, Zesasus stood, looking at Joseph calmly. “Fine, since you refuse, you won’t get a single penny. Not only that, but you can also die here, Joseph.” “Haha, I’ve never seen someone so ungrateful. I’ve given you such a good opportunity, and you won’t take it?” Zesasus’s eyes were filled with disdain for Joseph. “Since I’ve told you about the past, it means I have my plans.” “Do you think, as someone from the Hell Organization, I don’t have contingencies?” In the next moment, several men rushed in from outside the room! Joseph glanced at them nonchalantly, knowing they were skilled fighters. But these men posed no threat to Joseph. Zesasus didn’t understand what was being said. Zesasus spoke to Joseph calmly. “I’ve given you a way out, but you refuse to take it.” “In that case, don’t blame me for disregarding our past friendship.” Hearing this, Joseph’s expression wavered slightly. It seemed the mention of “brotherhood” brought back old memories. But he shook those thoughts from his mind. “Let’s not talk about the past. I didn’t expect you to press that alarm button.”