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2024-12-23 17:40:30The Hawthorne Corporation still appeared glamorous from the outside.
They excelled at manipulating public perception.
In reality, their internal funds were completely drained.
The rising success of J&S Corp naturally caught their attention.
If they could take over J&S effortlessly, it would be the lifeline the Hawthornes desperately needed.
Gideon was a habitual troublemaker with a history of digital scandals.
If his affair with an English official’s wife hadn’t gone public, he wouldn’t have agreed to marry Madaline.
Even so, it was all to secure what little remained of his crumbling fortune.
Per their agreement, J&S was set to fall entirely under the Hawthornes’ control.
“You’re the same—always so charismatic I can’t take my eyes off you, Gideon.” Madaline smiled.
“I’ve prepared a fantastic spot for us.” She playfully pulled Gideon toward the car.
Their destination was Aurora Époque, an opulent venue requiring a $100,000 deposit just to reserve.
Madaline had arranged the most luxurious wine and dishes to welcome him.
The caviar, made from Beluga sturgeon eggs with 22k gold powder, cost $6,000 an ounce.
The wine, a 1945 Romanee-Conti. The day’s indulgence exceeded $1.3 million.
The trip took less than half an hour. Gideon looked captivated by the grandeur of the building.
“Your taste is impeccable. We’re quite alike,” he said.
“Sure, honey. It’s going to be a long day. I’ve booked this place until tonight,” Madaline whispered.
“After wine, we’ll retreat to the resort on that small island for some rest.”
Madaline’s sensual tone hinted at her intentions.
The staff greeted them warmly, escorting them to a classically styled room.
The vineyard manager, a middle-aged man with a warm demeanor, approached their table. His eyes sparkled with recognition as he greeted Madaline and Gideon.
“Miss Brook, it’s an honor to see you again.”
Madaline responded with a gracious smile, enjoying the attention. Gideon gave a curt nod, maintaining his usual calm facade.
But the manager’s eyes scanned the room, his brow furrowing as if searching for someone. He hesitated before asking cautiously.
“Pardon me, isn’t Mr. Hayes attending tonight? I was hoping to thank him personally.”
Madaline’s smile froze, her irritation flashing briefly. She sat up straighter, her tone sharp.
“You mean Samuel Hayes? Thank him for what? He had nothing to be thanked for!”
The manager frowned, but answered.
“Thanks him for his tremendous contributions to our operations.”
Madaline’s tone turned icy, her frustration barely concealed.
“I assure you, he contributed nothing. Haven’t you heard the news? Samuel ruined our entire company!”
“If you want to thank J&S Corp, thank me, thank my father!”
She said sharply, but her heart was filled with worry.
The Hawthornes were always cautious in their business decisions.
If Gideon found out that J&S’s progress was purely because of Samuel’s brilliance and that everything happening now was fabricated, their affairs would be over.
The manager’s frown deepened. His gaze swept over the man behind Madaline, whose face wore a fake smile, and he realized the situation was more complicated than he thought.
He’d been busy all day and hadn’t kept up with the latest news. He didn’t know Samuel Hayes had been accused and arrested.
As for thanking Madaline and Arthur, that was downright laughable.
Everyone knew J&S Corp’s achievements were entirely thanks to Samuel Hayes.
Under the Brooks family’s management, J&S had only suffered financial losses, dragging the small city’s economy down with it.
It wasn’t until Samuel took over that J&S Corp regained its footing, spurring rapid economic growth for the entire city.
Their vineyard was only possible because of these improved conditions.
What’s more, the recent international export expansion of the vineyard was due to Samuel’s advice—he had personally helped secure the Belgian consortium deal.
Clearly, something had happened to Samuel Hayes! And it was caused by the Brooks family!
The manager, troubled by his thoughts, nodded politely and stepped back.
Amid the frustration overwhelming The Brooks, the person they were talking about seemed to be enjoying his journey to the West Line.
Samuel lounged in a black sedan wearing sunglasses, accompanied by none other than Joey Gunther.
“You should’ve just let your men escort me.”
Joey smirked and shook his head. “I was wrong, and I admit it was very careless of me.”
