Lucille's eyes slowly fluttered as she emerged from the dreamland. Her whole body felt heavy, as if she just escaped a terrible nightmare."Where am I?" she muttered, looking up at the unfamiliar ceiling."Why do I feel so heavy?" she groaned as she moved slowly."Ah!" she gasped, immediately covering her mouth as she realized Drake was beside her, his arms wrapped around her."Why... why?" she quivered. The memory of the crime Drake committed flashed through her mind, reviving the fear she felt. Her whole body trembled, but she froze upon realizing they were both naked."What? What happened—Ah!"She immediately sat up, but when she tried to leave the bed, Drake pulled her back, laying beside her. Her face instantly turned red as she felt the warmth of his body against hers."Are you going to ditch me?" he asked, wearing a sad expression."Ditch you? Ditch you at what?" she asked back, perplexed by the sudden change in Drake's demeanor."Can't you remember what happened? Aren't you go
Lucille found herself going with the flow, unable to keep up with Drake's pace, and ended up doing what he wanted.Eventually, both of them got dressed and prepared for the day."Where's your home?" Drake asked as they got inside the car."Huh?" Lucille responded, still in a daze."Where's your house?" he repeated. "Or do you have classes today? Where should I drop you off?""Huh? Ah?" she mumbled, shaking her head to focus. "Please take me home.""Are you sure? Won't you miss any classes?" he inquired."N-no. No, sir.""Sir? Call me by my name," he chuckled. "Am I too old for you?""No, you're still young!" she stammered."Or do you not remember my name? You were screaming my name last night at—"Drake couldn't finish his sentence as Lucille panicked and covered his mouth."I got it. I got it," she said, her face turning red.Drake simply smiled. The two became silent for the rest of the ride until they reached Lucille's house. He couldn't help but notice how much she fidgeted in her
Marianne sat nervously in front of Drake's desk, her eyes darting around the room as she fidgeted with her hands. However, Drake was preoccupied with his own thoughts, his expression dark and distant.“How did he become the CEO? As far as I know, the chairman opposed Zack managing their family business. What changed his mind? Is this the effect of changing the future?” he thought inwardly, occupied by the unpredictability of Zack White. "Zack runs the underworld with ease after he got the system. Now that he doesn't have the system, he manages the Gracestone instead?"Marianne noticed his dark expression, and his anxiety was loud in the silence of his office. A few moments later, she finally mustered the courage to voice her concerns.“Drake, I... I can't do this," she stuttered. “I can't be the new director of BellRox. I don't have the experience, and I'm not confident enough to face the other directors. Are you sure there's no one else you can appoint?”Director Rox told her how Dra
Drake stood on the rooftop of a building, the wind tousling his hair as he surveyed the sprawling city below. This was the very spot where he had first witnessed the mysterious miniature temple's appearance, and now he returned with a purpose in mind."Is it time yet?" he pondered, positioning himself in the dimly lit rooftop, awaiting the temple's reappearance or the summoner's arrival."I'm certain someone else summoned it," he muttered.After a few moments, his eyes widened as the miniature temple slowly materialized at the rooftop's edge. Its reappearance, much like the first time he had encountered it, left him perplexed. He knew it was no mere coincidence, but he couldn't help but wonder what triggered the temple's appearance."We were too preoccupied with my standing by the edge and my issues; the person who summoned the temple was likely scared off," he thought, recalling the chaotic night that followed Marcus Lee's initial accusations."Should I make an offering first?" he mu
In the police station, Drake lounged in the lobby, seemingly at ease, as if the precinct held no novelty for him. This week alone, he'd become a familiar face, making multiple visits.While still awaiting release from the police station, Drake browsed his system, searching for any valuable information. As he perused Zack White's family background, Drake pondered, "So everyone has a weird family. Does that make it not weird?" Connecting data about the White family members, he scoffed, "I've spent lots of money just to read about their family feud."Flipping through his system's pages, Drake's thoughts raced, "But this still doesn't explain how Zack became the CEO. He targeted Zemo, yet there are two more Zanduco heirs in line. Shouldn't Zanjo take precedence?" He scratched his head, puzzled by the changes he observed since his regression."Zack has changed significantly, but why?" Drake tilted his head, shaking it. "No. There's one key distinction—he hasn't taken anyone's life yet." Re
Zemo observed Drake and Zack exchange sinister glances, sending shivers down his spine. He couldn't help but wonder about Drake's real motives and what fueled his resentment towards Zack. He could tell that this was the first time Zack met Drake, yet Drake seemed driven by an unspoken agenda that intrigued and puzzled Zemo simultaneously."You have an interesting friend here, Zemo," Zack commented, leaving Zemo unsure of how to respond, given that he and Drake weren't really friends."Stop intimidating Zemo's friend," Zanjo interjected, approaching Drake. "Are you the one who found Zemo and saved him?""Yes. I literally threw up when I first saw him. He was bathing in his blood," Drake honestly shared, noticing Zack struggling to conceal his true expression."We also saw the photo that the police sent. We are really indebted to you. Thank you for saving my brother," Zanjo sincerely expressed his gratitude."If you are truly grateful, then please give me 1 billion dollars," Drake joked
Drake Chwe's mind raced with the unsettling mystery of how Zack White had not only pinpointed his location but also managed to track him with an unnerving precision. Anxiety gripped him, intensifying as he considered the possibility that Zack possessed something stronger than his own system."How did he find me?" Drake mused inwardly. "Does he know Eleanor is here? How does he know where I was going?"His gaze fixated on the lean man standing confidently before him, a wide grin etched across Zack's face. "You're BellRox's major shareholder, right?" Zack inquired.Drake's eyes widened, and he instinctively clenched his fist, striving to maintain composure but internally, panic set in."How does he know? I made sure to keep my name anonymous. Does he know me, then? This is impossible. We've never crossed paths in this timeline.""Mr. Chwe?" Zack called again, noticing Drake's wariness. A sneer played on Zack's lips. "What's got you so nervous?""Nervous? Me? No, not at all," Drake stamm
The next day, Drake woke up with casts wrapped around his left leg, arms, and a brace on his neck. Although he appeared uncomfortable, Drake paid little attention to his current situation, knowing he could heal himself later. Also, his fury overshadowed the pain of his injuries."Killing him once won't be enough. He tried to kill me twice; I should pay back twice," he said, anger etched on his face despite his immobile state."But what should I do, confront him now or stick with the original plan?" he wondered.With the tribute system, he was confident he could kill Zack with ease, but the question of whether killing him at once would satisfy him gnawed at him.Unlike those who tormented him emotionally, Zack went directly at harming him and those around him without mercy. He wanted to know what kind of revenge he could exact to see the despair and fear in Zack's eyes."Does that psycho have fear?" he mused. "I badly want to scare him to death," he seethed, clenching his fist, which b
Ten years had passed, yet the dream of earning a sextillion coins remained elusive. Time slipped away unnoticed as Drake immersed himself in the relentless pursuit of money to settle his debts. Only too late did he realize the true cost of his singular focus.Seated in his office, absorbed in his tasks, Drake was jolted from his concentration by the ringing of his phone. Glancing at the caller's ID, he recognized his sister Eleanor's number. With a resigned sigh, he answered the call."Hey, Ely," Drake greeted, attempting to sound nonchalant despite his apprehension."Drake, where are you?!" Eleanor's voice crackled with frustration and disappointment."I'm at the office, why?" Drake responded, his heart sinking as he anticipated the conversation that was about to unfold."Seriously? You forgot, didn't you?" Eleanor's incredulous tone pierced through the line.Drake's stomach churned with guilt. "Forgot what?"Eleanor let out an exasperated sigh. "My wedding, Drake! The one I've been
Drake was shocked to learn the truth, his jaws dropping even further when Lucille revealed that he needed to repay the tribute system twofold."Earning sextillion coins is impossible!" he exclaimed."You have to offer it back, or else you'll spend your life paying for it," Lucille replied grimly, exaggerating the explanation to divert Drake's attention away from herself."Damn it. Is this why I can't kill Zack? He cannot die until he pays his debt," Drake said frustratingly, but then he smiled viciously. "But does that mean I can keep him in prison to suffer?""He doesn't change. Good luck," Lucille muttered under her breath, slowly becoming accustomed to Drake's viciousness."What is it?" Drake asked."Nothing. I was just wondering why you came here," she bluntly asked, inwardly worried about the chance of Drake hurting her."What else? To pick you up?" Drake said, grabbing Lucille's hand and looking into her eyes with sincerity. "Lucille, please believe me, what Marianne said was al
Lucille Bmak seized the opportunity to escape when Drake and Rebecca were engrossed in their own conversation.Thinking it was her chance, she began to make her way out. However, unbeknownst to her, she was trapped in a labyrinth from which only Zack, Rebecca, and Drake could find their way out."What the hell is this place?" she muttered to herself as she continued downwards in an attempt to escape, but the path seemed endless."Aah!" she screamed as someone suddenly yanked her back."You're new here? There's nothing above your head yet," the female said, her tone cautious and discreet. “I got the ability to see other users status and progress. You're still fresh. Save yourself!”"What? I don't belong here. Do you know the exit?" Lucille asked, sensing no hostility from the girl."Go up instead of down," the girl replied honestly."Really? But why aren't you leaving?" Lucille inquired."I'm weak, but I can't die. You should be careful. Let go of the system as soon as possible while i
