Suzzane felt her heart jump in surprise when she heard Gordon's voice calling her name. He turned and saw Gordon standing by the door of the room. His intense gaze made Suzzane feel like she was being questioned."Oh, so you're still seeing Jack huh?" asked Gordon in a suspicious tone. He studied Suzzane with an unpredictable gaze.Suzzane straightened herself steadily, even though she felt some tension in the situation. "I only came to check on my friend Gordon. My private life has nothing to do with yours."Gordon frowned, not entirely convinced by Suzzane's answer. He sighed and stepped closer. "Suzzane, you know that the deadline for submitting tender data is approaching, right?"Suzzane nodded slowly, realizing that she could no longer escape this reality. "Yes, I know, Gordon."Gordon stared at him intently. "Then, where is the data? Have you got it?"Suzzane felt her chest tighten. She still hesitates to hand over the data because she is worried about the consequences for Liam.
Gordon Hawthorne was very happy because he got what his parents asked him to do. He drove back to the Hawthorne house. With great enthusiasm, Gordon walked into his house and immediately approached one of the servants who were still on duty."Are my parents at home?" he asked."They are in the study, Sir," replied the servant.Gordon knew that his parents liked to work late, so he immediately rushed to his parents' study. He hurried so that his footsteps could be heard with a thump on every step.Gordon Hawthorne quickly arrived at his parents' study. The room was filled with a classic atmosphere that reflected the wealth and power of the Hawthorne family. Dylan and Rita Hawthorne sat at a large table, busy with several important documents scattered on the table. They both looked so serious in their work.When Gordon entered, they both lifted their heads and smiled at their son. "Gordon, how are you? What's the news that makes you look so happy?" asked Rita with a smile.Gordon was bo
The bright morning light illuminates the hospital room where Jack is. The sunlight pouring in through the window gave off a pleasant warmth. After a good night's sleep and the medication he was given, Jack felt much better than before. He stretched slowly and raised his head to look at the clock on the side of the table. Time showed that it was quite morning. Jack felt the urge to get up and continue his activities.Ashley, who had been present since morning to keep Jack company, sat by the bed. She looked at him intently, showing her worry. "How are you feeling, Jack?"He smiled weakly. "Much better. A good night's sleep and the treatment given here has helped."Ashley nodded, but her expression still reflected worry. "The doctor has allowed you to go home. Instead, you should rest in the mansion.""No, I have to go to work, Ash," Jack said.“You just got out of the hospital, Jack. I'm afraid you're being too hasty."Jack bit his lip in thought. "I know, Ash, but I have important thi
Jack listened carefully to everything Ms. Del Mar. The woman emphasized over and over that Jack must not tell anyone that he was the one who leaked all of this. Jack promises not to drag Del Mar into his troubles as thanks.Apparently, Ms. Del Mar was so indebted to Diana Buchanan that she felt the need to help Jack because Diana asked her to. Jack wonders what debt she owes to Diana. Previously, Jack only asked Diana to investigate land officials who could still be asked for help, but apparently, Diana gave more than that.Diana gave him an envelope containing documents that were alleged to be Lambert's corruption as well as Ms. Del Mar. All of that was more than enough and Jack was very grateful for Diana's help. Now with everything that Del Mar laid out, Jack was sure he could solve his problem. However, Jack had to be really careful. The slightest mistake can turn things around.“Thank you, Ms. Del Mar,” Jack said as he shook her hand after their conversation was over."Glad to he
At 9.30, the tender announcement event began. All eyes were on Dylan, Rita, and Liam who were sitting in the front row. Tense and pounding, they await who will win the tender for the multi-million dollar Lerroy family hotel project. Amidst the tense atmosphere, Liam remained calm. After a while, suddenly the closed door opened again. Someone came inside and it was Jack Ashworth.All eyes were on Jack and Ashley as they walked into the room. The tense atmosphere was increasingly felt because of Jack's presence in the middle of this event. Jack stepped in quietly, but he could feel the glares from Dylan, Rita, and especially Gordon looking down on him."I'm sorry I'm late," Jack said calmly, trying to keep a professional attitude even though he knew his presence would definitely provoke a reaction.Gordon sarcastically raised his eyebrows. "Oh, Jack Ashworth. Turns out we have an uninvited guest here. What business do you have at this event? This is a serious business event, not an acqu
Dylan and Rita Hawthorne certainly weren't pleased. They immediately got Gordon into the car. Arriving at the car, the driver immediately sped their car.“Damn it!” cried Dylan Hawthorne, thumping the car seat hard."Honey, calm down," Rita said. Although he tried to calm down, the expression on his face showed great disappointment.“I-it's not my fault, Mom, Dad. I actually took the data from Suzzane," said Gordon.Dylan was so annoyed that he almost hit Gordon in the head because his son was really stupid and useless.“Daddy! It's not my fault!” he exclaimed."Darling, don't blame Gordon. We don't know what Liam Schmidt did and maybe Jack was involved in this," said Rita.“You always defend him! You must realize that our son is useless! It's a reality we have to face!” Dylan exclaimed."Dad!" cried Gordon disapprovingly.“Dylan! You shouldn't say that to your own child,” said Rita, defending Gordon.Dylan took a deep breath.“Someone must have informed Liam, so he can change the ten
