In disbelief, I called Lawrence, only for my call to go unanswered. I tried again.Still, nothing.My heart raced with anxiety, and I rushed to Lawrence's place. We lived in the same neighborhood. At this hour, his family was usually home.When I arrived, the front door was tightly shut. I knocked desperately, but there was no response. Just then, Lawrence's neighbor spoke up, "They moved out three days ago. Didn't you know?"Three days ago? That meant he had left right when I transferred the five million to him. Why would he move? Was he planning to run off with my money?My thoughts were a jumbled mess, and without thinking, I called the police.After arriving at the station, I recounted everything that had happened. I also told the police about the details of how Lawrence had taken my money and the recordings I had made. The police took it seriously and filed a report, placing Lawrence and his family on a wanted list and instructing me to wait for updates.I barely regi
Nancy suddenly erupted in a fit of emotion, shouting at the top of her lungs. Seeing this, Lawrence's son lunged toward her, trying to cover her mouth and silence her.However, the police were quick to react as they restrained Lawrence's son before he could reach Nancy. Nancy desperately declared, "Winston, you've been deceived! Didn't you see the note I left you? I warned you to be careful of Lawrence. Everything was part of their scheme! He found us and told us you were a writer with nothing but money, so we planned to appear in front of your building to sell supplements."We followed Lawrence's plan to get closer to you and took all the money from your bank account. We split the money with him. He even instructed us to threaten you by saying that we would release the video of you and the women if you dared to report this."We thought that would be the end of it, but then Lawrence contacted us again a few days ago, saying you sold your novel's copyright for five million. He to
My name was Winston Shand, and I was 55 years old. I worked as an online writer.When online novels were booming about five or six years ago, I seized the opportunity and became one of the first top authors, earning a few million. Because of my short stature and unattractive appearance, I remained unmarried as I had never found a suitable partner. Thankfully, the money I earned from writing and a few million I made through investments were enough to keep me comfortable for the rest of my life.As everyone probably already knew, sitting for long periods could cause neck issues.I was no exception. The doctor advised me to go for a walk daily, so as usual, I took a stroll around downstairs in my residential complex.At that moment, I heard a commotion nearby. A group of middle-aged and elderly people had gathered around a few tall, smooth-skinned, attractive women dressed in a bodycon dress and black stockings. Each woman held a box of supplements and spoke enthusiastically, sa
With my body on Nancy's, we spent a passionate night together.Nancy was already up by the time I woke up the next morning. Her long, waist-length hair was loosely tied back, and even from where I was, her silhouette was captivating.When she heard my footsteps, she turned toward me and purred, "Winston, you're up already! You must be tired from last night. Why not rest a bit more?""It's hard for the elderly to stay asleep past a certain time.""Oh, you're not old at all! You were so energetic last night, and we did it so many times; I could barely keep up!"It was hard for any man to resist a compliment about their performance in bed. I was no exception. I had only known Nancy for less than a day, but I felt deeply drawn to her. Her charm, gentleness, and kindness captivated me.I felt truly grateful to have met such a wonderful woman.I offered to wash the dishes after we finished breakfast. However, Nancy stopped me and said she would handle it.After washing the dishes,
When I saw those two messages, I thought I must have read them wrong.I only have two bank cards—one with the Construction Bank for receiving royalties, holding four million dollars, and the other with the Industrial and Commercial Bank for investments, holding two million dollars. The amount was the money I rarely touched unless something major happened.How could six million vanish overnight?A wave of panic surged through me, and I couldn't stop myself from trembling.Just as I was at a complete loss, Lawrence pushed the door open and came in with a gas tank on his shoulder. Taking in the disarray of my home, he couldn't help but ask, "Bro, were you trying to turn the place upside down?""Lawrence… all six million in my accounts is gone…""What? Are you kidding?"As I slowly calmed down, I explained to Lawrence what happened the previous night—the purchase of the health supplements, my passionate evening with a celebrity-level beauty, and how Nancy had given me an aromatherap
This event greatly impacted me.Ever since then, I grew even more withdrawn, talking even less than before. Lawrence, worried I might be stuck in despair, invited me over to his place. That was when I found out his son had gotten married.Previously, Lawrence's daughter-in-law had demanded a dowry of 180 thousand, plus a new house. Lawrence's son wasn't exactly promising. With how carefree and aimless his son was, Lawrence relied solely on his gas delivery job, earning only a few thousand a month. When I heard about it, I had wanted to lend him some money. However, Lawrence firmly refused, saying he would rather not have this daughter-in-law.I hadn't expected him to give in in the end.I asked Lawrence, "Did you agree to her initial terms?"The look in Lawrence's eyes changed slightly. He muttered, "No, let's not talk about it, Winston. Try some of my braised beef." Seeing he didn't want to discuss it, I, as someone who knew when to stop asking, dropped the subject.It w
"Only five million, not as much as what was swindled from me before. Still, it's a good start. With this, I won't have to work as hard."I headed home after chatting with Lawrence a little longer. My editor had sent me a message on WhatsApp, asking me to look for the fantasy novel's contract.At home, I sifted through my files and finally found the contract. Just as I held it in my hands, there was a loud, urgent knock on the door. I put down the document and went to open the door.I had thought that it was just a delivery or water service. To my surprise, I found Nancy, the very person I despised, standing there after a month of silence.My anger boiled over when I saw her. I grabbed her by the throat and hissed, "You've got the nerve to show up here after taking all my money! I ought to kill you—""W-Winston… please… calm down… I… I'm pregnant… with your child…"My grip on her neck loosened slightly at her words. With a skeptical look, I asked, "Are you joking?""Waah… Winston
Nancy's face turned red, and she replied softly, "That was something the group leader taught me.""Tell me about the dream I had.""That was controlled with essential oils," she explained. "I used them to manipulate your subconscious so you'd answer whatever we asked.""So, that's how you managed to transfer the money from my bank account?"Nancy, fearing my anger, nodded cautiously.I could only laugh bitterly in frustration. Seeing my reaction, Nancy tearfully confessed that she hadn't wanted to join the scam operation targeting the elderly with fake supplements. However, she had been forced into it after taking out a high-interest loan she couldn't repay. She told me that I was her first target, that they had already found out about my savings, and the elderly "customers" were just actors hired to play along. She added that because she had helped the company make millions and was now pregnant, they were willing to let her terminate her contract and leave the company."I do