Nash agreed to everything calmly. Back at the hotel, he called Orion on a video chat. Unlike his usual cheerful self, Orion stared intently at the woman on the screen, a confused frown crossing his face. Something about his “mom” felt off, although he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. The woman, however, kept showering him with concern, trying her best to act motherly.After a few short responses, Nash ended the call. This hotel belonged to Freya’s family, making it his turf. He had already sent his security team to check for any suspicious figures on the premises, so now it was time to start gathering information.……When Nina finally regained consciousness, she found herself face-to-face with a masked man. She kept her tone steady, cold. “If you went through all this trouble to bring me here, why hide behind a mask? Is your face really that shameful?”The man let out a laugh, handing her a photo of a woman who looked strikingly like her. “What do you think of her resemblan
Time ticked by, and at first, the masked man was filled with confidence. But as the minutes slipped away, unease began to creep in. Why hadn’t he received a call by now? The delay could only mean one thing. His meticulously crafted decoy had failed. If that were true, it meant not only that his true identity would be uncovered, but also that his base could be compromised. If Nash arrived with backup, everything would fall apart.“Nina, you and he must have a deep connection,” the masked man sneered, his gaze piercing as he looked at her. “Otherwise, how could he have spotted the imposter so quickly?” He tried to brush off his failed plan, thinking he still had her as leverage. Both Nash and Micah would be reluctant to let her be harmed, making her a powerful bargaining chip in his hands.He stepped closer, ripping off his mask to reveal a remarkably plain face beneath. “The bet’s over, I lost,” he admitted. “Per our agreement, I’m showing you my face. But there’s one more thing
Nash, of course, immediately approved the leave. What neither he nor anyone else knew was that Ben harbored an unrequited love, someone he adored in his youth but came to despise over the years. ……“Ben, not here... please...” Jamie Lewis’s voice quivered in pleading as he held her tightly against the narrow vanity. She was trapped, nowhere to escape under his unyielding hold. Her protests did nothing to sway him.His gaze only hardened with a cold fury. “Now you know how to beg?” he sneered. “Where was your mercy when I was the one pleading?” Jamie swallowed hard, her throat constricting painfully as she forced the words, “Ben, I know I wronged you back then. But Winnie is innocent. She’s out there right now.” It was the engagement day of her younger sister, Winnie Lewis. While Winnie stood outside, joyfully greeting the guests in her wedding dress, Jamie was trapped here, humiliated by Winnie’s own fiancé. Terror and a crushing guilt overwhelmed her, leaving her para
Jamie’s face went pale instantly. Winnie, oblivious to her sister’s turmoil, released Jamie’s hand and moved toward the source of the sound, only to discover Ben’s phone sitting on the vanity by the mirror.Jamie felt her stomach twist in anxiety. How could she possibly explain this?With a relieved smile, Winnie commented casually, “So careless, leaving his phone behind.” She picked up the phone without a hint of suspicion. Jamie held her breath, quickly shifting the conversation. “You’re the guest of honor today. Get back out there. I need to run to the restroom again.”Without waiting for a response, Jamie dashed into the restroom and locked the door in one fluid motion. But once inside, she felt Ben closing in behind her, pressing her back against the door with an ominous intensity.Just as his hand began to roam in a way that was both cruel and deliberate, Winnie’s voice sounded from outside the door, “Jamie, I really think you should go to the hospital. I’m going to get J
Jamie was certain of one thing. Ben did not love Winnie. This engagement party was nothing more than a trap. It was a twisted game Ben was playing for revenge against her. He had known about Winnie’s connection to her all along and had orchestrated each move to pull her into his plan.She had no choice.“Don’t tell her. I’ll do whatever you want,” Jamie said, defeated.“Perfect. Tonight, I want to see you at my feet, playing the obedient little dog I need. Don’t disappoint me,” he sneered, leaning in close, his breath hot against her ear, yet filled with chilling cruelty.Jamie steadied herself and, with shaky steps, forced herself to leave the room. After a moment, she joined Winnie outside.Winnie rushed over to her. “Jack couldn’t get here right away, so I had someone pick up some medicine from the pharmacy. And, Jamie,” Winnie continued with a determined look, “later, I’m taking those jewelry pieces to get some cash for Charlie’s hospital bills.”Each word pierced Jamie’s h
As Winnie's gaze drifted to the side, she noticed Ben approaching, dressed in a sleek black three-piece suit. Behind her, Jamie saw him too, and memories came rushing back. “Jamie, the man you were once with was Jack Green, but now he's Ben Lucas. You have to let him go!” Jamie thought to herself.He was both Ben Lucas and Jack Green. She could have been happy with Jack, but with Ben, there could be no connection. That was why she chose to walk away. She had buried Jack deep in her memory until today, when her sister’s repeated mentions of his name brought those memories flooding back.He was using his identity as Jack to get close to her sister, and now her sister was carrying his child. He wanted her to move into his house with her sister. It was all part of his revenge. But why drag Winnie into this? She had done nothing wrong. If anyone was at fault, it was only for having her as a sister.“I just went out to meet a guest. Are you all set on your end?” Ben asked casually, sl
