Chapter 1: Pressure for Jude Lim

Sherly's fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard as she composed another email, attaching a crucial piece of evidence: a photo capturing Elisia in a secret meeting at a hotel. In the image, she was seen conversing with a figure who sent shivers down the three men's spines: Harver Rolin, the son of Joseph from his first marriage, and a known adversary of Keisley.

As Hideous, Kyle, and Keisley gathered around Keisley's desk once more, anticipation filled the room. With a sense of urgency, Hideous opened the email, revealing the incriminating photo.

Keisley's jaw clenched as his eyes locked onto Harver's face, a surge of anger coursing through him. His eyes went dark as he thought of this man messing with not only him but his whole family. "That conniving snake," he spat, his voice laced with contempt. "I knew he was up to no good."

Hideous studied the photo intently, his mind already racing with the implications of Elisia's association with their enemy's son. "This complicates things," he murmured, his brow furrowing with concern. "We need to tread carefully."

Knowing that Harver is involved with this, this isn't just a simple scheme. That man is really a cunning person, and he won't let anyone get away from his grasp. Knowing that he has an upper hand right now, he'll never let this go. After all, killing Keisley's reputation is equivalent to killing Monternegro's reputation as well.

Kyle's expression hardened as he assessed the situation. "We can't let them get away with this," he declared, his tone resolute. "We'll need to strategize our next move."

With the evidence before them, the Montenegro family knew they were facing a formidable adversary. But united in their resolve, they were prepared to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Hideous, Kyle, and Keisley gathered around Hideous' desk, they opened the email Sherly had sent them again. The atmosphere in the room grew tense even more as they scrolled through the evidence contained within.

Hideous's brows furrowed deeply as he absorbed the contents of the email. "This changes everything," he murmured, his voice heavy with disbelief.

Kyle's expression darkened as he studied the evidence. "So, Elisia's been playing us all along," he said, his tone laced with anger.

Keisley's hands clenched into fists as he processed the information. He smirked as if he wanted to mock himself. "I can't believe I fell for her lies," he muttered, his voice filled with frustration.

Hideous nodded, his mind racing with the implications of the newfound evidence. "We need to confront her about this," he declared, his voice firm with resolve.

With Sherly's evidence in hand, the three men knew they had a critical piece of leverage against Elisia. As they prepared to confront her, they braced themselves for the inevitable confrontation that lay ahead.

CCTV footage was attached to it, and it was all crucial evidence to prove Keisley's innocence.

As they made their way to L Corporation, Hideous and Sherly discussed their strategy.

They needed to talk to Elisia's father and see if there was a scheme with him. After all, Elisia's father has the intention to do that as well.

"I need you to be careful, Sherly," Hideous cautioned, his voice low but firm. "Elisia is cunning, and we don't know what she might try if she feels threatened."

Sherly nodded in understanding, her jaw set with determination. "I'll tread carefully, Dad. But we can't let her get away with this. Also, if her father is involved, then let's let her eldest brother deal with him. He's more prominent in this line of work after all, right?"

Seeing his father smiling like this, Hideous nodded his head. "Yes, let's do that."

Arriving at L Corporation, they were greeted by the imposing facade of the building. Inside, they were met with a flurry of activity as employees bustled about their tasks.

"We need to find Jude Lim," Hideous said, his eyes scanning the bustling lobby. "He's the key to unraveling this mess."

As they were escorted through the corridors of L Corporation, Sherly couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the surroundings.

This is different from his eldest brother's company. Her eldest brother's company is more minimalistic, but this one was a little overboard. The grandeur of the decoration is really more than Sherly could imagine.

"Wow, Dad, you really do have a way of making an entrance," she remarked with a smirk, nudging him playfully. "We're not even in our territory," she added.

Hideous chuckled softly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "It did not come with the territory, Sherly. Years of hard work and dedication."

Sherly nodded, impressed but not surprised. Of course, Sherly knows about it because she herself is in this kind of situation in the underworld. "Well, it's certainly paying off now," she said, casting a knowing glance at her father.

Hideous simply smiled, his expression humble yet confident. "Let's focus on the task at hand, shall we? We have work to do."

"You guys are here," Jude Lim started as he entered the lobby of his office. "So, when is the wedding of my lovely daughter and your son, Keisley?" he added.

Sherly and Hideous exchanged a glance, their smiles faltering slightly at Jude Lim's question. This man did not even bother to greet them, but he had the guts to ask them about marriage. Isn't it too shameless?