The car came to a stop in front of a gate marked ‘Aurora Farm.’
“We’re stopping here for a moment. I need to pick something up before heading to the West Line,” Joey said.
Samuel simply nodded, and both of them stepped out of the car. He looked around, realizing the place seemed familiar.
“I’ll take a walk,” Samuel said.
They both entered through the gate but headed in different directions. Samuel walked to the right, where a path lined with flowers stretched out.
He inhaled deeply, savoring a sense of calm he hadn’t felt in a long time.
His eyes landed on a building by an artificial lake with the sign ‘Aurora Époque.’
His smile faded as he approached the elegant structure and heard a voice that was all too familiar.
It was the laughter of his ex-fiancée, Madeline!
Just as he was about to turn away, a waiter standing near the back door noticed him.
“Mr. Hayes! Mr. Hayes is here!” he exclaimed excitedly.
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BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 6
Madeline's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as she reflexively turned toward the restaurant's back door.The muffled sounds of Arthur and Gideon’s conversation faded into the background.She couldn't focus; her attention had been snatched by the name she had just heard mentioned by a waiter.“What’s wrong, Madeline?” Arthur’s voice pulled her back for a moment. His brow furrowed with mild concern as he leaned toward her from across the table.Madeline straightened, shaking her head quickly. “Nothing. I just need to use the restroom for a moment.”Without waiting for a response, she pushed back her chair and stood, her steps hurried and purposeful.Her heart pounded in her chest as she followed the faint sound of voices toward the back door, her unease growing with every step.“Mr. Hayes! Oh, my, it’s an honor for us to welcome you!”The words hit her like a thunderclap, freezing her in place for a moment.They were unmistakable now, and they spurred her into action.Mad
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 7
Arthur’s face darkened with anger. “Don’t act like you know him! You’re trash and unworthy of speaking to my daughter!”Madeline, still seething, stepped forward as if to strike Samuel again, but Gideon intercepted her, gently pulling her back.“Let me handle this,” Gideon said, his tone dripping with condescension. He was clearly eager to play the hero.His ego, already bruised by the restaurant manager’s earlier praise of Samuel, now demanded satisfaction.He cracked his knuckles theatrically, drawing everyone’s attention.“What the hell are you doing? Arrest him already!” Arthur barked at the security guards.“Calm down, Mr. Brooks,” Gideon said with a smug grin. “It’s less interesting if we send him back immediately. I’ll handle this first.”Gideon squared his shoulders, adopting a fighting stance.As the pampered son of a wealthy family, he had access to all the trappings of privilege, including martial arts training.Taekwondo was his chosen discipline, and he was eager to showc
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 8
Madeline, despite everything, was someone he once loved.The greatest insult Samuel could not tolerate.“How dare you, Samuel!” Madeline shouted, her voice piercing through the tension-filled air.“Damn! You’re finished today!” Arthur roared, his face red with fury. His eyes darted to the security guard standing nearby, frozen in place.He stormed toward the guard, yelling, “Are you blind? What are you waiting for? Why are you just standing there? Arrest—”“Wait, what’s going on here?!”Arthur’s rant was cut short as the head of security stepped onto the backyard patio.“Ah, thank goodness you’re here,” Arthur exclaimed, rushing toward him. “I ordered your subordinate to arrest that criminal over there, but he just stood there doing nothing!”Arthur pointed at Samuel, his voice dripping with authority. “Arrest him now, or everyone here will regret it!”The head of security’s face changed the moment he recognized Samuel. His body trembled visibly, fear radiating from him.“Mr. Hayes!”
