A Healer’s Journey (Finnegan and Nuthana) Novel
Chapter 273

Chapter 273 Targeted

Bennett's expression shifted abruptly. "It's not Old Mr. Sable who's behind this!" Finnegan sighed lightly and played a voice message from Hailey on his phone.

"Mr. Larkin, I overheard a conversation between Reginald and Mike. It appears Ms. Zimmerman's coma was orchestrated by Mike and Bishop. Their plan was simple: wait until her parents were desperate, ther have Liam deliver the antidote, making it seem like a miracle by the Sables. If the Sables then proposed marriage, given Firebird Group's crisis, the Zimmermans might accept. They didn't expect you to awaken Ms. Zimmerman earlier, ruining their plan."

After the playback, Finnegan added, "Bernice's coma was induced by A Thousand Dreams, covertly given to Bishop by Mike to aid the Sables and his son. I was planning to confront Bishop about it at dinner tomorrow night at the Zimmerman residence!"

As he spoke, Finnegan's tone was laced with underlying fury, angered by the betrayal and collusion within Bernice's circle. His decision to dine with Bernice was largely influenced by Hailey's message. Moreover, he needed to keep Bishop and his party in line.

Bennett looked unsettled. "That proves the Sables have A Thousand Dreams, but it doesn't confirm Old Mr. Sable ordered me to kill you."

Finnegan, smiling, held up three fingers. "First, A Thousand Dreams isn't common, and fewer than a hundred in Loang can make it. In Jadeborough, besides you and me, I doubt there's a third. Second, your respectful reference to 'Old Mr. Sable' suggests a significant level of regard. Why else would you address him so honorably?"

He continued with a playful tone, "Third, I have enemies, but currently, the Sables are the most eager to see me dead, and they once had A Thousand Dreams in their hands. Considering these points, I'm certain Reginald Sable is your benefactor, the one who tasked you with my assassination."

Bennett opened his mouth to refute but halted at Finnegan's confident demeanor. "You're really cunning!"

Finnegan, not directly interrogating Bennett, had pieced together the mastermind from mere clues. Storing away his phone, he remarked, "I was just lucky to get that message today."

Without it, Finnegan might have suspected Bennett's connection to the Sables but wouldn't have been so

sure.

Bennett's past was something he hadn't discussed with Nancy, let alone an outsider. "You're being too humble! Now, can you explain how you know so much about me?" he inquired, bewildered by Finnegan's extensive knowledge despite his years of solitude.

Finnegan responded, "The way I found out isn't the main point. What's important is that I'm aware of it. But don't worry, I only know the basics, not the finer details."

Bennett, understanding his imminent fate, nodded slightly, "It seems those facing death shouldn't be too curious." Closing his eyes, he made a final request, "Just don't let Nancy know about her true parentage and please don't hold any grudges against her."

After some time, realizing Finnegan hadn't taken any lethal action, Bennett opened his eyes, puzzled. "Why haven't you made your move yet?"

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Finnegan gestured for Duncan and Doom Star to back off, wearing a calm smile. "There's no enmity

between us. You intended to kill me as a favor repayment. Why would I kill you for that? Besides, I know now that Reginald is the real threat. And as for Nancy, she's a good person. I don't- Suddenly, Finnegan's expression changed as he detected imminent danger.

Puff!

Before he could react, a burst of blood erupted from his heart. Staggering backward, he collapsed.

"Finnegan!" Bennett exclaimed in shock, moving toward him. But before he could reach Finnegan, a bullet pierced his left shoulder, propelling him to the ground.

Doom Star and Duncan, who had initially faded into the shadows, quickly reemerged, their attention on a distant power tower.

Duncan then vanished among the fruit trees in pursuit, saying, "Sniper spotted, keep Mr. Finnegan safe!”

Doom Star swiftly dragged Finnegan behind some trees for cover. After a brief hesitation, he also pulled Bennett to safety, Grateful despite his injury, Bennett thanked him. "Thank you."

Doom Star remained silent, his focus on Finnegan, whose heart area was drenched in blood. He quickly dialed Stephen's number. When Sawyer emerged, Doom Star happened to be in the Wright residence and had obtained Stephen's number as a result.

"Mr. Finnegan has been shot! It looks... like he's dead," he reported urgently.

Within ten minutes of the call, Jadeborough was engulfed in turmoil.

Nuthana's Military Department in Jadeborough dispatched three thousand troops to seal off major routes. The police department mobilized eight thousand officers from various branches for a thorough search of suburban areas.

The passage to the neighboring port city was heavily fortified, permitting entry but barring exit.

The eerie howls of the wind and tension heightened the senses of those attuned to the unrest, curious about what turmoil had befallen the Wright family.

As the tension escalated, Jerome and Kenneth also emerged from their homes, moving discreetly. Alexander, accompanied by several experts, made his way quietly toward the Wright residence.

Amidst this charged atmosphere, a helicopter belonging to the Jadeborough branch of the Military Department discreetly landed in the backyard of the Wright residence.

Stephen, flanked by a dozen guards, proceeded into the house, forming a protective circle as they entered the room adjacent to Waylynn's sterile ward.

Inside, Doom Star carefully laid Finnegan down on the bed, his face expressionless, betraying no emotion.

Nathan entered with a somber look, followed by Jerome and others. Confronted with Finnegan's dire state,

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Nathan's expression darkened further. "Jerome, he's in your hands now."

Jerome responded with a grave nod, "Don't worry, Old Mr. Wright, I'll do everything in my power to help

Master."

Nathan, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd, said, "Too many people here can be a distraction. The rest of you, come with me outside."

Once outside, Nathan's frustration boiled over. "What in the world is happening tonight?"

Doom Star's indifferent gaze lingered on Bennett.

Nathan, following his line of sight, recognized Bennett and paused, "Mr. Sanchez?" He was familiar with Bennett due to his fondness for the pork chops at Bennett Farmhouse. Stephen, offering a rueful smile, spoke, "Grandpa, it's a complex situation. Mr. Sanchez, could you explain everything to my grandpa?"

Bennett, his left shoulder now bandaged, sighed lightly before recounting the night's events, revealing his identity as a Grandmaster in the Preliminary Rank of Terra Realm.

Upon hearing this, Nathan sneered, "I never expected a mere farm owner to possess such high-level cultivation."

Stephen, harboring feelings for Nancy, felt compelled to defend Bennett. "Grandpa, Mr. Sanchez was merely repaying a debt to Reginald. The real person targeting Finnegan has nothing to do with him. He's innocent."

"Innocent?" Nathan softly disagreed, "He's more than just innocent. There's a certain sadness in his story."