Jason, however, remained perplexed, scratching his head as if sensing an incongruity. Had he misspoken? He thought sharing the news of the new drugs would delight Susan.This diverged from his expectations, and not only did she withhold a smile, but cautioned him to remain well-behaved.What mysterious thoughts occupied the feminine mind?Jason's bewilderment deepened, genuinely failing to perceive the intimate undertones. Having secured a shared bed was challenging enough; how could he fathom such passion from the outset? He remained oblivious to the nuances.Meanwhile, Susan's flushed cheeks burned as she faced away, her breathing growing rapid, her heart pounding like a startled fawn. Every stir from behind heightened her trepidation and yearning, coupled with overwhelming shyness.Though three years married, this would be their first time. She felt akin to an enamored young couple."They say the first time is painful. Am I truly ready to give myself to him? After all, I am indebte
Infuriated, Mary Martinez prepared to unleash a torrent of invective, only to meet Jason's icy, threatening glare which seemed to exude an aura of murderous intent. She froze, the rage on her lips swallowed back down her throat. To persist seemed to court grave peril.Yet, unable to resign herself, having reveled in such elation only to gain naught, not a solitary cent - accursed fate! Her gaze, however, chanced upon the subtle intimacies between the pair. As one versed in such matters, comprehension dawned.In that moment, Mary Martinez fell silent, harboring her grievances for but an instant before wordlessly departing."Hm? She...relents?" The bewildered pair exchanged glances.Seldom did Mary Martinez concede so readily within their home; in times past, she would raise interminable tumult.Regardless of her motivations, her absence cleared the path. Jason cleared his throat, his ardor undampened, meeting Susan's brilliant azure eyes with a smoldering gaze, as if two searing flame
He believed in Lawrence's capabilities, for though unfamiliar with Joseph Rogers' prowess, sans underhanded tactics, a direct duel favored not the challenger. The true crucible lay in the unmasking of their respective trump cards...Amidst the thunderous challenge, a towering silhouette ascended the arena. This figure, lean and sharp-eyed, regarded the familiar Lawrence with a sinister sneer. "I never imagined you would live to see this day of retribution.""Yet it has been five years. Such trivialities should have faded into the past, Mr. Lawrence. No need for this endless fixation." "If you desire reconciliation, we could jointly reign over Emerald City!"Lawrence's rage smoldered at the dismissive tone, murderous intent roiling within as he faced the reappearance of Joseph Rogers after half a decade's absence. How could that callous remark of "five years" encapsulate the suffering endured, the prime of Natalie's life confined to a wheelchair through no fault of her own? An unforg
Jason's gaze sharpened as the mocking voice's owner emerged from the shadows - a mysterious figure garbed in white, his demeanor radiating haughty contempt for all beneath his regal bearing."And you are?" Jason arched a brow, sensing the undisguised murderous intent directed solely towards him."Wayne Howard - commit that name to your nightmares, for it shall become your eternal tormentor. Truth be told, you have piqued my curiosity. But who could foresee your foolish trespass against those you ought never cross? Pity - your existence cannot be suffered to linger."Yet as his gaze fell upon the fractured jade pendant adorning Jason's neck, the white-robed figure's sneer froze, his countenance shifting as realization blossomed. "How did you come by that artifact?"After such frenzied efforts the previous night, to encounter it here by sheer happenstance - the universe's paths proved indeed inscrutable! An unmistakable match to the photograph, this was no mere coincidence."You refer
Yet who could have foreseen enraging the formidable 'King' himself, that Lawrence would prove a mere subordinate under his dominion?Accursed folly - if only he could strangle the life from Joseph Rogers tenfold over!Within the arena, the combatants' furious roars intermingled with the clamor of clashing bodies and visceral sprays of sweat and blood. Yet Joseph Rogers' evident inferiority drove his desperate offensive as furtive glances scanned the viewing platforms.Where was the signal from the venerable Mr. Howard?Today's spectacle served to bait ulterior players, luring Lawrence's ruinous resurgence that they might crush all adversaries underfoot. Yet Joseph Rogers could never have fathomed the extent of his reverence toward the prostrated Wayne Howard, that same 'Mr. Howard' now beseeching Jason to stay his noble hand and spare his life.To witness such a sight would surely inflict mortal terror.Jason's glacial stare met Wayne Howard's abject pleadings. Under ordinary circums
Without hesitation, he promptly rescinded the image, purging the contact, yet the identity of its beholder lingered an inscrutable mystery."You belong to the Black Lotus Sect as well? Whom did you share that image with?" Jason's piercing stare demanded answers."I...I..." The trespasser trembled, voice quavering in desperation. "If I reveal the truth, would you grant me mercy? Mere avarice and ambition drove my foolish actions - I never intended more than capturing your visage." Initially, his scheme entailed fleeing with the illicit photograph, a boon to deliver unto his brethren. Yet the betraying flash negated such intentions, his hasty transmission leaving him utterly vulnerable despite achieving his inglorious aim.Even monumental prestige could not ransom his survival now - regret curdled his innards, yet the universe remained indifferent to such lamentations. Foolish deeds birth inexorable consequences.At that moment, Kyle emerged at the vanguard, sensing something amiss an
This harrowing prospect prompted Lawrence to whirl towards the viewing platforms in desperation, only to find his frantic gaze met by Jason's impassive countenance. As their eyes locked, a subtle nod proffered reassurance. Tension drained from Lawrence's form as he exhaled - with Mr. Gray's presence, all would be well. It seemed victory had indeed been secured.Joseph Rogers, too, found himself ensnared by Jason's unflinching regard, his pallor shifting corpse-like as unspoken dread congealed within. Though unacquainted, he could deduce Lord Wayne Howard's dire straits - else he would not have remained unmoved amidst such grievous peril. His eyes met Lawrence's once more, flinching at the gleam of murderous intent burning within that frigid sneer. Before retaliatory force could be unleashed, Joseph Rogers' shrill cry pierced the stillness."I concede defeat! No more, I yield!"In the throes of mortal peril, what significance could vanity retain? Joseph Rogers always was a contemp
An undeniable truth - for without Wayne Howard's rash intervention, Joseph Rogers would have inevitably lingered within East District's fastnesses, harrying Lawrence and Jason through endless machinations. Even in defeat, such a denouement would never have unfolded so expediently.But now, lamentations proved futile - the path was sealed. East District's forces, initially outnumbering Steven Martin's subordinates, found their resolve shattered by the cataclysmic outpouring of unified outrage. Who amongst them would dare rally to Joseph Rogers' cause, unless they wished to be torn asunder?With his demise, all compunctions evaporated - they could only fervently distance themselves from his tarnished legacy.As for Lawrence, it was as if that single, brutal act had drained him of all vitality, though vengeance had been exacted. A maelstrom of conflicting emotions churned within - for they had once been brothers-in-arms, comrades forged in the crucible of shared adversity. Alas...Josep