The moment Margarette William opened her eyes from her coma, it wasn’t her family or the medical team she saw first, but complete strangers."Where am I? Who are they?" she wondered, unable to move any part of her body. All she could do was move her eyes around the hospital room.“Hey, put one under her pillow too,” one of the strangers said.“They’ll see it right away when someone cleans the bed,” another replied.“They won’t. I heard she’s been neglected. No one will notice.”“Is that really true?”“Yes. Her husband is too busy with work, her family is embroiled in a succession war, and the doctors here aren’t loyal enough to take care of her. She’s basically a withering plant here.”The two men spoke in hushed tones, unaware that Margarette had woken up. They wore hospital scrubs, but it was clear they didn’t belong there; they were there to carry out a shady task.Margarette watched, her heart pounding, as the strangers placed surveillance devices around her room. She instinctivel
The next day, Marcus Xu sat nervously with his co-actors, directors, and production team, watching the premiere of his web series. He was supposed to monitor the outcome of the first episode they had worked hard to shoot, but his mind drifted to the chaos within the William family.As the opening credits rolled, Marcus shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He should have been focused on the screen, on the culmination of their hard work, but his thoughts were consumed by recent developments.'Who was behind Margarette’s coma? And more importantly, who was targeting her now?'Marcus wasn’t particularly concerned about Margarette herself. His concern was more self-centered: his safety was at risk. Acting as her fake husband had already placed him in a precarious position. The William family's internal conflict now threatens to complicate his double life even further.Beside him, the director, Mr. Lee, leaned in and whispered, “Nervous about the premiere?”“A little. Just hoping the audience
Marcus Xu trembled with anger, feeling cornered by Gerald. His expression contorted in frustration over his current situation, but he relaxed when he recalled a conversation he had overheard through the club members' tapped devices. He monitored them before he went to sleep, usually hearing useless chatter but occasionally gathering useful information.“Why are you forcing me to endorse your enemy, though? You’re going to ruin me for endorsing someone who’ll lose!” he protested.“My enemy?” Gerald echoed.“Isn’t he your enemy? Pablo told me that Reyster Sebastian has already changed sides!” Marcus said, despite not knowing whose side Sebastian had switched to. All he knew from the tiny bit of information he had was that Jaypark Steel Co. decided to change sides to have a better chance of winning the mayoral candidacy.“And who’s this Pablo?” Gerald asked, his voice slowly growing furious, though there was an undertone that suggested the name felt familiar.“Pablo Rusto. He’s also an a
Marcus and Pablo glared at each other intensely.Pablo Rusto had nothing against Marcus personally, but he felt bitter just being in his presence. He knew he was the betrayer and the bully, yet he couldn't help but resent Marcus.“What’s his deal? Where did he get this sudden luck?” Pablo wondered inwardly, his glare intensifying. “I only bullied him because of Reyster. Plus, he was quite pathetic. But what’s his deal now?”Meanwhile, Marcus met Pablo’s glare with a confident gaze, determined not to back down. “This traitor needs to taste misery,” Marcus muttered under his breath.“What did you say?” Pablo asked, feeling mocked.“I said, while staring at you, I noticed your hairline is receding,” Marcus replied, almost provoking Pablo into throwing a punch.“Please, don’t fight,” Mr. Lee pleaded, stepping between them.“We’re not fighting, Director Lee,” Pablo replied smugly. “I only fight someone on my level.”“Well, that’s true. Are you even on my level?” Marcus snorted, then took o
Marcus panicked as he repeatedly called Reyster, but Reyster ignored his calls. His concern grew when his brother Miguel and his nurse friend, Hannah, also failed to respond.“Miguel Xu! Seriously, you’re too dumb!” he muttered, fearing that Reyster had manipulated his brother again.Desperation mounting, he dialed the hospital where Miguel was supposed to be recovering.“Hello, this is Saint Mary’s Hospital. How can I assist you?” the receptionist answered.“I need to speak to someone about my brother, Miguel Xu. He was admitted there,” Marcus said, his voice strained.“One moment, please,” the receptionist replied.Marcus tapped his foot impatiently, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, another voice came on the line.“Mr. Xu? This is Nurse Thompson. How can I help you?”“Where is my brother?!” Marcus demanded. “He’s supposed to be in your care.”“Mr. Xu, I’m afraid your brother discharged himself earlier today,” Nurse Thompson said cautiously.“What? That’s impossible! He
A few hours before Miguel's kidnapping, Reyster Sebastian sat in his lavish office, his fingers drumming impatiently on the mahogany desk. His eyes flickered to the screen of his phone, reading the sudden message from Jason Kiliman, his father’s secretary.The message read, "Your father has decided to change alliances from the William Group to the Gracestone Group, effective immediately."Reyster's face twisted in disbelief, then morphed into rage. His father’s sudden decision had obliterated years of his meticulous planning and investments to build a connection with the William Group.He had spent countless hours cultivating relationships, attending events, and strategizing for future collaborations, only to have it all swept away with one swift decision. He had invested too much money and even sacrificed his ego to please the William family, only for them to switch sides?"Dammit!" Reyster roared, his voice echoing off the high ceilings of his office.In a fit of fury, he threw his
Marcus Xu fearlessly confronted the thugs outside the warehouse, taking them down one by one with swift punches and agile movements.Each blow was delivered with precision, showcasing his training and determination. As the last thug fell, Marcus kicked the door open and boldly challenged everyone inside."Oh damn, they all look bigger than the men I fought outside," he thought nervously, but he ensured no fear showed on his face."Hello, motherf*ckers. Wanna fight me?” Marcus said bravely. “Want to taste my fist?”Confidently, he greeted everyone with his middle fingers while his eyes immediately checked on his brother and Hannah."I'm glad they're safe," he thought with relief, noticing they were unharmed aside from being tied up."Marcus, you can't take them all on! Please, just go!" Miguel shouted, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and desperation. He struggled in his wheelchair, trying to make his brother see reason."Shut up, Miguel!" he yelled back, his eyes never leaving
Marcus inwardly feared for his life, fully understanding the extent of Reyster's craziness. However, he fought hard not to cower in front of him."Even if I kill you now, it will only cost me a little to cover it up," Reyster threatened.Marcus took a few cautious steps back as Reyster menaced him with the metal pipe. Reyster's men circled around him, their eyes showing no mercy. The viciousness on their faces was evident, and they seemed thrilled at the prospect of hurting Marcus.Before Reyster and his men could attack, the loud siren of a police car blared, startling them.“The cops? Hey, check what’s going on!” the leader of the thugs ordered.“You should all go,” Reyster said calmly, and his men hurriedly dispersed.Marcus felt a wave of relief, assuming his brother had called the police. However, something seemed strange about the cops who arrived. They restrained and caught the fleeing thugs, but none dared to approach Reyster as if he were invisible."Did your brother call the