Rohan sits in the darkness. His eyes are fixed on the spot on the wall, but his mind is replaying the image of Simone’s broken, damaged face.He jumps at the sudden sound of a knock on the door, jolting him back to reality. He gets up and pulls open the door, and there stands Tyrianne, her expression sympathetic.“Can I talk to you?” she asks.“Come on in,” he answers, opening the door wider for her.Upon sitting in the chair in front of him, she starts, “Mister Hansel, you need to take security better. You should not let Simone and Rosalyn into a single room. Don’t let them meet for a while as well.”He shakes his head and leans on his swivel chair. “Why? They are mother and daughter.”“Yes, but from what I see, they don’t treat each other like family. Rather, they are rivals for your affection.”His face hardens. “And?”“Rosalyn accidentally destroyed Simone’s face! Surely you understand that Simone prides herself for her beauty?”“And you are meddling because?”“Hansel!” she scolds
The aftermath of the incident has shaken Rosalyn. Rohan knows it’s his fault, but now he must do something else—he needs to remove these frustrating sympathies for Rosalyn. If his revenge ever deviates from its path, he will hate himself! He must stick to the plan no matter what!Abruptly, Kyndra’s vision appears in his mind. It is like a raging storm, dark and brooding. Lightning flashes across her angry eyes, and her wild hair streams around her like the wind. He can feel the rage emanating from her as if it’s aimed at him.A sudden knock brings him back to reality. The door is locked, so he drags himself towards it. As he expected, it was the nosy Miss Tyrianne again.“I am not in your charge, Miss Tyrianne. I don’t want your advice,” he says, turning his back on her and moving back to the couch at the center of the room.She follows him and sits on the couch opposite him. “I know you still have a heart, Mr. Crago. And that’s why I think it’s you that we need. Especially after what
Rohan sits in his office. His head is filled with thoughts of Simone, her disfigured face etched into his mind. After her short stint with the psychiatrist, he sent her away, exiled from the mansion she likes. Even with someone like Simone, when he saw the desperate plea in her eyes, he almost could not bring himself to throw her away.And because he sent her to a different country, he had given her a house, a small business, and enough money to get her back on her feet. She didn't like the setup, but she had no choice.However, Miss Tyrianne is all about second chances and hoping that Simone will have a chance at a new life. She also said that he had given her freedom, and Simone didn't even deserve it.There is another knock on the door. Miss Tyrianne gets up from the couch and opens it, revealing Rosalyn."Can I talk to you for a while?" she asks, glancing at Miss Tyrianne. "What is she doing here?""We are talking about her resignation," he lies."Then what will happen to the upke
"Oh, please tell me you agreed to her proposition!" Tyrianne exclaims as Rohan retells her what Rosalyn has offered.“I did,” he answers. "You seem excited.""Why won't I be?! This is the best-case scenario, Mr. Crago! You will have Rosalyn's money without killing her, something that you can't even do!"He can also weaken Walton's financial capacity. However, he hasn't told Tyrianne who among the Twelve Elites is his actual target."By the way, when will you tell me who your primary target among the Twelve Elites is?" she asks as if reading his mind."Can't we just focus on Alston Crowder?" he asks. "He's got a lot of bank accounts in tax havens."Alston Crowder is one of the Twelve Elites, his next target. He is a businessman with many offshore accounts in countries with loose banking regulations. It's done in a way so he can hide his money from any kind of investigation. He also uses shell companies to launder money and uses legal loopholes to avoid paying taxes. And because of that
Rohan makes his way through the dark alleyway, his heart pounding in his chest. This is where Tyrianne mentioned he would find a certain Roy Stoller, the first person they need to reach out to if they want to take the first step in their plan against Alston Crowder. As he walks along the alleyways, he feels a presence looming close by. He stops in his tracks and whirls around, squinting his eyes to make out the figure standing in the shadows. “Who are you?” a deep, stern voice questions. “You look clean, not the drug-addled brain I usually see around.” “My name is Hansel Crago. I am here to meet a Roy Stoller,” he replies. The figure steps out of the shadows, revealing a tall, imposing man. He is dressed in brown jacket and has a severe expression on his face. The figure takes a few steps closer, and Rohan can feel the intensity of his gaze. “What do you want with Roy Stoller?” he asks, still scrutinizing him carefully. “I am here to talk about the incriminating evidence he had a
Rohan approaches the shoreline during sunrise. His gaze is drawn to a stunning figure standing beside a beach chair. She is wiping her body, her hair tied up behind her. She seems alone, and he watches as she twirls her beach towel around her body—her gaze focused on the horizon. He stops short, making it seem as if he is entranced by her beauty. He knows that Roy is standing guard over his mistress a few feet away. Rohan takes a deep breath. He has prepared for this and has been teaching surfing for a month. He studied for it, although he falsified his credentials. Besides, he insisted he work mainly on the admin tasks. “Hello,” he says, approaching Sara Crowder, Alston's younger sister. “Good morning,” he greets. She looks at him from head and toe, deciding whether he is worth her time. Inwardly, he wishes with all his might that he is her type. When she does not speak, he smiles and hands her a flyer. “We have a discount this month for our surfing lessons. You might want to try
