Maverick whimpered, struggling against the ropes. His body trembled, covered in bruises from the relentless blows. Each strike felt like fire on his skin, and he was reaching his limit. He gasped for air, his mind racing for anything that could save him from the torture. "I... I swear, I just wanted to get Brianna angry! That’s why I said Benjamin was dead! I don’t know anything else!"Matthew growled in frustration but didn't stop. He struck Maverick again, this time across his back, making his body convulse in pain. "I’m not stopping until you tell me where Benjamin is!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the empty room.Maverick’s body trembled uncontrollably, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. His face was streaked with tears and sweat, and blood trickled from several deep cuts along his arms and legs where the hook had torn into his flesh. The once-pristine shirt he wore was now soaked in a mix of sweat and crimson, sticking to his skin. His lips quivered as he sobbed, the p
Opening the door, Cordelia was surprised to see the butler standing there, his posture as poised as ever."Butler?" she asked, her brow furrowing in curiosity. "Come inside."The butler shook his head gently, his eyes twinkling as he took in her appearance. "You're looking so beautiful tonight. Where did you get this outfit?" he asked, his voice warm.Cordelia smiled, glancing down at her black jalabiya dress. "I got it from a store that sells African clothing. Picked up three of them. Is it nice?”"It’s very nice," the butler replied, nodding in approval. "Makes you look even more beautiful, my dear."Cordelia nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, my grandpa. But why have you come here?" she asked, curiosity creeping back into her voice."I was wondering if you'd accompany me for a stroll around the estate," the butler said, his tone gentle. "Are you busy?"Cordelia shook her head. "No, not at all. I’d be glad to take a walk with you.”"Hold on," she said quickly, moving back into the roo
That night, Benjamin glanced at Cipherella, who was seated at the computer, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. "It's late," he said gently. "You should go to sleep.” Cipherella nodded, already feeling the weight of sleep tugging at her. She stood up, stretched her arms, and began to head toward the sofa to rest. But Benjamin shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "Go sleep in the bedroom. I'll take the sofa.” Cipherella paused and turned to him, shaking her head in protest. "No, Master Benjamin, you're the boss. You deserve the bed. I'll be fine on the sofa." Benjamin stood up, his voice firmer this time but still kind. "Go to sleep in the room, Cipherella. I’ll manage here." His eyes were serious, and despite her reluctance, Cipherella knew there was no use arguing with him. She sighed, her eyes softening. "Alright, master," she said, surrendering to his command. With a tired smile, she gathered herself and made her way to the bedroom, obeying Benjamin’s request. Benj
Maverick’s mother’s face paled as she paced the room, panic starting to take hold. "Do you think something has happened to our son?" she asked, her voice shaking. Rudra sighed, trying to maintain a calm demeanor. “What could possibly happen to him? He’s not a child. He might’ve gone out somewhere, you know how he is—always up to no good. He’s probably turned his phone off and is fooling around.” His tone was dismissive, though there was a hint of unease in his eyes. “So… nothing’s wrong?” she asked again, her voice quieter, still seeking reassurance. Rudra shook his head firmly. “I don’t think so. It’s late, go to sleep. He’ll be fine. I’m sure by tomorrow, he’ll have charged his phone and called, or he might even return late tonight. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s done this.” Maverick’s mom exhaled shakily, her worry not entirely eased, but she nodded. "Alright... just go and eat your food then." Rudra gave her a small nod before heading toward the kitchen, trying to brus
He couldn’t believe his eyes. Darnell was here? That was the person he wanted. Benjamin’s hand hovered over his phone, torn between waking Cipherella and acting on his own. He leaned closer to the screen, watching as Darnell and his men strode into the hotel. As Darnell entered the hotel, the staff straightened up, their posture tense with respect. They greeted him with nods, eyes lowered. One of his men quickly stepped forward, pulling out a cigarette and placing it between Darnell’s lips. Another followed closely, flicking a lighter to ignite the tip. Darnell took a long, slow drag, exhaling a cloud of smoke that drifted lazily through the lobby. His eyes swept across the room with a calculating gaze.“How is it going?” Darnell asked, his voice low but commanding.The head staff member, clearly nervous, nodded and said, "Everything is perfect, sir."Darnell didn’t respond. He simply continued walking, his men following closely behind. The tension was thick in the air as they made
Benjamin stared at the screen, still processing what he was seeing. "Oh, so there's a club in here?" he muttered, his tone a mix of disbelief and amusement.Cipherella nodded, her eyes still on the screen. "It seems he comes here to have fun," she said, watching the scene unfold.On the screen, Darnell strolled casually over to a plush sofa in the middle of the club and sat down. With a casual wave of his hand, he dismissed his men, who scattered into the crowd. Some of them headed toward the snooker tables, others gravitated toward the women, engaging in casual flirtation and laughter as they began to enjoy the night.Within moments, waiters appeared in front of Darnell, setting down bottles of expensive wine and crystal glasses. He poured himself a drink, took a long drag from his cigarette, and leaned back, completely at ease. His eyes scanned the club until they landed on a group of beautiful girls dancing nearby, their bodies swaying seductively to the music.Darnell smirked and
After two hours of relentless watching, Benjamin was starting to feel the weight of exhaustion. His eyes drooped, and he nearly dozed off several times, but he forced himself to stay alert. Suddenly, he saw movement on the screen—Darnell and his men were leaving the club and heading back to the reception area. Instantly, Benjamin snapped awake, adrenaline surging through his veins. Jumping up from his chair, he quickly opened the trunk in the room and pulled out a pistol. He glanced around cautiously before heading to the window, unlocking it and carefully tossing the gun outside into the bushes below. He knew he couldn't risk carrying it through the hotel unnoticed, so he planned to retrieve it once he was outside. Next, he grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled a note: "I’m going out to follow Darnell. I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry. -B." He left it on the desk, just in case Cipherella woke up while he was gone. With everything set, Benjamin quietly slipped out of the room. At th
Benjamin’s eyes darted to the disappearing convoy. If he lost sight of Darnell, everything would fall apart. In desperation, he leaned toward the driver. “I’ll give you $5,000. Just drive, please.”The young man shook his head furiously. “No. I can’t, I don’t want to die.”“$10,000!” Benjamin raised the stakes, his tone becoming more urgent.“I said no! Darnell Peterson is too dangerous. I don’t want to die for money.”Out of options and running out of time, Benjamin sighed, frustrated. He pulled out his pistol, aiming it squarely at the trembling driver. “Then you’ll die here if you don’t move.”The driver’s eyes widened in terror, and his hands began to shake. “Please! Don’t kill me!” he begged, his voice cracking. “I’m just an orphan, I’ve been working as an errands boy to survive! I’ve got no family, no one to care for me. I’ve worked for years just to put food on my table. Please, brother, I don’t want to die!” Tears welled up in his eyes as he continued pleading. “I’ll do anythi