Brenda looked at Tessa with a forced smile and said, “This is how it should be, Tessa. My attitude toward you wasn’t good before, but I was just worried about the company. I hope you can understand. I apologize.”“Tessa, I’d also like to apologize. I hope you can forgive me,” Gerald added as he stepped forward, trying to mask his discomfort.Tessa gave a slight nod, her expression unreadable. Despite the apologies, she couldn’t feel happy. She knew their words lacked sincerity. Their apologies were not for her but for the billion-dollar lifeline Adam had promised to save the company. The realization stung, leaving her feeling hollow rather than vindicated.“What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and apologize!” Gerald barked at Pamie and her family, who stood rooted in place, their faces etched with reluctance.“We’re sorry,” Pamie and her family mumbled half-heartedly, their words dripping with resentment.Adam’s eyes narrowed, and he snorted coldly. “You call that an apology?
For three days, Mark and Ethan endured their bizarre and humiliating treatment, choking down three large glasses of urine daily. Each gulp was a reminder of their desperation to reverse their condition, and by the end, their spirits were as broken as their dignity.“I’m finally cured. No more of this nightmare,” Ethan said, tossing his glass onto the floor with a sense of triumph. The sound of it shattering felt like the breaking of his chains.Mark, equally relieved, let out a long breath. “It worked, but I swear, Adam’s going to pay for this. That bastard has humiliated us for the last time.”Ethan’s face darkened, his relief quickly giving way to anger. “You’re damn right. We need to make him suffer for what he put us through.”Mark leaned forward, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “We’ll use Tessa. She’s the perfect bait to get Adam where we want him. Henry’s on our side, so he can help us set up the trap.”Ethan’s eyes gleamed with malicious excitement, but his tone turn
At precisely 7:00 p.m., Tessa arrived at the Golden Club, her heels clicking against the polished marble floors. The club, once notorious as the Darkclaw Club, had been a haven for the infamous Darkclaw Group, a criminal syndicate feared across the city. After their downfall, the property was purchased by one of their former enforcers, rebranded, and reopened under a seemingly respectable new name. Yet, the air of danger lingered, making Tessa uneasy as she approached the entrance.She hesitated before the imposing doors, flanked by two tall bodyguards wearing dark suits and sunglasses. One of them turned toward her, his voice curt and professional.“Are you Ms. Armand?”“Yes, I am,” Tessa replied, her tone steady despite the knot tightening in her stomach.“This way, please,” the guard said, pulling the door open with a smooth motion.As the door swung open, Tessa stepped inside, her breath catching in her throat. The luxurious room exuded opulence, but her gaze immediately locked on
However, Tessa’s plea seemed to fuel their twisted amusement, their laughter growing louder.Ethan advanced, his eyes dark and predatory, like a wolf cornering its prey. “Why beg for him, Tessa? You’re here, aren’t you? Make yourself useful. Or better yet...” His gaze darkened with malice as an idea struck him.Mark’s smirk widened. “Wait, Ethan. I have a better idea. Why not call Adam? Let’s humiliate him too. Imagine the look on his face when he sees his wife being... entertained by us.”“That’s perfect!” Ethan exclaimed, pulling out his phone with an eager grin.Tessa’s heart sank further, panic tightening her chest. “Please, no!” she cried, stepping forward in desperation. “His legs are already broken. He’s been through enough. Whatever you want, take it out on me. Just don’t involve him!”Mark sneered. “Touching. But I’m afraid it doesn’t work like that.”Ethan tilted his head mockingly. “If you’re so concerned about him, maybe you can buy his safety. Strip for us. Give us a good
Mark’s sneer deepened, his arrogance unchecked as he marched toward Adam. “You trash! You’re already halfway to the grave, and yet you still dare to act tough? Let me put you in your place. I’ll smash your mouth first!”Tessa stepped forward in panic, trying to shield Adam. “Stop it! Haven’t you done enough?”But Adam grasped her wrist gently, pulling her behind him. His voice was calm but firm. “Stay back, Tessa. I’ll handle this.”Mark’s lips curled into a malicious grin. “Handle this? Let’s see how you handle a broken jaw!” He raised his hand, his intent clear, and swung it forcefully toward Adam’s face.What happened next left everyone stunned. Adam didn’t flinch. Instead, his hand shot up with lightning speed, catching Mark’s wrist mid-swing.Mark froze, his expression twisted in disbelief. He tried to yank his hand free, using all his strength, but Adam’s grip was like an iron vice, unyielding. His arm trembled as he struggled, but it was no use.With a sharp, deliberate motion,
The room fell into a tense silence as a group of men burst in, their heavy footsteps echoing ominously. Leading them was a hulking figure, his shaved head glistening under the dim light. His fierce eyes scanned the room, and the leopard tattoos etched across his muscular arms only added to his intimidating presence.“Who dares to cause trouble for Mr. Woods and Mr. Blackwood on my turf?” the man demanded, his voice low and menacing.This was Robert Diego, a notorious name in Storm City. Even though the Darkclaw Group had long since disbanded, Diego’s personal reputation remained untarnished. Backed by his entourage of five or six equally imposing thugs, he was a force to be reckoned with. In the city, few dared to challenge him, and even the four major families stepped lightly around him.Mark’s face lit up with unrestrained excitement as he hurried forward. “Mr. Diego, you’re finally here! We’ve been waiting for you.”Ethan followed closely, his earlier fear melting away.“Don’t worr