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 9
Gideon's eyes, which had originally looked at Joey with pleading, immediately changed to that of a tiger eyeing its prey. He, who had been kneeling, stood up and gave a cynical smile."Nowhere, it's so hard for the police to work seriously, pfft!"Gideon patted Joey on the shoulder and said, "I hope you catch and take this scoundrel away soon! Don’t let The Hawthorne get involved any further!"Joey shuddered upon hearing that sentence. If it weren’t for Samuel, Joey would have punched Gideon in the face with one blow.Just as Joey was about to step toward Samuel, Gideon stopped him again."You know The Hawthorne, right?" Gideon asked, craving validation.Joey calmly nodded. "Sure, Mr. Hawthorne.""Take him quickly! I'm tired of looking at his face!" Lisa screamed.Joey took out handcuffs and immediately cuffed Samuel's hands roughly."Come on, Mr. Hayes, don’t resist and come with me!"A satisfied gleam flashed in The Brooks and Gideon's eyes. Meanwhile, the restaurant staff stared wi
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 10
“Are you saying he’s rotten? Talk to my ass, Arthur Brooks!”“What are you worried about now? This city’s economic growth has soared thanks to my company and will certainly increase under Gideon Hawthorne’s leadership!”Arthur approached Mayor Smith and said, “Gideon is the ideal partner for my company: well-educated, with an excellent background. Do you know Samuel Hayes? Both of his parents were servants in my family!”“Oh, come on, do you think I’m blind to how much chaos the Hawthornes have caused in many countries?”The mayor shot a cynical look at Gideon.“I even know the scandals this young man has if I dig deeper. Cut off my hand if he can do better than Samuel!”“Hawthorne’s ambition has long turned into greed, and we don’t even know how much wealth they actually have.”“One of their houses in England was secretly auctioned off. Doesn’t that show their finances are not doing well?”“I’m not convinced that J&S will thrive; you’re both just playing a game.” Mayor Smith’s words
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 11
Joey’s eyes were bloodshot from fighting off sleep as he monitored the hotel’s surroundings from the window.Since their arrival until now, at two in the morning, Joey hadn’t stopped his vigilant watch.“Get some rest. How long are you going to keep this up?” mumbled Samuel, his eyes already closed.“Until I figure out the cause of this strange situation, Mr. Hayes!”The drowsiness that had started to creep in immediately vanished. Joey shifted his gaze back to the window.Samuel felt the same unease, though it was because of Joey’s behavior. He got out of bed, pulled up another chair, and sat beside Joey.“BrownsVille and The Falcon weren’t enough to make you stop?” Samuel asked.Joey shook his head and shot Samuel a weary look. The urge to slap him for his stubborn attitude was almost overwhelming.“West Line is not something to be underestimated, Mr. Hayes.”“No one is underestimating this place, Chief Joey. You’re just overreacting,” Samuel replied.Joey loosened his already loose
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 12
“Good morning,” Joey greeted them, only to be met with silence.Returning to the room, Joey found Samuel lounging on the bed.“It’s safe, Mr. Hayes, but I think it’s best if you stay here until midday,” Joey suggested.“Why? Aren’t you returning to the city?” Samuel asked.“I planned to, but I can work from the nearest police station. I’ll return by noon, and then we can head to the desert together,” Joey offered.Samuel chuckled, shaking his head.A sense of foreboding crept into Joey’s mind.“The scorching heat clouds judgment and spawns bad ideas. Morning is the best time to observe the West Line,” Samuel said. “You’ve done more than enough for me, Chief. I don’t want to burden you further.”Samuel stood and embraced the Chief, ensuring no room for argument. He then calmly left the room, walking out as if West Line were a vacation spot.Joey watched closely, observing Samuel as he approached the two receptionists.His eyes widened when he saw the receptionists speaking to Samuel wi
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 13
Silence still filled the air.Joey and the three other officers exchanged glances without end."They're not members of Mr. Hayes' team, you heard that, right?" Joey's friend mumbled."Yeah, I’m not deaf."Joey replied curtly, his eyes still fixed on Samuel and the suited man in front of him.He still couldn't accept the reality of it all.Not because he was jealous or resentful of Samuel's greatness.Joey was simply confused about how everything was connected.The Falcon was a warlord notorious for his cruelty and viciousness.He wasn’t an ordinary man; his army was known for being incredibly tough and undefeated.No one knew how many lives had been claimed by them.The Falcon was always in conflict with many nations, and his stop at the border was one of those things that defied all logic.And now, all the questions swirling in Joey’s head grew louder as he observed the behavior of The Falcon’s crew toward Samuel.Who exactly was Samuel Hayes?"So, you’ve all been guarding this place