“‘Innocent?’” Ben scoffed coldly. “You took all that money and didn’t share a cent with your sister? If that’s true, maybe this whole sisterly bond isn’t worth as much as you think.”Jamie's heart sank again. She knew that nothing she said would make a difference now. Ben would never believe her. To him, she was just a woman who took what she could get, unworthy of even a second glance. Still, she found herself pleading with him, “It’s been four years since we ended. Now Winnie is carrying your child. If you’re truly committed to her, please treat her well.”But Ben’s gaze only grew colder. His hand slid to her collar, and Jamie felt a spike of panic. They were in a public hallway, surveillance cameras overhead, and anyone could walk by at any moment. If someone saw them like this, the scandal would be unavoidable. What would happen to Winnie? All she wanted was a family of her own, a loving husband and an adorable child.Jamie’s guilt weighed heavier with each passing second. W
Ben leaned in close, so close that Jamie could hear his every breath. He asked, his voice cold, “Then tell me, what exactly do you think I should do? Should I go and break up with Winnie right now? Should I tell her what we just did, then drag her to a clinic for an abortion? Would that make you happy?”“Of course not!” Jamie quickly protested, her face going pale. “That’s your own child. Do you even hear what you’re saying?”Winnie wanted nothing more than a loving, happy family. Jamie couldn't bear the thought of shattering that dream.“So, what’s your solution?” Ben straightened up, looking down at her with cold amusement. “Go on, Jamie. Tell me what’s really on your mind.”Jamie took a breath, speaking as sincerely as she could. “I’ll do my best to make it up to you. I’ll gather whatever money you want. I can disappear if that’s what you need. Move far away so I’ll never cross your path again. Just… take care of Winnie and pretend I’m gone.”Ben’s expression only hardened, h
Sera’s gaze was so sharp it felt like it could pierce through Karina. Karina hadn’t expected her momentary greed to create such a mess. If she couldn’t stay a doctor, she would have no source of income, and her life would spiral further out of control. “Please, don’t do this. Tell me what you want, and I’ll keep helping you. Maybe… I could spike his drink for you again, or set up another opportunity,” Karina said, grabbing Sera’s hand out of desperation. Sera clearly wasn’t short on money. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to give Karina such a large sum back then.All she wanted now was to secure her position at the hospital.Sera pulled her hand away, a mocking smile on her face. “Set up another opportunity? Do you think Wilfred would fall for it twice? Do you take him for an idiot, Dr. Norman?” Wilfred wasn’t an idiot, and ordinary drugs didn’t seem to affect him much.Karina felt utterly helpless. One wrong step had led to another, and now she had no idea how to
“Starting today, you’ll officially resume your position as my assistant. I trust you’ll adapt quickly,” Wilfred said firmly. Karina’s eyes lit up with a hint of surprise. “Dr. Wilfred, really? I’ll do my best to fulfill the responsibilities of the assistant role.” Wilfred stood up and walked over to her, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Familiarize yourself with the current work schedule and the relevant materials. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. I have confidence in you.” Karina hesitated, a trace of worry crossing her face. “But… I’m not sure this is a good idea.” Wilfred already had an assistant. If Karina agreed to take the position, wouldn’t that make her a target for trouble from his former assistant? And then there were all the people at the hospital who were infatuated with Wilfred. Lately, she had already been spending more time with him, drawing enough attention as it was. If she officially became his assistant, she’d surely
Back home, the first thing Karina did was take a shower, cranking the water temperature to the highest setting as if that was the only way to wash away the grim memories of the night.She scrubbed her arms fiercely, the spots where those repulsive men had touched her. Even through her clothes, the thought made her feel sick. Again and again, she lathered herself with soap until her skin turned slightly red, but no matter how hard she tried, the discomfort in her heart lingered.After her shower, Karina changed into clean pajamas and sat on the edge of her bed, unable to sleep. Her gaze fell on her phone. She hesitated for a moment before sending a text to Wilfred.“Dr. Wilfred, I’m truly grateful for your help tonight. I’ll never forget it.”After sending the message, she set her phone down, hugged her knees, and curled up on the bed. Returning to the hospital had always been her dream, but now she worried whether she could truly meet expectations and not let Wilfred down.As she
