Zoe's breath rasped heavily in her throat, urgently seeking to retreat further.

The wound on his neck, coupled with the stark bloodstains, was glaringly conspicuous, rendering him a complete lunatic devoid of reason.

As blood trickled down Barrett's hand, he reached out and grabbed Zoe's shoulder as she attempted to withdraw.

"Why not show a bit more ruthlessness? Haven't you voiced your desire to kill me every day, nauseated even by a glance at me? What are you worried about, what hesitations burden you?"

Zoe desperately attempted to shove him away, her left hand still tethered to an IV drip, causing the needle to tug as she moved.

Barrett pressed...