In the middle of the celebration at the Louis Leroy hotel, Jack and Ashley are still in a lively mood. They watched as Liam celebrated his tender victory with great enthusiasm and joy. But behind their smiles, there is something deeper they are planning.Jack tries to find the right moment to talk to Liam. Jack did help Liam to win this tender for a purpose and Liam already knew that. Jack had indeed saved the life of Frederick Schmidt, Liam's grandfather, but for this request, Jack felt the need to do more so that Liam would truly become his loyal ally. Actually, Jack has several reasons to help Liam win this tender. First, because he didn't want Hawthorne to win the tender and enlarge their business. Second, Jack wants Liam to be his loyal ally. Third, Jack felt a bit sorry for Suzzane.After some time, he finally found an opportunity to talk alone with Liam, away from the crowd of other guests. They spoke in low voices so as not to be heard by others."Jack, how can I help you?" as
After the intense events at the tender, Jack and Ashley return to a slightly quieter office. Jack was immediately busy checking various documents and work plans that had to be completed. He tried to stay focused on his tasks, although his mind was still on plans to visit the land agency office.After a while of working diligently, Jack felt the need to face the situation head-on. He looked up from the computer and said to Ashley, "Ashley, I need to step outside for a bit. Have a meeting with the team tomorrow and make sure everything goes smoothly."Ashley nodded in understanding, "Of course, Jack. I'll schedule it and take care of everything here. You be careful, okay?"Jack gave a short smile in return, then he quickly left his office. He stepped into his car and started his journey towards the land agency office. After some time, he arrived there and parked his car near the entrance.He entered the building at a steady pace, trying to maintain a professional demeanor even though he
As the smoke began to dissipate, revealing the chaos of the decimated lab, Jack's enhanced vision honed in on Patrick, a formidable figure even in his wounded state. Blood trickled down Patrick's forehead, mixing with the grim determination and seething anger in his eyes. His breath came in ragged gasps, a testament to the intensity of their struggle."You think you can defeat me like this?" Patrick's voice reverberated through the chamber, his words dripping with contempt as he advanced towards Jack. "I won't let you win, Jack!"With a sudden burst of speed, Patrick lunged forward, his armored form hurtling towards Jack with frightening velocity. Jack barely had time to react, his instincts kicking in as he braced himself for the impact.The clash was thunderous, the force of Patrick's charge slamming into Jack like a battering ram. They grappled fiercely, each trying to gain the upper hand in the brutal melee. Jack's muscles strained against the weight of Patrick's armor, his mind r
Jack's situation was dire. He lay on the cold floor, pain radiating through his body, Ashley's bloodied form just out of reach. His vision blurred and darkened at the edges, but he wasn't ready to give up. He knew he had one last trick up his sleeve.With a barely noticeable movement, he activated the communication implant Jill had embedded in his arm. It was a last-resort device, meant for emergencies only. Jack whispered urgently, his voice barely a breath, "Jill, now!"Even though it looked like he was talking to himself, he knew Jill was listening. His eyes briefly met Patrick's smug gaze before he summoned all his remaining strength. With a sudden, almost inhuman burst of energy, Jack leaped high into the air, his body propelled by the advanced tech Jill had provided.He soared upwards, smashing through the ceiling and creating a gaping hole. Dust and debris rained down as the astonished guards and Patrick stared up, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. The room fell s
Patrick, sensing a slight tremor of control slipping from his grasp, attempted to regain his dominance with a sneer. "You think you're clever, don't you, Jack?" he jeered, his voice echoing off the cold, stone walls of the lair. "But you're just bluffing. We both know what happened the last time you tried to fight alone. You lost, and you lost badly. Look around you. My men guard every corner of this place with the highest vigilance. There's no help coming from Jill or anyone else. You think you can fool me? I anticipated your move, and I've made sure it won't happen."Jack's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he fixed Patrick with a steely glare. "You talk too much, Patrick," he retorted, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. His confidence was unwavering, a stark contrast to the villain's bluster.Without another word, Jack launched himself into action with a burst of explosive energy. His movements were a blur, honed by years of training and battle-hardened experience. He b
