‘Can you arrange the holding of their bodies for me and Anne? I want to give them a proper funeral when the time comes,’ I asked the system.[Of course, that's a wise decision. I'm sure Anne would want the same.]‘Thank you. Now, back to the main issue, what strategy can we use to fight against Alex?’[That's what I wanted to tell you. I can't assist you.]Upon hearing the system's response, I furrowed my brows in surprise. What's going on? Why is it suddenly withdrawing?‘But our goal hasn't been achieved yet. Why are you unilaterally deciding to end our cooperation? I still need you, and Elliot hasn't received a response for his actions,’ I replied vehemently.[Not to that extent, but I can't access Alex's fortress. I don't know how he thought to disable all surveillance cameras, replace their communication devices with outdated technology and closeband. I can't get in,] the system explained. That's when I understood the problem and nodded.‘Strange... Is he suspicious that I'm gett
"Even his name was 'Mad Alex' back then," Bash enthusiastically recounted, "Mom said so he is mental because he fell off the bed as a baby.""Well, congratulations then. You managed to push my family away only to end up with someone even crueller. Haha, how ironic," Bash added. "How amusing that turned out to be."Erwin and I exchanged glances, unsure if Bash was serious or just weaving a fictional tale.“Why so silent? Has Alex made his move now?” Bash guessed, raising an eyebrow."By the way, Rupert, was my mom with you when she died? But why are you still alive on your own? Did you kill my mom?" Bash smirked, his breath making me queasy."Are you seeking catharsis? You know well enough it was Elliot's doing, don't you? But fine, I'm at fault for not being able to protect her. She hoped to see you again, Bash. That was your mom's wish.""Enough, stop talking about her as if you knew her.""She came to me herself, Bash, not the other way around. The games you all play are dangerous.
After leaving his parents' room, Alex headed to the room where he had confined Anne. Carrying a tray of food, the dish he remembered Anne liked, he had cooked it himself specifically to coax Anne out of her sulking mood. He knocked on the door and entered with the key he always carried everywhere. Finding Anne staring out the window, which he had barred with grilles to prevent her escape, Anne's gaze remained distant, disregarding his entrance.Alex placed the tray on the nightstand, pulled a chair to sit in front of Anne, and looked into her eyes."Here’s your meal, eat, okay?" Alex persuaded, "I made your favorite kebab," he pointed out, lifting the tray and offering it to Anne, but she shook her head softly and intended to lie down."This is for the baby in your belly. You intended to make it malnourished?" Alex threatened softly while stroking Anne's hair.Hearing Alex's words, Anne rose and sat up. Alex was right; despite her protests against Alex's treatment, she couldn't be sel
Gushton arrived at Dustown, but for anonymity and to ensure Elliot and Alex couldn't track my whereabouts, Gushton handed Alex's medical records to a courier, who then delivered it to me via postal service.Extra caution was needed to avoid any trace of my presence. Erwin also warned that he didn't want his career jeopardized if it were discovered he was harbouring me. Although, when I really think about my situation is, it's quite amusing. A suspect that “willingly” staying in jail, but I suppose the society wouldn't accept it. Because the essence of prison itself is punishment, so if the suspect doesn't feel "punished," then the purpose of the prison itself is lost.Now, the medical records were in my hands. It was an extensive document, containing case studies and experimental research results on Alex. I wondered how Gushton obtained it, but maybe I could ask later. Because I knew that it would require a long time and full concentration, I read it in my cell.I spread Alex's docume
Soon there will be a summer festival in Dustown, an eagerly anticipated annual event by the entire Community because it's the only lively event that will be held for a whole week, boosting the economy as visitors from out of town also come. Since Dustown was previously a stopover city, the festival here promotes creativity in making fashion from recycled waste. The city is renowned for producing exceptionally exquisite works.The good news is that it shifted the news about me a bit, overshadowed by the excitement of those preparing for the festival. I assume Elliot, as the mayor, will be busy in the coming days. [Stay cautious, as Elliot must have considered this as well,] advised the system.‘Surely, any movements from Alex?’[Yesterday, he visited Elliot's residence and met with Sonia and Camilla, ending their engagement.]‘Hmm… So he's starting to consider being serious with Anne because from the beginning, he knew that Anne and I were only in a business marriage. It also means An
The streets leading to the clinic were bustling with people setting up tents for the bazaar and vibrant, eye-catching ornaments for the festival. I slipped through the crowd, walking, wearing the Dustown city mascot costume—a mouse holding a golden coin—perfectly resembling Elliot.People high-fived me as I passed, thinking I was there to entertain and cheer them up. Some even asked for photos together. I patiently indulged them.Upon arriving at La Travola Reale, I entered and changed out of my usual costume. From the back door, I stepped into a waiting van. Hammam and Gushton were helping me this time, along with all their men; the restaurant was closed.Using three cars, we made our way to the clinic. Gushton stopped 200 meters away, took his binoculars, and observed the situation there."The place is filled with his men, Dan," he reported. "The man is suffering from acute paranoia," he added.I asked for the binoculars and observed; armed men were guarding the front. From their ve
*SLAM*Alex forcefully shut Anne's door, startling her and making her cringe in place. After the encounter with Danzel, Alex seemed angry and unstable in the car, talking and arguing with himself. Anne could see that. That's why she dared not speak, afraid that anything she might say could be misinterpreted by Alex. But deep down, she felt happy to have seen Danzel, even if only for a brief moment. How Danzel worried about her, risking his life just to save her. She felt loved and desired. How much she wished to run into his arms right now.But as she had informed Danzel, Alex forced her to drink a poison for which only he had the antidote. If she didn't meet Alex within two hours, she'd struggle to breathe—Alex had tested it himself just to prove his point. It was a painful experience for Anne, fearing for the well-being of the baby she carried. But Alex promised he wouldn't go that far. Still, he was incredibly cruel.Anne knew that Alex was determined; if he couldn't have Anne, the
"So, Dad, what do you think?" Camilla pouted after her long rant. Elliot's face darkened as if he wanted to devour someone; waiting for his daughter to finish talking was the harshest punishment for him."I need to make sure again because I still don't understand. So, are you pregnant or not?" Elliot asked. His question made Camilla's face flush with anger. Before that could happen, Elliot immediately gave an ultimatum."If you get angry again, I won't give you this," Elliot pointed, pulling out his ultimate black credit card. Instantly, Camilla's eyes sparkled, and her demeanor, which had been like a lioness, changed into that of a kitten."Oh no, Dad, I was just looking for excuses earlier," Camilla deflected."So how did you meet both of them at the gynecologist's office?""I was just having a routine check-up, Dad, a Pap Smear, you know, for the feminine area. I don't need to discuss that with you, do I? It's strange to talk about it with your own Dad," explained Camilla. She walk