Meanwhile, desperate screams bounced off the walls of a basement."Let me go!" Suzan's voice rang out, filled with fear and desperation as she struggled againstthe grip of the mafia boss.“And why would we do that?” The Mafia boss snarled. His expression twisted into a cruel sneeras he tightened his grip on Suzan's arm.Suzan coughed out in pain. “ “What do you want from me, you brutes?”With a savage grin, the mafia boss landed a heavy blow to the side of her face, the force of theimpact sending her staggering backward. She slammed her forehead against the wall, gaspingas reddish liquid trickled down her face.“Call Ethan. Tell him we have her.” The Mafia boss instructed his minions.______________“...and your worst nightmare.” The buff man growled, pulling Ethan into a bone-crushing hug thatelicited a deep groan from the young man.Ethan didn't expect a bear hug at first glance. He swore he heard his bones crack. "Well, theregoes my suit," he grimaced, his voice
The pathway seemed to clear, revealing Sandra Walton seated at a nearby table, sipping redwine. There was no difference between the swirling reddish liquid and her dark lips. It gave hera haughty look that taunted Ethan.Her attire was impeccably tailored, and with every word she spoke, she seemed to grow moreconfident. Her piercing gaze left Ethan feeling exposed and vulnerable. It was as if she knewsomething he didn't.That unsettled him greatly.She seemed to enjoy the stunned silence that followed her statement. "You may think you're thehero of the day, Ethan, but I see right through you," Sandra declared, her tone filled with aniciness that made Ethan shiver involuntarily.He has prepared for everything, but not this. She was damn unpredictable! "You've orchestratedthis entire charade, haven't you? You're not fooling anyone with your false smiles and emptypromises."Ethan felt a cold sweat bead on his forehead as Sandra's piercing gaze bore into him, strippingaway
The old man and Paul stopped in their tracks, their faces frozen with shock."What do you mean by 'old ways'?" The old man asked urgently. The news about Suzan hadthrown into the gutter what had otherwise been a successful event, and he wasn't happy aboutit.Unshed tears brimmed in Ethan's eyes as he spoke. "I have to save her."The old man's frustration radiated off him. "Can you give us a moment, Paul?" Once they werealone, he pressed Ethan for more information. "What do you mean by 'old ways'? You barelyknow this woman!""But you chose her to work for me for a reason!" Ethan's voice was filled with desperation. "Youmust tell me why!"The old man seemed to shrink under Ethan's intense gaze. He could no longer deny it. "You'reright. I selected your staff carefully."Ethan's heart ached at the thought of Suzan. She was more than just a servant. She was afriend who had always been there for him. Her unwavering support and understanding hadmeant the world to him. "S
“We need to invite him over and hear what he has to say,” Ethan insisted. Of course, Ethanwasn't fond of Alex, not after the way he had treated Lauren when they were still together. Whywould Alex sleep with Lauren knowing she had a boyfriend if not to spite him? But if there was achance Alex had valuable information about Suzan's whereabouts, Ethan was willing to putaside his personal feelings for the greater good. His mind didn't consider the fact that Alex couldbe pulling his legs or trying to get back into his good graces. After all, Ethan had fired him on thespot. This time, Ethan would do more than fire him if he came here with intangible news.On the other hand, the old man didn't think it was good to invite an enemy into the house. Itcould be all his plan! His disapproval was evident on his face even as Ethan made his decision.His brows wrinkled in skepticism. “I don't think so."“What?” Ethan inquired, meeting the old man's gaze with confusion. “What do you m
We should ask him how he knew we were searching for her! Even the cops are not aware ofthis," the old man insisted, still holding onto his suspicions about Alex. “Those vile peoplehaven't contacted you in weeks! How do we know he hasn't harmed her yet?”“He hasn't,” Ethan reassured calmly, though the old man remained unconvinced. "What do youknow? I have lived on the streets more than you, so I know when a man is being insincere," hecountered. “Alex isn't lying.” Ethan took a gulp of water to steady his nerves, continuing. "Alexhas been spying on me. He wants revenge for firing him from the company."The old man's eyes widened in shock at the revelation. "Spying on you? This is worse than Ithought,” he exclaimed, sounding worried.Ethan nodded solemnly. "And I have a feeling that Alex is connected to a much larger operation,possibly even with the Mafia boss," he added, his voice low and serious.The mention of the Mafia sent a shiver down the old man's spine, his exp
Ethan paced anxiously in his office, his mind racing with thoughts of Suzan's safety. He knew hehad to act fast if he wanted to save her from the clutches of the Mafia boss. Without involvingthe cops, he had to rely on his own men to carry out the raid on the hideout.Not involving the cops was a foolish idea. Ethan knew, but he knew that while some of themworked for the house leaders, the others were easily bribed. In this world, Ethan only knewabout seeking justice himself. It was no different from the streets.Unfortunately, this has come to bite him in the back. This was the time to settle his problemswith the Mafia boss once and for all. He wearily eyed the weapons that had been stocked at theback of the boot.“Are you sure about this?” Rachel asked, her wide eyes going through everything. “I-I mean…all these for Suzan. She better make it back in one piece.” Her voice held an honesty that Ethanenvied.He wasn't entirely being honest about this raid. He wasn't
Ethan fell to his knees beside her, his hands shaking as he cradled her head in his arms. Tearswelled up in his eyes as he whispered words of comfort, but it was too late.Suzan's eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking with Ethan's as she struggled to speak. "I'msorry," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.“What are you sorry for?” Ethan was at loss. What was Suzan sorry for? All he has ever broughther was pain and sorrow. While his men handled the mafia boss in the background, hetightened his grip on Suzan, pressing at the holes to stop the bleeding.None of it was working.“For everything. I shouldn't have approached the mansion in the first place..” she began weakly.“What do you mean?Suzan took a labored breath, her words coming out in short gasps.“No, you shouldn't speak. Someone should call an ambulance!” Ethan yelled, but his men weretoo busy trying to stop the mafia boss from escaping. The old man wasn't here with him to dothat. While he held Suz
Nooo!” Ethan's anguished cry pierced the air. He clutched Suzan's lifeless body to his chest,unable to accept the reality of her death. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he rocked backand forth, lost in thoughts of grief.Just then, Paul stepped closer, his expression grave as he spoke. "Ethan, we've managed tocatch the mafia boss. He's tied up and waiting for your judgment."Ethan's blood boiled with rage at the mention of the mafia boss. What could he have to gainfrom all of this? He wiped away his tears, his eyes blazing with fury, as he rose to his feet.Without a word, he marched over to where the mafia boss was tied up, his fists clenched inanger.The mafia boss sneered as Ethan approached, his eyes filled with hatred."Well, well, if it isn't little Ethan," he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "Come to finishwhat you started?""What have I started?” Ethan's jaw tightened at the mafia boss's words, but he refused to let himget under his skin. Instead, he picked u