Sara picks on her food as they eat. Rohan smiles. Seems like she’s being honest when she says she doesn’t like sweet food.“What is someone like you doing here, anyway?” she asks.“I told you. I am working part-time as a surfing instructor,” he answers. “Although, because I am a beginner, I primarily handle the administrative tasks.”“That’s what I am asking about. Why? You have money of your own. Why not build your own business?”“I like to learn new things.” He pauses before saying, “The ocean is beautiful, and I’ve long wanted to surf.”“Being a Rugge, you can do all that without doing part-time work.”“Hmmm, but I don’t think building a business around this hobby is a good idea.”“So you like surfing, but you don’t love it enough?”He chuckles. “I also don’t enjoy asking Rosalyn for money,” he adds, even if Rosalyn is financing his revenge against the Crowders.“I am guessing this is not your first part-time gig.”He grins. “It’s not. I’ve done part-time to almost everything, so y
It is an exclusive event, and by the time Rohan and Rosalyn arrived, the elegant ballroom is already filled with elites and Rohan can sense the rarified air of power and privilege that these people carry with them.“I really don’t think I should be here,” he whispers to Rosalyn, whose arm is intertwined around his.Rosalyn giggles. Lately, her mood is getting better, even if she already knows why he even approached her in the first place. “Don’t worry, Rohan. You are more good-looking than any of them here.”“I don’t mean physically.”“If it’s financially, you don’t have to worry about it as well. No one can defeat my financial power.” She tiptoes and then places a kiss on his cheeks. “And everything I have, you can use for your revenge,” she whispers.An usherette welcomes them and takes them into one of the tables. Seated, Rohan’s eyes travel around the hall. There is only one reason they attended this party—Sara Crowder—who is sitting in the far corner. She is with an older man wit
As Pablo finishes his testimony, the courtroom is in shock. Gertrude’s face is twisted in anger and disbelief, while her lawyer looks defeated.“Your honor, I object to these baseless accusations against my client!” Gertrude’s lawyer exclaims.The judge raises an eyebrow. “I have heard enough evidence from Mr. Pablo and the other witnesses to proceed with this trial. Do you have any more witnesses or evidence to present on behalf of your client?”Gertrude’s lawyer shakes his head, knowing that there is no way to defend against the overwhelming evidence presented by Rohan and his team.The prosecutor steps forward confidently. “Your honor, we have shown with irrefutable evidence that Ms. Gertrude is involved in various illegal activities. We request that she be taken into custody immediately.”The judge bangs his gavel. “Ms. Gertrude, you are under arrest for drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking.”The court erupts into cheers as Gertrude is led away by police offic
After a while, Tyrianne comes out of her room wearing a skimpy outfit. “Oh, I didn’t know you were awake,” she comments, lowering down the volume of the television. “Who could sleep with that kind of noise?!” he snaps, straightening from the sofa. She chuckles, unaffected by his irritation. “We might have a little too much fun.” “A little?” Rohan’s voice rises in disbelief. “That was not a little. You two were practically screaming your lungs out!” Tyrianne just shrugs nonchalantly. “Well, we can’t help it if we enjoy each other’s company,” she smirks. Rohan rolls his eyes and huffs in annoyance. “I swear, you two have no sense of decency.” “Decency?” Tyrianne repeats, raising an eyebrow at him. “You’re one to talk about decency when you are watching TV at such a loud volume.” He gives her a pointed look before turning back to the TV. He doesn’t want to admit that he was trying to drown out the scandalous sounds coming from her room. She walks over and sits beside him on the co
They spend the rest of the evening coming up with a plan to gather evidence against Gertrude. They decide that Douglas will sneak into her office during business hours and retrieve any incriminating documents or emails from her computer. The following day, Rohan watches from a safe distance as Douglas makes his move. He sees him looking around before slipping inside Gertrude’s office. Rohan can feel his heart racing with anticipation, knowing that this could make or break their case against Gertrude. Inside the office, Douglas quickly moves towards Gertrude’s computer and begins typing furiously. Rohan can see that he is nervous, but determined, as he sifts through files and folders on the computer. Then, there is a loud noise outside the office and Douglas freezes, looking around frantically for a place to hide. The door swings open, revealing Gertrude herself. Douglas hides behind the desk before Gertrude can see him. But as she heads straight for the desk, Rohan holds his breath
