Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 173: Love, Lies, and Last Chances

Roxanna challenged, "No matter what my dad did, it was because he loved my mom and me. Don't blame him. If you have to blame someone, blame me. He just loves us too much. He couldn't accept another woman, and he couldn't accept a child from someone else.

"And Harvey—he truly loves me. With you, he was just going through the motions. No matter how capable you are now, the only one he truly loves is still me!"

She looked down at Mariella like she had already won. At the same time, she kept giving Harvey small, urgent signals. Call for backup now!

This place wasn't far from No. 6. If reinforcements arrived, Mariella and her bodyguard wouldn't stand a chance.

But Harvey couldn't say a word.

He had planned his escape in secret. Of course he hadn't told anyone where he was.

He sent all his men away. There was no backup coming.

He wanted to call someone, but both his hands were useless now.

Roxanna was not only foolish but also unable to read the room. And now she was acting arrogant at the worst possible moment. The more he watched her, the more disgusted he felt.

Mariella let out a short laugh, like she'd just heard the dumbest joke. "Who wants his love?" she said, her voice full of sarcasm. "What kind of love does he even have? Even if he does have any, it's worthless."

"You can't have his heart, so you're jealous!" Roxanna puffed herself up again, acting like the winner. "No matter how strong or capable you are, Harvey doesn't like women like you. He said it himself—he likes someone gentle. Someone soft. Someone who makes him want to protect her."

She leaned tightly against Harvey, as if he were her trophy. Her fear faded a little.

Harvey's expression shifted. His whole body trembled.

Viola finally stopped shouting. Instead, she kept signaling to her grandson with her eyes. "Harvey! What are you waiting for? Throw that troublemaker aside and go apologize to Mariella!"

She struggled to get up, but the fall had been too hard. She couldn't move.

So she turned to Mariella, speaking in a soft, pleading tone. "Mariella, you're always my favorite. You're smart, beautiful, capable, and sensible. If Harvey married you, our family would thrive. It's a shame he got confused for a moment and was fooled by this sick girl. He already regrets it!

"Listen to me. Get back together. I'll arrange the wedding right away! You'll be his wife and the future lady of a powerful family."

"But I don't want it," Mariella said, raising a brow and speaking each word clearly. "I don't like your grandson. He's a better match for Roxanna."

Viola's face stiffened. She forced a smile. "A girl shouldn't be too strong. Sometimes you should take a step back. Life gets easier that way."

Mariella didn't bother answering. She stepped forward, lifted the butt of her gun, and struck Viola hard on the back of the neck.

Viola's eyes rolled back. She passed out on the spot.

"Grandma!" Harvey cried out.

He turned to Mariella, pain in his voice. "I know you hate me. I'm the one who hurt you. If you want revenge, take it out on me. Just... please don't hurt the people around me."

Mariella looked amused. "So who are you begging for?" she asked. "Your grandma or Roxanna?"

Even now, he was still protecting Roxanna. He really was devoted to her.

Harvey saw the mockery in her eyes. Shame burned inside him.

But he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of her. He had to hold on to what little pride he had left.

If I've made a choice, I'll stick to it. Otherwise, she'll only look down on me more.

"I'm the one who hurt you. Roxanna has nothing to do with it," he said. "You can kill me, but please, for the sake of your bond as sisters, spare her."

Roxanna burst into tears. She clung to him tightly, her tears soaking his clothes.

"Harvey, I'll die with you! No one can separate us. Let her kill us both!"

She turned to Mariella.

Even as she cried, her eyes held a proud, victorious look. "Sorry to disappoint you. Harvey loves me, even until death. Not even threats can change that."

Out of Harvey's sight, she flashed a quick "V" sign at Mariella. I win.

Harvey saw it. He pretended he didn't. He turned his head and closed his eyes.

"We may not be born on the same day," Roxanna said, holding him tight, "but we'll die on the same day. Please grant us this."

Beside them, Chandler lowered his eyes and played with the AK in his hands. He casually took it apart, his expression cold, his voice impatient.

"How long is this soap opera going to last?" he said. "Black Bear's men will be here soon. If you really can't let go of your ex, I can help. I'll drag him back for you and make him your husband by force. Sound good?"