Lucille Bmak had prepared herself for this inevitable day.She knew all too well that her peaceful days would come to an end as long as Zack White and Drake Chwe existed.However, despite her thorough preparation, she couldn't shield her heart from the viciousness that Zack and Drake displayed towards her.The constant hostility from both men exhausted her heart and mind, leaving her unable to display any emotion upon seeing Drake, whose presence made her heart throb, or Zack, whose mere presence sent shivers down her spine."Damn you! Damn your luck!" Zack White growled in frustration, his anger palpable as he longed to inflict harm upon Lucille.He yelled and pounded on the barrier as if he desired nothing more than to tear Lucille apart, but what frustrated him even more was the nonchalant expression on Lucille's face."Do you think you'll escape me for imprisoning me for three years? I'll torture you every second of the day!" he threatened."So foolish," Lucille commented, further
Drake Chwe hurried to find Lucille. He strode past the long underground passage, paying little heed to the torture cell, laboratories, and whatever bizarre occurrences filled each room. As long as Lucille wasn't there, Drake's focus remained undeterred."Where the hell are you?" he muttered exasperatedly to himself, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he reached the final room at the end of the underground complex. Taking a deep breath, he swung open the door, only for his eyes to widen in shock at the sight of his lover bound by chains."Lucille!" he exclaimed, rushing forward to free her, but his efforts proved futile."Drake, long time no see," Lucille greeted casually, her gaze devoid of emotion as if she had just woken up from a nap."Hang on a little longer. I'll free you soon," he promised, frantically rummaging through his bag for any tool that might help, but none did the trick."Damn it!" he cursed in frustration, realizing he couldn't access his trusted system in a time of
Zack sported a victorious grin, his eyes locked onto Drake with the same intensity Drake once aimed at him from within the torture cell. His lips curled as he relished the sweet taste of turning the tables."It'll be better if we suffer together. You know, I didn't plan to torment you for just three years," Zack said, closing the distance between them. "Let's make it forever," he whispered, his voice dripping with menace.His grin widened as he observed Drake's expression darken. However, standing closer to Drake proved to be a mistake."Oh, damn it," Zack cursed, blood bubbling up as he collapsed to the ground."All talk, huh?" Drake snorted, a twisted smirk forming on his lips as he pressed his foot onto Zack's face. "Your only shot at survival was staying locked away. Why set yourself free?""What's happening?" Zack grunted in agony, attempting to extract the knife lodged in his side, but it remained stubbornly embedded in his flesh."Can't you recognize these?" Drake sneered, with
Thanks to Merlyn, Drake finally learned where Lucille had been taken. He instructed Merlyn to locate her using his device, unaware that she would succumb to a heart attack afterward, much like the way he deceived and threatened Natasha into her demise."Code blue! Code blue! Room 203!" a nurse frantically announced.Medical staff rushed to Merlyn Spenser's side, the monitor next to her bed blaring with the alarming sound of a code blue. Doctors and nurses swarmed into the room, their faces etched with urgency as they converged around Merlyn's bed. The room was filled with the sound of rapid footsteps and the clatter of medical equipment."Goodbye, Merlyn. Thank you for your help," Drake coldly muttered as he casually walked out of the ICU, a strange sense of satisfaction washing over him."Why Canman, though?" he wondered, glancing at the address Merlyn had provided. "This doesn't sound good."He immediately hopped into his car and drove to Canman, Zack White’s hometown. Arriving the
When faced with a choice between life and death, the decision might seem obvious to most. Yet, Lucille Bmak's response was anything but expected. Though she typically valued her own survival above all else, this time she made a different choice."F*ck you!" Lucille spat defiantly, refusing to entertain whatever offer Zack White had in store. Having fallen into Drake's traps before, she was adamant about not allowing herself to be ensnared by another chain, even if it meant facing death."This is the last time I'm asking you. Listen to me, or—" Zack seethed, tightening his grip around her neck."I don't care! Kill me!" Lucille exclaimed, though her body trembled with fear. Summoning a forced smile, she added, "You've repeated yourself three times now. You sound like the one who needs me.""Who needs who?" Zack White yelled, his fury palpable. Despite his rage, he found himself unable to carry out Lucille's demise.Rebecca, the veteran user of the system, who had once bestowed favors up
Inside Lucille's house, the dimly lit corridors exuded an eerie aura as Zack White prowled through them, his presence ominous and foreboding. His eyes gleamed with a dark resolve as he approached Lucille's study, his heart pulsing with venomous intent."Finally... the moment I've been waiting for," he whispered to himself. He tried to be as quiet as possible so that no one could detect him."I'll kill you once I'm done with my task," he murmured, his voice low and menacing. Despite the vigilant guards stationed at every corner of Lucille's house, Zack's movements remained undetected. He used a system device to camouflage himself through the guards.Peering into the study, he observed Lucille seated at her desk, completely absorbed in her work, unaware of his presence. Zack's lips curled into a sneer as he watched her, memories of past torment flooding his mind."You thought you could hide from me, Lucille. But I always find my prey," he hissed, his voice dripping with malice. "How dar