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- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
13
Silence still filled the air.Joey and the three other officers exchanged glances without end."They're not members of Mr. Hayes' team, you heard that, right?" Joey's friend mumbled."Yeah, I’m not deaf."Joey replied curtly, his eyes still fixed on Samuel and the suited man in front of him.He still couldn't accept the reality of it all.Not because he was jealous or resentful of Samuel's greatness.Joey was simply confused about how everything was connected.The Falcon was a warlord notorious for his cruelty and viciousness.He wasn’t an ordinary man; his army was known for being incredibly tough and undefeated.No one knew how many lives had been claimed by them.The Falcon was always in conflict with many nations, and his stop at the border was one of those things that defied all logic.And now, all the questions swirling in Joey’s head grew louder as he observed the behavior of The Falcon’s crew toward Samuel.Who exactly was Samuel Hayes?"So, you’ve all been guarding this place
- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
12
“Good morning,” Joey greeted them, only to be met with silence.Returning to the room, Joey found Samuel lounging on the bed.“It’s safe, Mr. Hayes, but I think it’s best if you stay here until midday,” Joey suggested.“Why? Aren’t you returning to the city?” Samuel asked.“I planned to, but I can work from the nearest police station. I’ll return by noon, and then we can head to the desert together,” Joey offered.Samuel chuckled, shaking his head.A sense of foreboding crept into Joey’s mind.“The scorching heat clouds judgment and spawns bad ideas. Morning is the best time to observe the West Line,” Samuel said. “You’ve done more than enough for me, Chief. I don’t want to burden you further.”Samuel stood and embraced the Chief, ensuring no room for argument. He then calmly left the room, walking out as if West Line were a vacation spot.Joey watched closely, observing Samuel as he approached the two receptionists.His eyes widened when he saw the receptionists speaking to Samuel wi
- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
11
Joey’s eyes were bloodshot from fighting off sleep as he monitored the hotel’s surroundings from the window.Since their arrival until now, at two in the morning, Joey hadn’t stopped his vigilant watch.“Get some rest. How long are you going to keep this up?” mumbled Samuel, his eyes already closed.“Until I figure out the cause of this strange situation, Mr. Hayes!”The drowsiness that had started to creep in immediately vanished. Joey shifted his gaze back to the window.Samuel felt the same unease, though it was because of Joey’s behavior. He got out of bed, pulled up another chair, and sat beside Joey.“BrownsVille and The Falcon weren’t enough to make you stop?” Samuel asked.Joey shook his head and shot Samuel a weary look. The urge to slap him for his stubborn attitude was almost overwhelming.“West Line is not something to be underestimated, Mr. Hayes.”“No one is underestimating this place, Chief Joey. You’re just overreacting,” Samuel replied.Joey loosened his already loose
- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
10
“Are you saying he’s rotten? Talk to my ass, Arthur Brooks!”“What are you worried about now? This city’s economic growth has soared thanks to my company and will certainly increase under Gideon Hawthorne’s leadership!”Arthur approached Mayor Smith and said, “Gideon is the ideal partner for my company: well-educated, with an excellent background. Do you know Samuel Hayes? Both of his parents were servants in my family!”“Oh, come on, do you think I’m blind to how much chaos the Hawthornes have caused in many countries?”The mayor shot a cynical look at Gideon.“I even know the scandals this young man has if I dig deeper. Cut off my hand if he can do better than Samuel!”“Hawthorne’s ambition has long turned into greed, and we don’t even know how much wealth they actually have.”“One of their houses in England was secretly auctioned off. Doesn’t that show their finances are not doing well?”“I’m not convinced that J&S will thrive; you’re both just playing a game.” Mayor Smith’s words
- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
9