The men exchanged uneasy glances, hesitating for a moment before reluctantly mumbling, “Sorry,” to Karina. Wilfred watched their retreating figures with thinly veiled disgust. Turning to Karina, he asked gently, “Are you okay?” Karina shook her head lightly, brushing it off. “I’m fine, Dr. Wilfred. Thank you.” Wilfred let out a soft sigh. “Come with me. You shouldn’t be working here.” Karina nodded, following him out of the private room. Wilfred guided Karina through the bustling bar. The pounding music and chaotic chatter seemed distant and muted, fading into the background as they moved. They made their way to the parking lot, where Wilfred opened the car door, carefully helping Karina into the passenger seat before getting in himself and starting the engine. As Karina buckled her seatbelt, she turned to Wilfred with a look of curiosity. “Dr. Wilfred, didn’t you say you had things to handle at the hospital? How did you get here so quickly?” Wilfred kept his ey
When Karina stepped into the room, one of the men, his gaze hazy from drink, chuckled and said, “Well, so this is the beauty they sent over?”Karina forced herself to stay calm and replied politely, “Good evening, gentlemen. Here’s the drinks you ordered.” She began placing the drinks on the table one by one, hoping to finish quickly. Before she could finish, another man grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him. “Come, have a few drinks with us, sweetheart.”Karina’s heart raced as she pulled her hand away with force. “Sir, I’m just here to deliver your drinks. I don’t entertain guests.”The men burst into laughter. “What bar do you think you’re in? There’s no such thing as not entertaining here. Don’t play coy, sweetheart. Sit with us, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely.”Fear surged through Karina as she instinctively stepped back, trying to maintain some distance. “I’m really just here for work,” she said, her voice trembling. “Please respect me!”But the men, emboldened
The woman leaned closer to Karina, lowering her voice. “You ruined my fun. The manager and I were having a great time, and you interrupted us. You need to make it up to me.”Karina’s frustration flared. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. The door wasn’t fully closed, and I was only there to talk about resigning.”But the woman wasn’t about to let it go. “I don’t care. You need to make it up to me. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee your night will go smoothly or that you’ll get to leave this job without issues.”Anger surged through Karina. “You’re being unreasonable! I didn’t do anything wrong!”The woman sneered. “In this bar, what I say goes. If you don’t cooperate, I have plenty of ways to make sure you can’t stay.”Karina knew arguing with her in this chaotic environment would only make things worse. But the idea of being bullied like this made her seethe. Taking a deep breath, she tried to stay calm. “What do you want me to do?”The woman’s eyes gleamed with triumph. “It’s simple. Ha
A strikingly glamorous woman sat perched on the manager’s lap, the two locked in a tight embrace, passionately kissing. The scene was nothing short of intimate, their connection palpable.Karina stood awkwardly at the door, caught between stepping in and retreating. She coughed lightly, trying to get their attention.Hearing the sound, the manager gently pushed the woman aside and turned toward the door. His expression showed no embarrassment; instead, he appeared slightly annoyed. “Karina, why didn’t you knock before coming in?”Karina forced a smile, her discomfort evident. “The door wasn’t fully closed. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’m here to talk about resigning.”The manager adjusted his clothes, gesturing for the woman to sit aside. He raised his brows slightly. “Resign? Why the sudden decision to quit?”Karina bit her lip nervously. “It’s for personal reasons. I really can’t continue working here.”The manager leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. A f
Karina froze for a moment, staring at Wilfred's earnest eyes. A wave of mixed emotions swirled within her. She was indeed under immense financial pressure. The entanglements with Kieran and the Stone family had left her utterly drained, and every penny counted. Yet, her pride made it hard for her to accept charity, even from someone like Wilfred. Lowering her head, she softly said, “Thank you for your kindness, Dr. Wilfred, but I can’t accept your money. I’ll work hard and solve this on my own.” Wilfred frowned, stepping closer. He gently tilted her chin upward, compelling her to meet his gaze. “Karina, I understand your concerns. But working in an environment like this, exhausting yourself, and exposing yourself to danger isn’t the solution. It could harm your health and reputation. “I’m not offering charity. I see you as a friend, and I want to help you through this tough time.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she bit her lip. “But I don’t want to owe yo
He didn’t recognize Wilfred and dismissed him as some young guy trying to play the hero. “Want to play hero? Take a look at yourself first. Get lost, or I’ll call the manager and have you thrown out!” To him, customers were ranked in tiers, and as a VIP who could afford an Ace of Spades, he considered himself in a league far above the average patron. Wilfred’s gaze flicked over him, filled with disdain as though he were looking at a fool. Even the thought of engaging with him felt like a waste of effort. Wilfred turned to Karina and said calmly, “Go get the manager.” “Got it, I’ll be right back.” Karina, understanding the urgency of the situation, didn’t hesitate and dashed toward the bar. Seeing her run off, the man felt his pride take a massive hit, as though he had been publicly humiliated. His face twisted in rage as he swung a fist toward Wilfred. But Wilfred wasn’t just anyone. He had training, and dealing with a drunkard was no challenge at all. The thought