2025-03-08 22:09:38Ten o'clock at night,
Al kept his eyes closed, but his ears caught Cassie's soft voice talking on the phone.
"I want you to watch over Al Vino," Cassie's voice sounded weak but firm. "Don't let Uncle Hugo or his people touch him."
There was a short pause, then Cassie continued. "I don't care how much it costs. I want her to be safe."
Al held his breath. So, Cassie secretly hired a bodyguard for him?
"Don't let him know," Cassie added before finally hanging up.
Al opened his eyes slowly, staring at the ceiling of the room with various thoughts running through his head. So this is the price to pay for living in the world of the rich? Lives can be taken at any time, just because someone feels threatened or unacceptable.
Cassie lay back down beside him. Her face looked tired, but the look in her eyes was still full of determination.
"You're not asleep yet?" Cassie's voice was soft, noticing Al who was still awake.
Al turned his head towards her. "Not yet. You're also still taking care of things."
Cassie smiled faintly. "Habit. I can't sleep if I still have something on my mind."
Al looked at her deeply. "You just told someone to keep an eye on me."
Cassie was silent for a moment. "Did you hear that?"
Al nodded. "I didn't expect you to think that far ahead."
Cassie sighed. "I don't want to lose you, Al."
Al held her hand tightly. "I'm not going anywhere either. I just didn't expect that your life had been full of threats like this."
Cassie looked at him deeply. "I've gotten used to it since I was a kid. Dad always said that the higher our position, the more people want to bring us down."
Al smiled wryly. "To be honest, I feel sorry for you."
Cassie chuckled weakly. "You just realized it now?"
Al rubbed her hair gently. "I won't let them touch you, Cassie."
Cassie closed her eyes, feeling soothed by the warmth in Al's hand. "I trust you."
***
That morning, Al woke up early and quickly prepared for the company. Although his body was still sore from yesterday's attack, he didn't want to look weak.
Cassie sat on the long chair by the window, staring at the morning scenery blankly. She looked much weaker than yesterday.
"Are you sure you don't need to go to the hospital today?" Al approached her.
Cassie turned her head and smiled faintly. "I'm fine."
Al squatted down in front of her, looking at her worriedly. "Don't push yourself, Cassie."
Cassie gently rubbed her cheek. "You shouldn't be rash either. If there's anything suspicious, let me know immediately."
Al nodded. "I promise."
***
On the way to the company, Joe drove the car with more caution than usual. After yesterday's incident, he didn't want to be missed again.
"Still sick?" Joe glanced at Al who was reading a document.
"It's much better," Al replied casually. "But still, we have to find out who's really working for Hugo."
Joe nodded. "I've had my people investigate. We'll soon know who to watch out for."
Al closed the document he was reading. "Good. Make sure they don't know we've started moving."
Joe smiled slightly. "Take it easy. I'm not new to this kind of thing."
The car drove quietly through the city streets. However, as they approached an intersection, a black SUV suddenly came from the opposite direction and stopped suddenly in the middle of the road, blocking them.
Joe immediately slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a rough stop.
"Damn it," he swore as he reached for the gun he kept under the seat. "Looks like they're coming again."
Al had already gotten out of the car. Several well-built men got out of the SUV, staring at him with piercing eyes.
A tall man in a dark suit walked forward. "Mr. Al Vino, Uncle Hugo would like to speak with you."
Al squinted. "If he wants to talk, he should be able to see me in person."
The man smiled slightly. "He doesn't want to make a scene. You'd better come with us."
Joe got out of the car, standing beside Al at the ready. "If we refuse?"
The man sighed as if tired. "I don't want any more violence. But if you guys remain stubborn, we have no choice."
Al looked around, estimating their chances. There was no other way, they were outnumbered.
Calmly, Al stepped forward. "Fine, I'll come along."
Joe turned his head quickly. "Are you sure?"
Al nodded. "I want to know what Hugo really wants."
***
Inside a magnificent room filled with antiques, Hugo sat relaxed behind his desk.
Al entered quietly, without hesitation.
Hugo looked at him with a cold smile. "Finally, we meet too."
Al crossed his arms over his chest. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Hugo took a sip of his wine before speaking. "You should know your place, Al Vino."
Al remained silent, letting Hugo continue.
"You think by marrying Cassie, you can have it all?" Hugo squinted. "You're just a poor, lucky guy."
Al gave him a sharp look. "I don't care about Cassie's wealth. But I won't let you bully her."
Hugo chuckled. "That's very brave of you."
Al stepped closer. "I'm not someone you can drop that easily, Hugo."
Hugo smiled sarcastically. "We'll see who lasts longer."
Their gazes met, both knowing that this was just the beginning of a long battle to come.
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