Gideon's eyes, which had originally looked at Joey with pleading, immediately changed to that of a tiger eyeing its prey. He, who had been kneeling, stood up and gave a cynical smile."Nowhere, it's so hard for the police to work seriously, pfft!"Gideon patted Joey on the shoulder and said, "I hope you catch and take this scoundrel away soon! Don’t let The Hawthorne get involved any further!"Joey shuddered upon hearing that sentence. If it weren’t for Samuel, Joey would have punched Gideon in the face with one blow.Just as Joey was about to step toward Samuel, Gideon stopped him again."You know The Hawthorne, right?" Gideon asked, craving validation.Joey calmly nodded. "Sure, Mr. Hawthorne.""Take him quickly! I'm tired of looking at his face!" Lisa screamed.Joey took out handcuffs and immediately cuffed Samuel's hands roughly."Come on, Mr. Hayes, don’t resist and come with me!"A satisfied gleam flashed in The Brooks and Gideon's eyes. Meanwhile, the restaurant staff stared wi
- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
8
Madeline, despite everything, was someone he once loved.The greatest insult Samuel could not tolerate.“How dare you, Samuel!” Madeline shouted, her voice piercing through the tension-filled air.“Damn! You’re finished today!” Arthur roared, his face red with fury. His eyes darted to the security guard standing nearby, frozen in place.He stormed toward the guard, yelling, “Are you blind? What are you waiting for? Why are you just standing there? Arrest—”“Wait, what’s going on here?!”Arthur’s rant was cut short as the head of security stepped onto the backyard patio.“Ah, thank goodness you’re here,” Arthur exclaimed, rushing toward him. “I ordered your subordinate to arrest that criminal over there, but he just stood there doing nothing!”Arthur pointed at Samuel, his voice dripping with authority. “Arrest him now, or everyone here will regret it!”The head of security’s face changed the moment he recognized Samuel. His body trembled visibly, fear radiating from him.“Mr. Hayes!”
- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
7
Arthur’s face darkened with anger. “Don’t act like you know him! You’re trash and unworthy of speaking to my daughter!”Madeline, still seething, stepped forward as if to strike Samuel again, but Gideon intercepted her, gently pulling her back.“Let me handle this,” Gideon said, his tone dripping with condescension. He was clearly eager to play the hero.His ego, already bruised by the restaurant manager’s earlier praise of Samuel, now demanded satisfaction.He cracked his knuckles theatrically, drawing everyone’s attention.“What the hell are you doing? Arrest him already!” Arthur barked at the security guards.“Calm down, Mr. Brooks,” Gideon said with a smug grin. “It’s less interesting if we send him back immediately. I’ll handle this first.”Gideon squared his shoulders, adopting a fighting stance.As the pampered son of a wealthy family, he had access to all the trappings of privilege, including martial arts training.Taekwondo was his chosen discipline, and he was eager to showc
- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
6
Madeline's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as she reflexively turned toward the restaurant's back door.The muffled sounds of Arthur and Gideon’s conversation faded into the background.She couldn't focus; her attention had been snatched by the name she had just heard mentioned by a waiter.“What’s wrong, Madeline?” Arthur’s voice pulled her back for a moment. His brow furrowed with mild concern as he leaned toward her from across the table.Madeline straightened, shaking her head quickly. “Nothing. I just need to use the restroom for a moment.”Without waiting for a response, she pushed back her chair and stood, her steps hurried and purposeful.Her heart pounded in her chest as she followed the faint sound of voices toward the back door, her unease growing with every step.“Mr. Hayes! Oh, my, it’s an honor for us to welcome you!”The words hit her like a thunderclap, freezing her in place for a moment.They were unmistakable now, and they spurred her into action.Mad
- BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES
5
The Hawthorne Corporation still appeared glamorous from the outside.They excelled at manipulating public perception.In reality, their internal funds were completely drained.The rising success of J&S Corp naturally caught their attention.If they could take over J&S effortlessly, it would be the lifeline the Hawthornes desperately needed.Gideon was a habitual troublemaker with a history of digital scandals.If his affair with an English official’s wife hadn’t gone public, he wouldn’t have agreed to marry Madaline.Even so, it was all to secure what little remained of his crumbling fortune.Per their agreement, J&S was set to fall entirely under the Hawthornes’ control.“You’re the same—always so charismatic I can’t take my eyes off you, Gideon.” Madaline smiled.“I’ve prepared a fantastic spot for us.” She playfully pulled Gideon toward the car.Their destination was Aurora Époque, an opulent venue requiring a $100,000 deposit just to reserve.Madaline had arranged the most luxurio
