Salem was stunned by Julien's slap.

He covered his face, looked at Julien in shock and sorrow, and sobbed, "But... but I'm older than you... I was given that middle name first."

Instead of calming down, Julien became even angrier. He slapped Salem again and furiously scolded, "When your damn father found out my middle name was also Steve, why didn't he change yours? Acting above your station—who gave you the guts?!"

Salem's face was swollen on both sides, and his heart was filled with even greater indignation. Crying, he pleaded, "Sir, now isn't the time to blame me for sharing your middle name! You need to figure out a way to get my son and me out of here!"

"Get you out?!" Julien laughed in exasperation, pointing at him with rage. "Your wretched son committed such heinous crimes, yet you still expect me to save you? I'd rather kill you both myself to ease Mr. Wade's anger!"

Julien's words were not idle talk.

For him, the task in Aurous Hill had only two possible outcomes: