2023-10-05 23:03:03The clock showed 09.34, but nobody cared about that.
Moon bright, hanging high above the skyscrapers of New York, lighting the rooftop restaurant in a soft glow. The night air sent a chill down their spine, reminding them that fall was near. Colorful disco lights here and there, clashing softly against blue and pink drinks on their hands. Music blared, sending a slow rhythm of oldies jazz.
However, nobody also paid attention to any of that.
Particularly, for Marissa.
Tonight, this rooftop restaurant was fully reserved to host a party for her friend’s 35th marriage anniversary. Ferry and Rosanda clearly spent money for it, and she would enjoy every penny, like all guests should do.
Besides, she could ignore all of the fuss in favor of giving the handsome man in front of her the attention he deserved. “It must be exciting, flying all over the world to sing in big theaters like you, Rhome.”
The man in a black and soft purple t
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The Revenger's System 119. Cheater, Cheater
The helicopter ascended to the night sky, leaving Ryan and Violet behind.Now, all eyes of the guests in the rooftop restaurant reserved for a 35th marriage anniversary party turned to them. Curious, as a hundred questions hang in the air. They didn’t ask, not specifically, not when Violet looked like an angry volcano ready to burst into explosion.A pair of blue eyes narrowed into a glare, sharp and cold, unlike the heated rage bubbling inside of her. Violet’s steps were sure, heavy with the decision she had to make on the spot. Her family’s well-being was at stake. If she make the wrong choice, then it’d be on her.However, the moment she laid eyes on her goal, she felt like ice-cold water was poured all over her.In the far corner of the rooftop restaurant, her mother was sharing a round table with a man in a black and purple tuxedo. She had to give it to her mother, though. Even when he looked a little older than her father, th
The Revenger's System 120. Spoiler Alert
The rooftop restaurant was in a static hectic if that was even a word. All the guests’ eyes were on both of the Crowne couples, much to the host’s annoyance. However, no one could resist this juicy piece of gossip that surely will rock the world tonight. Or at least the social circle they were in. “Look, my pretty lady,” Rhome said, then cursed himself when he realized what he had just said, “I mean, Marissa,” he cleared his throat, “I know that you have adult children already, I just don’t know that you are still in a marriage with your husband.” “Well, not for long.” “Oh, that’s a relief,” Rhome let out the breath he held back. But unlike him, the reaction from Marissa’s daughter was far worse. Slamming her hand on the dining table, Violet exclaimed, “You what?!” Sighing, Ryan focused on the heated conversation played before his eyes again. “Say that again, Mom!” Marissa didn’t back down. She held Viol
The Revenger's System 121. Like Mother, Like Daughter
"So, what?"Ryan looked at his wife, sitting in the back seat beside him. He just shrugged, wondering if discussing about her mother's affair with a stranger present near them was right.They were in a taxi. The driver was old, with grey hair and thick eyeglasses. But that didn't mean he had a hearing impaired. After all, he was still carefully driving at a steady speed."What? Why are you shrugging?" Violet pressed further, wanting to get to the bottom of this."You really want to talk about your mother now?""Yes, is that even a question?"They heard a small laugh from the driver. "Oh, please don't mind me. I will never talk about it to anyone."Violet raised one of her eyebrows, "Hear that? So, what?"He sighed, slumping on his seat. He really preferred not to talk about it now, but who was he to speak?"Okay," Ryan breathed out, "What do you want to do now?""I honestly don't know."He rolled his brown
The Revenger's System 122. Jared and Florent Share, What?
Heading to the Crowne residence, Ryan was greeted by the cold high fence that separated the private property from the world. He had called Cinos earlier, so the gate was already open to welcome them.Though, truthfully, he wondered why they didn’t install an automatic gate already. But then he remembered. They specifically didn’t spend money for that because he used to be there, opening and closing the gate at all hours, acting as their slave to be treated with no care in the slightest.They both sighed in relief because the reporters that camped outside the gate had gone without a trace. Perhaps they were bored from the lack of any news from them, or they got another Hollywood star and young millionaire out there making a scene.Either way, it was a good news for both of them. Now, they could go back and forth without any worry or annoyance from the pestering paparazzi.Slowing down to a stop, they got out of the car and stepped to the front
The Revenger's System 123. Your Mother's Cheating
The next day, Ryan and Violet returned to the Crowne residence to finish their business.Unlike last night, Jared and Florent were there to greet them this time.“Hey, you finally come here. It’s nice that you here,” Jared hugged his younger sister, all the while glaring at Ryan over her shoulder. “Although, do you really have to bring a pesky little bollock with you?”Violet hugged him back, not bothering to defend Ryan in front of Jared. “I was here last night, but you’re not home.”In retaliation to Jared’s lack of regard for Ryan, she ignored Florent’s presence. She already said that she didn’t want to meet him in the near future, so she would just think of not seeing that smug face. Even if Florent was right in front of her.Being glared at, Florent shifted on his feet, uncomfortable at being the recipient of such an infamous glare from Violent Violet. He knew about her moniker
The Revenger's System 124. One Presidential Suite, Please
The sound recording played out. ‘You know nothing of my sacrifice to marry your father, Violet. So, don’t mind my business. I don’t care what he do now, but I’m with another man now. You will not disrespect us by talking about your father.’ It ended shortly after, leaving a gapping silence in its wake. ‘I’m with another man now.’ It was revolting. Nauseating, like a worm that crawled out of an old, buried can. Sitting with a crossed leg beside him, Violet merely rolled her eyes. “We have to stop mom.” “Stop your mother from doing what?” They all turned to the door, seeing who just said that. Robert was standing there with an expectant look on his face. One hand gripping a suitcase, while the other clenched in a fist, shaking by his side. “What did your mother do?” Ryan smirked, eyes wide with joy. “Oh, you wouldn’t believe it, my dear father-in-law.” “Be careful with your word, you lying scum. I will not have you wreak more havoc to the family I built and protect with my own
The Revenger's System 125. Hotel Raid
“I-I’m sorry…” the pretty receptionist stammered, “Did you say, the successor of Ashford Group?”Ryan narrowed his eyes. He really didn’t want to be involved with that whole other can now. “What about it?”Julia squinted her eyes and looked at Ryan from head to toe. She did this a few times just to be sure, scrutinizing his face for several seconds more. Then, she gasped and stepped back in response, holding a hand on her mouth.A couple seconds later, she smoothed her surprised expression to a neutral one. She put on a smile, stretching over her bold-colored lips.Clearing her throat, Julia said, “I am so sorry for that, sir.” Her eyes were pleading. “I was not aware that you are Mr. Rayven Ashford. Again, I am so sorry for my behaviour earlier, sir.”The four Crownes looked at Julia and Ryan back and forth, noticing the incredible detail of change in front of them. Fin
The Revenger's System 126. A Truth Potion
“What do you want?”“Talk.” Violet put emphasis on that single word. “We need to talk. All of us.”Marissa sighed heavily, as if she was exhausted with the world. “Fine. Let me get dress and I’ll see you downstair at the café.”“No, you have a big presidential suite here, so we’ll talk here.”Marissa shook her head vehemently. “I will not talk with you all in the suite, it’s my private place. We’ll talk at the café downstair, like any normal people.”Violet smelled something fishy.“Are you hiding something?”“No, I don’t have any weeds in here if you’re wondering. I’ve spent it last night after the party!”“Then what are you hiding that you refuse to talk here now?“ Violet pressed with the question. She was quickly losing her patience.However, Marissa wasn’t i
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156. Signing His Death Sentence
Ryan struggled to stay awake as he stared blankly at one of the bare white walls around him.The hum of the bright fluorescent lights above him flickered occasionally, breaking him in and out of his trance. There were no windows except for the small one at the door, which barely showed into the hallway.He had long lost count of the hours he had been held inside this room since he arrived. He felt tired and broken in more ways than one, but he was managing, and that is all he could do right now.He just needed to hold out a little longer.Just a little longer.Shifting his gaze at the paper before him, it did not take long to realize that no one here was ever on his side to begin with. Telling the truth did not matter. Everyone believed he was a murderer. He was guilty the moment he was arrested, and they made that very clear after trying to repeatedly beat him into signing the confession, making sure to avoid his face. Anything that his prison uniform did cover, they beat until they
155. Turning Table is Not that Simple
The interrogation room was well air-conditioned, it was supposed to be cold. Yet, Ryan couldn’t feel anything but stifling heat from deep within his chest. He felt rage, more than fear or puzzlement at this point.There was only one person who could and would frame him, but getting everyone to believe was hard. Almost impossible, even.Leaning back in his chair, Detective Pierce continued, "Let me tell you the short version of what I think happened. You murdered Jorge and left Edric for dead. You left straight from the party to the airport, trying to flee the scene of the crime.""That's ridiculous.""Why else would you leave Seattle in such a hurry? Were you planning to leave the country next?"Glaring, Ryan griped out a resounding, "No, I simply went home. If I wanted to run, I'd go anywhere but there, wouldn't you think?""It's not far-fetched for you to gather your things and prepare to disappear for good. You wanted revenge for your father's death and you wanted to take down the
154. Murder Interrogation
Still in shock, Ryan asked the police officer who told him to step forward. "Can I make a phone call?""You're not allowed.""What about an attorney?""The police will contact one on your behalf once you've been transferred.""Transferred?"The officer sighed, pushing him to move forward after a moment. "To Seattle's police jurisdiction. Now stop talking and walk."Following the orders to move, Ryan was taken to a small check-in station where an officer forcefully dipped each of his fingers in black ink, printing each digit on a white paper document.Once they were finished, he was escorted into another area, which was equipped with a digital camera and a large backdrop against the wall that was marked with varying heights. He inwardly sighed as he was given a small blackboard with his name to hold up.An officer instructed him to stand up straight and look towards the camera. He flinched as the flash sounded and wa
153. Arrested in Cuffs
Opening the door, Ryan was alarmed at finding a couple of police officers standing on the other side. Glancing at the police car in the driveway, his face drained at wondering what the hell was going on."Are you Ryan Wilder?" one of the officers asked."…Yes."One of the men immediately took his hand and placed a handcuff around his wrist, pulling his other arm behind his back before adding another cuff.Another officer said, "Ryan Wilder, you are hereby under arrest on suspicion of murder."His mouth fell open in complete disbelief. "What?""You have the right to remain silent," the officer continued. "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?"His knees felt weak. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. If this really was a dream after
152. Running Away Together
Everything was a blur as Ryan rushed down the hall and burst through the door where they had last left Violet and Edric.What he had found on the other side was his worst nightmare realized.Kneeling down as he pulled Violet limply into his arms, he shakily touched the side of her draining face and gently shook her, finding no response. Choking out her name through cracked whispers over and over, he couldn't stop the sudden tears blurring his vision.Never in his life had Ryan ever felt so hurt and broken as he did now."G-God, no…" he whimpered. "Violet, please… please wake up."Every silent second that passed felt like eternity as his chest began to heave with broken sobs. His throat burned and his eyes clenched in anguish.Weakly picking himself up to see her face, he brushed back her bangs and froze when her blue eyes slowly fluttered open. Everything around him grew still like he was viewing a dream
151. Fight Against Luck
Violet was ready to fight him. She had trained in several martial arts and mastered them for self-defense against harmful men like him. Rendering Edric useless was an easy task. She had almost done that months ago, when he was still playing with his old dog. Come to think of it, where was that old dog of his again? Violet’s blue eyes were focused as she shifted into a defensive stance, her lithe frame ready for action. On the other hand, Edric appeared remarkably nonchalant, sitting at a table with a book and a wide grin on his face as if he knew something Violet didn’t. The first move came from the infamous actress. Her movements were swift and precise, as she had aimed a roundhouse kick at Edric’s head. The red dress with high open slit at her tight created a beautiful motion picture, if one were to enjoy it. Sadly, the circumstance was not fit for such approval. However, just as Violet’s foot was about to connect with Edric’s head, a stack of books toppled over, and he stumble
150. The Outbreak
"Pick it up," Edric haughtily repeated. Violet couldn't believe what she had done - even if he did deserve it. Her reputation was already in the mud lately, so it wasn’t her concern. She just didn’t believe that she punched Edric because of Ryan, the fucking scum. To hell with people still watching her nude scenes. She had made that choice in her younger days, so she didn’t want to regret it right now. However, to insult and humiliate Ryan for having such wife, crossed her line. Oh, how her world had turned upside down because of him. Not responding fast enough for his liking, as she stood frozen in place, he roughly grabbed her arm and nearly pushed her towards the floor before Ryan had cut in between them. "Don't you ever touch her again," Ryan furiously spat. "You'll fucking regret it." Before Edric could retort, the Head Butler of the Ashford family, Jorge, wedged between them, gently pushing them back by the shou
149. To the Fundraiser
Right after breakfast, Thomas knocked on the penthouse door and asked if they were ready. Once they were, they left with Thomas, who had been waiting in the living room. He had been instructed to chauffeur them around Seattle today to find appropriate attire for the company's black tie fundraiser tonight.Although they were being forced to attend, Ryan surprised himself by enjoying their time together shopping for the event. Maybe it was because he got to see Violet try on dresses, or maybe it was just nice to do something normal. Before they return to the penthouse, Violet wants him to buy her a car. She would never ask him for such a thing, because even with all the wealth he had acquired, Violet could afford a car herself. Besides, she was too proud to ask for one. So, when she did ask him, Ryan easily agreed, and they bought one. Too bad, Violet didn’t let him see what the car she bought either, saying it was a surprise for him. Once they returned back to his penthouse after t
148. His First Kiss
Street lamps flickered on one by one as Thomas drove him about an hour south from the Ashford Gorup's building headquarters to the city's international airport.As the car rolled to a stop, Thomas turned back from the driver's seat and said, "I'll go wait for Ms. Crowne and escort her here, Mr. Wilder."Already unbuckling his seat belt, Ryan lifted a hand up for him to remain in place. Opening the door, he said, "Not necessary. Just stay here and wait for us.""But-"Slamming the door shut, he reached into the inside of his suit jacket and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. He felt like an idiot wearing them, but they had helped with shielding his eyes from any sudden camera flashes. He doubted it would somehow cover his identity, but it served as a kind of protection from meeting someone's eyes directly.Familiar with where to go, Ryan placed his hands in his pockets and walked towards the terminal she would be arriving from.Once he heard Vi