The tension in the room snapped like a coiled spring as Robert’s patience reached its limit.“Damn you!” he bellowed, raising his massive hand and delivering a resounding slap across Mark’s face. The sharp crack of the blow echoed through the air, silencing everyone in the room.Mark stumbled back, clutching his reddened cheek, his expression a mix of shock and indignation. “Mr. Diego, why did you hit me?” he stammered, his voice tinged with both anger and confusion.Robert’s glare could have pierced steel. “Damn it! Do I need a reason?” he roared, following up with an even fiercer slap that sent Mark reeling.Not content with his blows, Robert drove his boot into Mark’s stomach with such force that Mark crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.Ethan, equally stunned and panicked, spoke up hesitantly. “Mr. Diego, are you hitting the wrong people? We’re the ones who called you for help against this trash!”Robert’s rage only deepened at the words. “Go to hell!” he barked, spinning aro
Adam’s voice carried a chilling edge, each word sharper than the last. “This is a one-time courtesy. Don’t test me again.”“Thank you, Mr. Adam, thank you,” Robert stammered, visibly relieved. He quickly bowed, his hands trembling slightly as he did so.Adam’s gaze shifted to Mark and Ethan, his eyes cold and unyielding. “What should we do with them?” Robert asked, pointing toward the two men.Adam’s response was indifferent, almost dismissive. “Break their most prized possessions.”Robert hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Understood,” he replied and began walking toward the two.Ethan’s face drained of color, panic replacing the arrogance he had worn so confidently earlier. “Robert, think this through!” he blurted out. “I am the eldest son of the Blackwood family. If you dare to harm me, our family will never let you off!”Robert stopped and turned to him, an expression of disdain spreading across his face. “The Blackwood family?” he sneered. “You think that name frightens me? An
Suddenly, a commotion rippled through the crowd.“General Arin Vex is here!” someone shouted.Gasps of shock echoed across the room. Even Adam raised an eyebrow in slight surprise, and Stacey’s face turned pale. What was General Arin Vex doing in Storm City?General Arin Vex was one of the four Generals of Coastal Flair, a man whose presence alone commanded attention and respect. Known as the most powerful figure alive after the Supreme General and the other three Generals, his reputation was legendary. Few had ever seen him in person, and even fewer dared to approach him.The buzz in the hall grew louder as a massive convoy rolled up outside. Hundreds of soldiers stepped out of their individual vehicles, forming an impenetrable wall of security. At the center of it all was a black SUV, guarded by four imposing men. They moved in perfect sync, each opening a door to reveal the vehicle’s sole occupant.A man stepped out, tall and imposing, his very presence exuding authority. He looked
“I’ll take it then,” Reeves said, his expression lighting up with satisfaction. In fact, he looked almost gleeful as he turned to the staff and asked, “How do you feel after I’ve bought your dog for five million?” “Mr. Reeves, are you serious?” the staff member stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief. Reeves nodded confidently and wrote a check for five million dollars right away. When the staff took the check from his hand, she still seemed stunned, unable to process what was happening. Clement was so elated that he turned to Stacey and said, “Ms. Gold, can you do me a favor? Tell your hotel staff to have the dog killed and retrieve the pill from its stomach.” Stacey hesitated for a moment but then nodded. She quickly called two hotel employees over to take the pug away. It was only then that everyone in the room seemed to grasp what was going on. The initial fight between Clinton and Reeves over the dog hadn’t been about the animal at all. Instead, it was about the pill the pu
“I’ll take it then,” Reeves said, his expression lighting up with satisfaction. In fact, he looked almost gleeful as he turned to the staff and asked, “How do you feel after I’ve bought your dog for five million?”“Mr. Reeves, are you serious?” the staff member stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief.Reeves nodded confidently and wrote a check for five million dollars right away. When the staff took the check from his hand, she still seemed stunned, unable to process what was happening.Clement was so elated that he turned to Stacey and said, “Ms. Gold, can you do me a favor? Tell your hotel staff to have the dog killed and retrieve the pill from its stomach.”Stacey hesitated for a moment but then nodded. She quickly called two hotel employees over to take the pug away.It was only then that everyone in the room seemed to grasp what was going on. The initial fight between Clinton and Reeves over the dog hadn’t been about the animal at all. Instead, it was about the pill the pug had
