Victor put on an impassive look. "I'm not interested in popularity or pageantry. I have more important things on my mind right now. And look at you… It would be best not to strain yourself while you are out of sorts, or your opponents will exploit the weakness to defeat you. Reserve your energy for the meeting with Elias."Claire smirked at Victor naughtily. "Is that so? Do you think I am helpless right now? Then why don't you take advantage of me while I am fragile?"She inched closer to him on the couch and pressed her torso against his arm. Victor noticed Claire's intimate move, and his eyes instinctively went to her flushed cleavage. The young woman's perfume was enchanting; even her bodily odor had a pheromonal effect.Victor couldn't help but stare down her voluptuous breasts and gradually felt the oncoming pang of desire. Why was he subjected to constant seduction attacks by pretty women?Victor looked away immediately. "I am supposed to protect you and not attack you."Claire
Claire furrowed her brows. Was the Mayor demanding a bribe to approve her license applications?"What are you talking about, Elias? It's your job as Mayor-in-charge to approve the licenses, regardless of whether they profit you. You should be concerned about the city's well-being, not yours!"Elias scoffed and took another puff of his cigar. He made intricate circles with the smoke and smirked."Are you new to Springfield, Claire? Did Mayor Gunderson approve projects without bribes?"His words silenced the billionaire goddess. She had to pay the Gunderson family and the mafia plenty of bribes to get her projects approved. Springfield had always been a corrupt swamp with an extortionate bureaucracy."But the Gundersons are dead," Victor said grimly. "Never to return. With their disappearance, corruption was eliminated from the city. I wonder what dangers await the family which intends to bring it back?"Elias winced at Victor, and his expression changed to one of resentment. He had bee
Even though Claire expressed disgust at Elias' proposal, she didn't really give him an answer."Think about it, baby," the Mayor said. "All your troubles can go away if you come to the special sex dungeon I built in the basement."Elias turned his phone's screen towards her. He showed her pictures of a dim-lit room with the most perverse sex paraphernalia, including swings, machines, tools, and toys.Claire turned her head away in embarrassment. Her hand instinctively reached for Victor and pinched at his sleeve. She was on the verge of tears. Would she have to sacrifice her body to protect her company?Victor smiled thinly at Elias and spoke up. "You'll be receiving a call from your legal department shortly."The Mayor raised an eyebrow. "What nonsense are you-"Ring Ring! As if on cue, his phone rang, and indeed, it was from the City Hall's legal department."What is it?" Elias barked at his employee. "I am in a meeting!""Sir… Sorry to disturb you, but the District Trial Court has
Greg Pikitis had led a brutal life. He grew up an orphan on the streets and learned to brawl from his bullies.In his late teenage years, a Muay Thai master noticed him on the streets and adopted him. The master raised him like a son and trained him in the discipline. Pikitis was naturally talented and surged in the clan to become one of their best fighters.Pikitis' talents earned him power and influence to the point he began to defy the master who taught him everything. He was an ugly man, and women abhorred him. Rejecting the moral principles of a martial artist, he began to exploit women through blackmail and extortion.Pikitis turned into a megalomaniac, and one day, overcome with lust, he forced himself on his master's daughter. When the old man came to her rescue, Pikitis killed him in cold blood. The mafia noticed his brutal actions and accepted him readily as one of their own.Greg became a hitman for the underworld and also participated in illegal fights with martial arts ch
Claire looked terrified after Pikitis' declaration. Was he going to claim her as a sex slave? How could Elias have the audacity to issue such orders? Did he think he was above the law because his father was the state's Governor?"Don't worry. I will not let him touch you," Victor assured Claire loudly. He turned to Pikitis with a smirk. "Your voice is annoying, and your face is too despicable. It's a good thing your life is about to come to a sorry end. You just haven't realized it yet"Pikitis gulped slowly, a tinge of anxiety touching him. Why was the young man so confident in his insults? He wore ordinary clothes and had no special training in combat. What made him act so haughty?Did the blind arrogance come from his street life? Often, people steeped in poverty and delinquency develop delusions about their abilities. Depravity could drive people off their rockers. Victor had most likely lost his mind after a divorce and bankruptcy. It was necessary to silence his gnarly tongue fo
Carol and Josh were seated in Elias' private chamber. Josh's eyes were sparkling in wonder as he admired the extravagance and high-living amenities. The room had luxurious lounges, an expensive mini-bar, and aquarium walls.The Mayor entered, dressed in his brand-new suit, and greeted his guests."Carol… It's so good to see you after a long time," he said warmly, extending his hand.Carol smiled in response and shook his hand. He looked impeccable with his expensive suit, slicked-back hair, and charismatic smile. Elias was still every bit the perfect, aristocratic young man she remembered from college. Expect that now, he wielded tremendous power and wealth at his fingertips."Elias… The pleasure is mine," she replied with a soft tone.The Mayor frowned to see Josh, who had tagged along with his sister. He wanted some privacy to propose to Carol and, if possible, get physically intimate with her today. However, her brother might throw a wrench into his exciting plans."You are Josh, I
Carol gasped and covered her mouth in shock. She couldn't believe her eyes or ears. Did Elias just propose marriage to her? She looked towards Josh as if to confirm she wasn't mistaken. The brat looked less surprised and more delighted by the event.Why did Elias want to marry her in the first place? He was the Governor's son and could have any woman he wanted. Did he invite Carol over only to confess his feelings? It was all too sudden!"I am waiting for an answer…" Elias said, his charming smile persistent. He had been expecting an immediate YES to his question. In his mind, no woman in her right mind would turn him down. He was the heir to the powerful Crane family, and his social status outranked everyone in Springfield.Carol took half a minute to process the situation before she could respond. "Elias… First of all… Please get up. Let us talk normally. No pageantry is necessary."The Mayor nodded and returned to his seat. He assumed that Carol probably was on the verge of giving
'Absolutely not,' Carol told herself, as Victor's face rushed into her memory. He was a considerate, kind gentleman who really cared for her. The young man wasn't wealthy like Elias, but the warmth and security Carol felt around him was unmistakable. Even though theirs was an arranged marriage, she eventually developed feelings for him. Now that he was no longer in her life, it hurt badly.The Ateliers constantly berated Victor over his middle-class income. But Carol liked him just the way he was. Her bonds with Victor hadn't been entirely severed. Right now, if she got remarried or entered into a new relationship, it would be cheating on him.Even though Victor had been dishonest with her about certain aspects of his life, there was a chance for them to be together again. They could resolve their differences if they sat down and talked like adults. She hoped."I'm sorry, Elias," Carol replied warmly. "The diamond ring is beautiful and exemplary. Whoever marries you will be a lucky wo