"What do you mean?" Margareth shouted at Tom, her finger pointing at the man who had been her husband for 30 years. "You, whom I lifted and placed in the spotlight to boost your ego, now turn against me for that woman? She's our daughter-in-law, you bastard!""Boosting my ego, you say? Is that how you see it? To the extent that I never had the right to speak with you freely? You only needed me as a pawn in your game, Margareth. You don't think I didn't realise that? You fool, as for Lyra, I can't deny it: I love her."Margareth's eyes widened upon hearing her husband's confession, spoken so calmly. Throughout her life, she had never imagined that Tom would betray her like this. "You don't mean it," Margareth protested."You'll find out whether I'm lying or not," retorted Tom.Tom stood in front of Lyra, protecting her, shielding her from Margareth. That's when Margareth realised that the game she had prepared to win had ended with her becoming the loser. She had never lost a game befo
"It's not like that, Dr. Bertha. That kind of thing can easily go unnoticed for ordinary eyes like mine. Look, even other people are cheering for them," Anne defended herself."Oh, is that so? Alright, let's assume that," Dr. Bertha insisted, closing the debate. But Anne knew that Dr. Bertha had sensed something. Even if that were the case, Anne preferred that Dr. Bertha keep his knowledge to himself. She wasn't ready for those feelings to be openly acknowledged."So, what are you going to do about that woman once you know she knows your secret?" Anne asked me."I'll decide when I meet her again," I replied."Oh."'Is it to find out or continue what you didn't finish yesterday?' Anne wondered, surprised that she could still feel disappointment in her heart even though she had resolved not to hope for more from Danzel.I knew what Anne was thinking, but I also knew Anne wouldn’t consider my explanation objectively. I didn't want to argue before Dr. Bertha, so I remained silent, ignorin
After seeing the CCTV footage that showed Anne's concern for Rupert, Bash suddenly thought of Lyra and how he had been neglecting the woman who had faithfully waited for his attention. As far as he could remember, she had not mentioned anything about their severe relationship to his parents. She had a way of winning over his parents and getting closer to them than he ever could.As he thought back, Lyra wasn't a bad wife. ‘If I were the one who fell in the trash like that bastard Rupert, would Lyra still accept and embrace me?’ Bash wondered.He had never wanted to have children because he knew he wouldn't be a good father, having never experienced love and care from his own father. The materialistic form of affection he had received had never made him truly happy. But when he thought about it again, maybe Lyra could make up for his shortcomings. Perhaps Lyra could be a loving mother. Unlike his mother, who was always working and socialising, Lyra waited for him faithfully at home.Th
"We have to clean up this mess, Bash," Margareth ordered, releasing her embrace of her son. She walked toward the room that had once belonged to her son and former daughter-in-law, looking at the bodies of the two individuals indulging in worldly desires. Two people who had betrayed her from behind. There was no remorse or sadness in her heart because she knew that sooner or later, Tom would go to great lengths to kill her once he had obtained what he desired.She pulled her phone out of her pocket and called Zhar. "Where are you?" she inquired.[Still at the boutique, Ma'am.]"Come home immediately."[Of course, Ma'am.]Without hesitation, Zhar readily agreed to Madam's request. Although he was Tom's right-hand person, it was Margareth who recruited and elevated him to his current position. His loyalty was with Margareth and the Merrick lineage, not Tom Pascal.Bash followed his mother. "I will protect you, Mom," he promised, surprising Margareth, who was still trying to figure out h
"I promise to make Merrick Corp stronger and more successful, to the point where those who wish to overthrow Merrick will be afraid and retreat out of their awareness," Bash declared confidently in front of the journalists.We were still watching it together on my room's television screen. Even Mr. Rocky had joined us. His expression was unreadable to me. How did he feel now that one of the prominent figures, his daughter's murderer, was dead?"Well, he's already throwing shade at you, Danzel," Anne commented, a sentiment Mr. Rocky and Dr. Bertha shared."He might just be bluffing. A Bash couldn't possibly stand alone without Tom and Margareth's support. Though I admit, his acting this time is quite convincing. What about you, Mr. Rocky? Are you still 100% committed to taking down Merrick, or has the burden been lifted from your shoulders, especially now that Bash, not Margareth, is leading?""As long as this city is under Merrick Corp's control, whoever leads it must be brought down,
Hundreds of luxurious black cars marched through the city streets, followed by abundant flower arrangements. They were escorted by several police outriders, and other motorists who realised what the march was for pulled over and watched as if it were a parade.Anne and I sat in the backseat of one of the cars driven by Dr. Bertha, who was disguised with a mask, a black fedora, and black gloves. She concealed herself well. According to her confession, this was the first time she had mustered the courage to appear in public since the fire incident."I want to witness those scoundrels being buried in the ground with my own eyes. That way, I can be sure he's really dead," her determination made me smile and respect her resolute decision.Upon arriving at Crescent Cemetery, my steps momentarily halted as I passed the section where the bodies of my three loved ones lay, the pain piercing my heart. Anne held my hand tightly, patting my shoulder to provide comfort."Why, Rupert? Do you recogn