Clinton looked utterly heartbroken, his shoulders sagging as disappointment swept over his face. Stacey, standing nearby, mirrored his dismay, her lips pressed into a thin line.“Ms. Gold, Mr. Clinton, Mr. Reeves—what are you doing?” Gerald asked, his confusion evident.Clinton sighed deeply, his expression darkening. Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, his eyes lit up with urgency. He turned toward the pug sitting innocently nearby and pointed at it. “Whose dog is this?”A staff member hesitantly stepped forward, her face pale with nervousness. “It’s mine, sir. I… I’m terribly sorry for bringing him here. It was unprofessional of me.”Stacey shot her a sharp look but quickly softened her tone. “Let this be the only time. Don’t let it happen again.”“Yes, Ms. Gold. Thank you!” The staff member bowed repeatedly in relief, but just as she began to leave with the pug, Clinton raised his voice.“Wait! Hold on!” he called out urgently.The staff froze mid-step, her heart racing. “Y
“Enough with the nonsense. You just got lucky with your guess. Don’t think you’re all that,” Henry said, rolling his eyes. Despite his dismissive tone, his fidgeting fingers betrayed his growing panic. David, sensing the tension, stepped forward with a scoff. “Even if Mr. Diamond’s painting is fake, it doesn’t change anything. He was deceived! He spent over ten million dollars on it—that’s worth far more than whatever trash you’re calling a gift.” Adam chuckled, his voice tinged with sarcasm. “Trash, you say? You’re calling the pill trash?” David snatched the small bottle from Adam’s hand, shaking it aggressively before pouring out a single black pill into his palm. “Look at this!” David held it up for everyone to see. “Who in their right mind would dare eat something like this? It’s nothing but a scam!” “Dad, look at this nonsense,” he added, handing the pill to Gerald. “Why should I waste my time looking at trash?” Gerald replied coldly, his face twisting in disgust as he
Stacey quickly understood Adam's intention and turned to an elderly man seated not far away. “Mr. Spark, you’re an expert in paintings. Could you help us authenticate this piece?”The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Charles Spark. Known as a renowned art expert, his opinion carried significant weight.One guest chimed in, “Mr. Charles Spark is a leading authority in the art world. If anyone can authenticate this painting, it’s him.”Another nodded in agreement. “But do we even need to go that far? Mr. Diamond wouldn’t dare gift a fake painting. He has a reputation to uphold!”“Exactly,” someone else added. “Ten million dollars is nothing to someone like him. Why would he risk his name over a counterfeit?”The murmurs of agreement spread through the room. Brian, however, felt a bead of sweat forming on his temple. His confidence wavered as he realized the scrutiny was about to intensify.Feigning nonchalance, Brian scoffed, “Authenticate it? That’s rich. But the painting has alr
Brian sneered with an air of superiority. “Well, brat, did you notice anything? Or are you just bluffing again?” Adam didn’t respond immediately. Instead, a playful smile danced across his lips as he picked up a glass of water from the table. He swirled the water in his mouth, as if savoring it, but he didn’t swallow. In a sudden, unexpected move, Adam sprayed the water directly onto the painting. “What are you doing?!” “How dare you?!” The room erupted in chaos. Wendy’s face turned beet red as she jumped to her feet, her finger shaking as she pointed at Adam. Brian was equally furious, his fists clenched tightly. Even Brenda, Gerald, and several other guests stared at Adam in disbelief. “You lunatic!” Wendy’s voice trembled with rage. “That painting is worth millions! How dare you destroy it? You must pay for this, or I swear you won’t leave here alive!” Tessa’s expression shifted from shock to anger as she shouted, “Adam, what are you doing? Are you out of your mind?” She gr
“Adam, I’m begging you. Please, just stop spreading these rumors.” Tessa’s voice trembled with a mix of frustration and disbelief, her gaze fixed on Adam with evident disappointment.She had always thought Adam had a tendency to boast, but this was different. This wasn’t mere exaggeration; it was crossing a line. Her chest tightened as the reality sank in—she was beginning to lose faith in him.Adam, however, remained calm. His sharp gaze locked onto Brian as he asked, “If you’re so confident it’s not a fake, would you allow me to inspect it?”Wendy, unable to hide her irritation, scoffed. “Inspect it? Do you even hear yourself? That painting is worth millions! How dare someone like you even think of inspecting it?”“Exactly!” Brenda chimed in, her arms crossed in disdain. “You have no right to touch something that valuable. If you so much as leave a smudge on it, you’ll be paying for it for the rest of your life!”Brian smirked arrogantly, adjusting his pristine designer watch as he
Gerald’s expression darkened further, his patience wearing thin. If it weren’t for Adam’s association with Stacey, he might have lashed out already. He clenched his fists, suppressing his growing annoyance.Meanwhile, Brian, oblivious to Gerald’s restraint, sneered disdainfully. “How shameless can you be? Offering this junk as a gift? It’s downright embarrassing.”“He’s absolutely right,” Wendy chimed in, her tone dripping with contempt. She rolled her eyes dramatically and added, “Just look at Mr. Diamond. His gift is worth millions, while yours is nothing but a worthless trinket.”Adam let out a quiet chuckle, his smirk widening. “I’ve been holding back, trying to ignore the two of you. But you’ve pushed me too far. Since you seem so eager, I have no choice but to expose the truth.”The sudden shift in his tone caught the room’s attention. Brian and Wendy exchanged uneasy glances but quickly masked their unease with indignation.“Expose us? You?” Wendy scoffed, crossing her arms. “W