As Jack's cries of anguish reverberated through the glass chamber, something within him snapped. A surge of adrenaline and sheer willpower coursed through his veins. His eyes, still wet with tears, hardened with a new determination. He strained against the metal restraints with every ounce of strength he possessed, the cords of his muscles standing out in stark relief against his skin.The glass walls seemed to close in on him, but Jack refused to accept defeat. With a roar of pure rage, he wrenched his arm free from one of the metal bindings, the steel groaning under the force of his fury. The other restraints seemed to tighten in response, but Jack was beyond pain now. He tore at the remaining bonds, his breath coming in ragged gasps.The guards outside the chamber stared in shock, their initial disbelief giving way to alarm. The sight of Jack breaking free sent a wave of panic through them."What's happening?" one of the guards shouted, his voice tinged with fear.Patrick's smug ex
Jack watched intently as the guards began to unfasten the restraints binding Ashley to the chair. Every movement seemed to drag in slow motion, his heart hammering in his chest. Despite her weakened state, Ashley managed to shake her head weakly, her voice a mere whisper, carrying the weight of her desperation. "No, Jack," she pleaded, her eyes wide and glistening with tears. "Please, just go. Leave me."Jack’s determination was unshakeable. He shook his head firmly, his jaw set in a hard line. "Ashley, you have to go now," he insisted, his voice steady and resolute, cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade. He knew there was no other option if she were to have any chance at freedom.Ashley remained in the iron grip of the guards, her strength all but spent. Her eyes, though filled with despair, still bore into Jack’s with a silent plea, a plea he could not heed. She understood the depth of his resolve but felt the crushing weight of helplessness. Her body slumped slightly as
As Jack was escorted further into the heart of The Golden Apple's new stronghold, the dimly lit corridors seemed to close in around him, suffocating him with their oppressive atmosphere. The guards flanked him on either side, their eyes boring into him with a mixture of suspicion and contempt.Patrick stood at the end of the hallway, his presence commanding and his demeanor oozing with arrogance. His arms were crossed over his chest, and a smug smirk played at the corners of his lips as Jack was brought before him."Well, well, if it isn't our obedient little errand boy," Patrick sneered, his voice laced with disdain as he regarded Jack. "Coming here unarmed, all for the sake of the traitor who betrayed you. How noble of you, Jack."Jack's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to contain his rising anger. He knew Patrick was trying to provoke him, but he refused to take the bait. Instead, he focused on the urgency of the situation at hand."Wher
As Ashley teetered on the brink of consciousness, her senses dulled by the relentless onslaught of pain and exhaustion, she felt as though she were adrift in a sea of torment. Every breath was a struggle, each heartbeat a painful reminder of the ordeal she had endured. Her body felt heavy, weighed down by the bruises that marred her skin and the ache that permeated every fiber of her being.The dim light in the room seemed to flicker and dance before her eyes, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls like specters of her own despair. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and blood, mingling with the metallic tang of fear that clung to her like a suffocating shroud.The henchman of Patrick's approached with an air of calculated menace, his footsteps echoing ominously in the dimly lit room. Ashley strained to lift her head, her muscles protesting against the effort as she braced herself for whatever news he bore.With a glance over his shoulder to ensure they were alone, t
Jack's heart skipped a beat as his phone vibrated, signaling an incoming message. With a sense of urgency, he glanced at the screen, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him. It was a video, sent from an unknown number, and as Jack tapped to play it, his blood ran cold.The video opened to a chilling scene. A dimly lit room filled the screen, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. In the center of the frame sat a wooden chair, its surface worn and weathered, and bound to it was Ashley. Her hands were tied behind her back, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and defiance.“Ashley?” Jack breathed, his voice barely a whisper as he struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.“What? What happened?” Jill's voice crackled with concern, her eyes widening as she leaned in closer to see the screen of Jack's phone.For a moment, Jack's mind reeled in disbelief. It took several seconds for the reality of the situation to sink in—that the woman in the vi
The soft hum of machinery filled the air as Jack slowly emerged from his slumber, the gentle rhythm of Jill's movements resonating in the laboratory. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he turned his gaze towards Jill, who was already engrossed in her work, her movements fluid and purposeful."Rise and shine, sleepyhead. It's time for you to join the land of the living," Jill greeted him with a playful smirk, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I need your help with some brainstorming."Jack yawned and stretched, feeling the weight of the impending tasks settling upon him like a heavy cloak. "What's the plan?" he asked, his voice still tinged with drowsiness as he sat up and gave Jill his full attention.Jill's eyes gleamed with determination as she launched into an explanation of the necessity for a tracker device that could evade detection by their adversaries. "Jack, we need a failsafe in case things go south. We can't risk you getting caught or lost in the chaos," she began,