[Oops, it seems like someone wants to sabotage the presentation with the Mayor.]'Ha! Sneaky. What time?'[In an hour.]'Crap! I'll take a quick shower then.'I left my office and quickly got ready. I didn't take long to arrive at the Mayor's office.'Where to?'[Second floor, turn right.]Two of Bash's henchmen intercepted me as I was about to take the stairs. I purposely dropped a bag filled with money, scattering it on the floor. I pretended to be overwhelmed, tidying up the scattered money, and Bash's men were confused, unsure whether to help. While this chaos diverted their attention, I slipped upstairs.*Dash*I opened the door just as one of Bash's managers was giving a presentation. Bash frowned in surprise as he saw me strolling in, cursing his inept employees for failing to prevent me from attending this meeting."I apologise, Sir. I was slightly delayed due to some schedule sabotage. It seems someone's afraid their proposal won't stand a chance against mine," I quipped."If
I gazed at Liliana's lifeless body before she was placed into a plastic bag. I tend to see her condition with my own eyes. Our encounter was so brief, yet it left a lasting impression."I misjudged you. I thought you'd give up, but you fought till the end. I'll ensure they take good care of your mother at the hospital. Rest peacefully in your eternal sleep, old friend," I bid farewell in my heart.Lyan had been taken to the police station, while Bash, as he was proven to be absent from the scene when the incident occurred and had ceased managing the Heavenly Club, escaped charges.The police commissioner shook my hand and said, "Thank you, Mr. Anderson. You've been a tremendous help these past few days, and the new equipment grant for our laboratory is much appreciated.""My pleasure, Commissioner. I'm glad to assist, and hopefully, with improved work, the service to the community will also be enhanced.""Of course. About the documents you provided me, we're working on it, but please
"Nobody move unless you want this bullet to pierce through this old man's skull!" Gatsby ordered, aiming the barrel of his pistol at the president's temple. The head of state instructed his men to comply with Gatsby's command."The four of you, follow me," Gatsby pointed at me, Elliot, Helen, and Kellan.Gatsby entered the City Hall and proceeded upstairs to Elliot's office, dragging the defenseless president along. Elliot grinned with satisfaction at the chaos caused by Gatsby. He knew he had been branded as a terrorist, especially since the one he was holding hostage was the president.He wouldn't live long after this, but he didn't want to fall alone. There had to be someone dragged along with him, someone responsible for his downfall, something he had fought for for years.That someone was Rupert, aka Danzel, and Helen Harrington, the siblings.Upon arriving at Elliot's room, Gatsby forced the president to sit in Elliot's desk chair, while Elliot gestured for me, Helen, and Kellan
Elliot never received any news about Alex's attack on Dustown Prison, nor did he want to inquire. His attention was occupied by the preparations for the President's visit, just a day away.As long as he didn't receive any notice from his aides regarding Dustown Prison, he would assume everything was fine. If there were even a hint of news about Dustown Prison, he'd be sure to know. But since Alex's request back then, there hadn't been any further requests. The atmosphere was completely calm without any issues. Elliot figured Alex might have backed off from attacking Dustown Prison knowing he was preoccupied with many matters."Kellan, have you found out who that mysterious donor is?" Elliot asked his secretary, having replaced his previous one because Sonia didn't approve.Kellan, his current secretary, shook his head. "No, Sir. He's truly mysterious. What should we do? He specifically requested to sit next to you. Should we still accommodate that request? Especially now that there's
Elliot's eyes widened as he discovered Rupert's hiding place. He chuckled dismissively, 'No wonder the police never found him all this time,' he thought. Then he recalled Erwin's presence, the young man who remained closed off and impenetrable to him. The only employee under his command whom he couldn't control. Yet, due to his good performance, he couldn't just dismiss him. 'Besides, he's not in a critical sector,' he reasoned, choosing to overlook Erwin, but his judgment back then was wrong. Unbeknownst to him, Erwin had been forging alliances there, a fact that escaped his notice. *** "[Elliot has discovered your connection with Erwin; he and Alex plan to attack Dustown Prison tonight,]" reported the system. "Anne is still in critical condition. Do something to prevent them from coming here tonight," I pleaded with the system. The doctors finished observing Anne, and she was moved to a treatment room, almost her entire body wrapped in bandages. The doctor also mentioned the res