Rohan adjusts his tailored tuxedo jacket and straightens his silk tie as he enters the grand ballroom. “You look stunning,” he whispers to his partner, Tyrianne, as they make their way through the lavish crowd. “Thank you, darling,” Tyrianne replies with a smug grin, flaunting her designer gown that hugs her curves perfectly. “I can’t believe we blended in so well with these wealthy elites,” he chuckles, scanning the room for their target. “But I have a feeling Gertrude will stand out like a sore thumb.” Tyrianne mumbles something, her eyes already searching for their target. Rohan mimics her. They are using crystal glasses and extravagant decorations. There is also a huge chandelier above, which gives off a more opulent atmosphere that matches Gertrude’s persona. “She loves to show off her wealth and power? I guess this is a great place to do it.” As they carefully navigate through the throngs of people, Rohan and Tyrianne keep up a steady stream of discreet conversation, keepi
Rohan and Tyrianne quickly make their way towards their safe-house, the injured mercenary slung over Rohan’s shoulder. They have no time to waste, as they need answers from this man before he succumbs to his wounds. As they enter the safe-house, Rohan sets the injured man down in a chair while Tyrianne begins to prepare for the interrogation. She brings out various tools, including ropes and knives, that she knows will be effective in getting information out of someone. She also prepares medicines and bandages — another path for the mercenary if he chooses to cooperate. When the mercenary wakes up, he struggles weakly against his restraints as Rohan takes a seat across from him. His eyes flicker with fear and pain, but he remains silent. “Who hired you?” Rohan starts off calmly. The mercenary remains silent, his gaze shifting between Rohan and Tyrianne. “Are you not going to answer?” Tyrianne asks coldly, her fingers daintily touching the different tools setup for him. “I—I can’
Without a moment’s hesitation, Rohan and Tyrianne duck behind the staircase as Jackson starts firing his gun. The bullets ricochet off the walls, sending dust and debris flying in all directions. The two huddle together, trying to come up with a plan. “We need to disarm him,” Rohan whispers, his eyes darting around the area for any possible weapons they can use. Tyrianne nods in agreement. “I’ll create a diversion. You sneak up on him from behind,” she says, before dashing towards the opposite end of the hallway. Jackson’s attention turns towards her, and he starts shooting in her direction. Meanwhile, Rohan takes advantage of the distraction and stealthily moves towards him. Just as Jackson turns around, Rohan tackles him to the ground, sending both of them tumbling down the stairs. The impact knocks the wind out of Rohan, and he struggles to maintain his grip on Jackson’s gun. They wrestle on the floor. He can feel his muscles straining from the effort. “You think you can take m
Rohan and Tyrianne sit across from each other in a dimly lit room, sharing breakfast and visibly shaken. Dust fills the air and the slivers of light that sneak in from the outside illuminate the room. He shifts his gaze to her, and like him, her face is pale and drawn. He can see the worry in her expression, the same as what he is feeling now. Tyrianne breaks the silence. “How could it have been so easy?” Her voice is barely audible and there is a tremble in her voice as she speaks. Rohan shakes his head. “I don’t know,” he admits. “Do you think it’s a trap?” “But we’re still alive.” “A delayed trap, perhaps?” Still, Rohan feels like someone is laughing at him–as if he is being played around. “How safe is this place?” she asks. “You’re the only person who knows this place.” “I’m worried about my kids in the orphanage.” “I don’t think they would massacre them.” “Rohan!” she scolds, and she might not have noticed herself, but she just called him by his name. “Should I apolog
There are two places that Pablo has mentioned to Rohan where they can look for more evidence. One is in a mansion, the other one is in a derelict warehouse looming before them.“Why did Pablo even think that this warehouse has evidence?” Rohan asks as he walks inside.This place is more than abandoned. Shadows dance through the shattered windows as he and Tyrianne pick their way carefully over the debris on the floor.“He did say that Gertrude’s allies are using this place to store incriminating documents.”“Without a guard?”“We’re not yet sure of that,” she answers.Rohan keeps quiet as they delve deeper into the crumbling building.“Over here,” Tyrianne calls softly, her flashlight illuminating a stack of dusty file boxes tucked away in a corner.Rohan joins her, his pulse quickening as he opens the first box. “Look at this,” he murmurs
The following weeks are a flurry of activities. They set their plans in motion. Rohan and Pablo help gather evidence against Gertrude, while Tyrianne snakes her way into infiltrating Gertrude’s inner circle. Although, Tyrianne looks all harmless, innocent, and sincere—it belies the fact that she can ensnare anyone within her traps.The door opens, and Tyrianne comes into his office. She is wearing a purple dress that reaches half her thighs. Her hair is up in a lovely bun and her heels are at least five inches high.Sitting on a couch, she removes her heels and starts to massage her feet.“Gertrude Mendoza has her fingers in a lot of pies,” Rohan informs her.“Right,” she says. Clearly tired and annoyed by the recent social event she had just attended.“How’s everything on your side?”“Bad. I didn’t see Clint at all. No one from Gertrude’s side attended the event too.”“A waste for the get-up?”“What?” she asks, frowning.“Well, you look pretty in that dress,” he comments, almost trip