Erwin drove us straight to Dustown Prison. Anne was still unconscious, and I supported her head in the back seat. Her condition was truly alarming, I couldn't bear to hold her body, afraid she'd feel more pain. Erwin called Ralph and ordered him to prepare competent doctors at the prison. Every second felt like a crossroads for me, constantly monitoring Anne's chest to ensure she was still breathing. I held my breath with every long inhale she took, trying to manage her pain. "Hurry, Er!" I urged Erwin. "Quiet! Don't command me!" Erwin snapped. I knew he was trying to navigate through the traffic in the Dustown city center; for this one, the system couldn't help because the streets were crowded with people, not because of traffic. Erwin repeatedly honked his horn to clear the pedestrians from the road. Several times, he had to brake suddenly as they crossed unexpectedly, truly testing his patience. After being stuck in the traffic jam for a long 30 minutes, our car finally gained s
About fifty people gathered in front of Jackie's Bar, arriving individually with their preferred modes of transportation from various corners of the city—some on motorcycles, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, cars, or by foot.There was no communication among them; they simply glanced at each other to determine if they shared the same purpose, exchanging a code by raising their left palm upwards, a symbol representing their Dandelion Organization, signifying a dandelion stem always seeking the sun.Without the need for lengthy discussions, they collectively entered Jackie's bar. Two formidable guards who had stood at the front door couldn't stop them and were pushed inside.A ceasefire ensued inside between the Dandelion Operation faction and Jackie's henchmen. Witnessing the chaos, Jackie stealthily retreated through the back door, leaving it all to his men. He valued his life too much.He cursed under his breath before calling someone, "You convinced me that he works alone! You said
Hearing the information from the system, I immediately headed to Jackie's place. Night was falling, the streets were getting crowded, and the city was brightened by decorative lights along the roads. Visitors from out of town, eager to witness the carnival in Dustown, flooded the pubs, hotels, and eateries.The city seemed to come alive again with stalls and food trucks lining the streets, creating long queues. It overwhelmed me to drive quickly through the chaos. While people were enjoying themselves, I was lost in thoughts about Anne's fate.*Honk* *Honk*My horn sounded at the drivers who parked recklessly along the street. I was truly impatient, especially with the drunken revelers who were barely conscious as night approached.I almost collided with a group of teenagers crossing the road without looking. I honked loudly, causing them to bang and hit the hood of my car. But I had no time to deal with them.Luckily, after passing the town square, the crowd lessened. I accelerated,
"I paced back and forth in Erwin's office, anxious as I hadn't received any recent updates about Anne. Not from Erwin's informants, nor from the system or Helen. I disliked this feeling, my intuition restless, sensing that Anne wasn't okay.Erwin, engrossed in his book, glanced at me from the corner of his eye, growing irritated as I disrupted his concentration."Tsk! Take one more step, and I'll kick you out," Erwin declared, unable to contain his frustration. His book remained untouched, the pages unturned due to my actions."Do you really have no information?" I asked again, wearing a pleading expression as I approached him."No, if I had any, you'd be the first to know. Now, get out of my space, or I'll have to force you out," Erwin commanded firmly. He was actually waiting for information that hadn't arrived yet. However, he masked it by focusing on more productive matters, unlike me.Right after that, Ralph arrived, carrying a vial bottle filled with thick white liquid. He was s
Alex was furious, howling like a possessed person, ordering his men to search once again, this time more meticulously. Meanwhile, he returned to the room to interrogate Camilla.The woman was far too relaxed about Anne's disappearance, even seeming pleased. Camilla must know something! That's what Alex thought. This time, he was determined to interrogate Camilla until she spoke. He wouldn't hesitate to kill her if she didn't talk."You!" Alex barked, striding quickly across the room toward the startled Camilla, who was taken aback by Alex's sudden rage. She dropped the magazine she was reading and stood up. Alex approached her and immediately grabbed Camilla by the throat, her eyes bulging from the intense pressure on her neck."Tell me where Anne is! I'm not joking around. Your death is in my hands right now," threatened Alex, his eyes bloodshot, his hand muscles bulging as he tightened his grip around Camilla's throat.Camilla knew her chance to play around had ended. She also figur
“You’re delusional. I don't want anything,” answered Camilla, her lips curved into a sweet smile for Anne. Of course, Anne didn't immediately believe her, convincing herself to remain cautious around Camilla.Throughout her life, Camilla had always treated her badly, harboring negative thoughts about her. Initially, Anne had always wanted to understand the reasons behind Camilla's behavior, until she realized it was futile—Camilla's judgment of her was already formed, no matter how hard she tried to show kindness. Camilla remained steadfast and eventually deemed Anne as a mere attention-seeker.Since then, Anne realized she didn't need to waste energy on people who hated her because they would continue to do so. She had to focus on those who loved her, not many in number but sufficient for her.Thinking about it made her heart ache once again; now those people were gone, Pops and Dr. Bertha, whom she considered as her own father figures. Meha, who had been like the elder sister she ne