"Well, Mr. Lim," Hideous replied, his tone measured. He narrowed his eyes and said, "We're here today to discuss matters of a different nature." He put his chin on his palm and his elbow on his cross leg.

Sherly, though seething internally, maintained her composure. "Yes, we're here to address some recent developments that require your attention." Her smile makes Jude a little uneasy, but he does not let it go. After all, this is a great chance for him and his company.

Jude Lim raised an eyebrow, his demeanor shifting slightly as he registered the seriousness in their voices. "Oh, and what might those be?"

Hideous cleared his throat, his gaze unwavering. "It seems there has been some confusion regarding the relationship between our families."

Sherly nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We've come to clarify certain matters and ensure that there are no misunderstandings."

Jude Lim's expression remained unreadable as he listened intently to their words, a sense of tension hanging in the air as they prepared to address the issues at hand.

What misunderstanding? Hideous son got his daughter pregnant and told him that everything was just a misunderstanding? Is this man telling him that his son won't be able to be responsible?

Jude Lim's insistence on the marriage grated on Sherly's nerves, her patience wearing thin with each passing moment. Of course, he won't let this matter go as easily as they could. He won't let this opportunity that his daughter gave him expand his business. She will now be part of the Montenegro family, and all he could do is push this matter.

Seeing this wasn't going to be easy, Sherly exchanged a brief glance with her father, Hideous, before turning her attention back to Jude, her expression hardening.

"Mr. Lim, I've already made it abundantly clear that there will be no marriage between your daughter and my brother," Sherly stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Sherly won't allow a scheming woman into her family. If her brothers get married, she'll make sure that those women are all innocent and lovely, not scheming at all.

Jude's brows furrowed in irritation at Sherly's defiance. "And why is that? You speak as if you have the authority to dictate such matters."

Sherly's lips curled into a sardonic smile. She really doesn't know what kind of person this is that could push what he wanted. "Authority or not, Mr. Lim, the decision stands. We have no intention of entertaining your daughter's false claims and manipulative schemes."

Jude's frustration was palpable as he leaned forward, his voice laced with indignation. "False claims? Manipulative schemes? What nonsense are you spouting?" She glared at Sherly before looking at Hideous. "Senator Montenegro, isn't this too much to let your daughter interfere with this?"

Hideous looked at Jude and sighed. "What her daughter is saying is only what his son wanted. Besides, they won't come here without knowing everything."

"So you guys won't take this responsibility?"

Sherly met Jude's gaze head-on, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, spare us the theatrics, Mr. Lim. We're not naive enough to be fooled by your daughter's antics. If you're so concerned about marriage, perhaps you should focus on finding a suitable match for Elisia elsewhere."

Jude's face flushed with anger at Sherly's brazen words. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner! You forget your place, young lady!"

Sherly's laughter rang out mockingly, her eyes flashing with defiance. "My place? My place is right here, standing up to those who seek to manipulate and deceive. And as for your daughter, I have no doubt she'll find plenty of suitors willing to overlook her deceptions." She smirked in front of Jude and said, "Do you think you can get whatever you want? Sorry, I am here in this family and I will protect it.

Hideous observed the exchange between Sherly and Jude Lim with a measured expression, his keen eyes taking in every subtle nuance of the conversation. Seeing that his daughter was winning the talk, he looked at her. When Sherly posed her question with calculated precision, Hideous could sense the tension in the air, waiting for Jude's response.

"Do you really not know anything about it?"

Jude Lim's demeanor shifted slightly, his confidence wavering for a brief moment before he regained his composure. "Of course, I'm aware that Elisia is carrying Keisley's child," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of defensiveness. He stared at Sherly and did not want to back down. "But that doesn't change the fact that a marriage between them would be the most suitable course of action."

Sherly's lips curled into a knowing smirk as she exchanged a glance with her father, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. She really did not see this scheming and shameless man. Even the most shameless person in the underworld would feel ashamed of this man in front of her. "And yet, Mr. Lim, you seem to have conveniently overlooked the fact that your daughter's claims are based on nothing more than a fabricated article," she countered, her tone dripping with disdain.

Jude's expression hardened, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. "Fabricated article? What nonsense are you talking about?"

Sherly saw that this man, Jude, is keeping on denying everything. Thus, she wanted to keep everything in her hand.

Sherly's smirk widened into a knowing smile as she leaned in slightly, her gaze unwavering. "Oh, come now, Mr. Lim. Surely you're not suggesting that you're unaware of the rumors circulating about your daughter's penchant for deception?"

Jude bristled at Sherly's implication, his face flushing with indignation. "My daughter is not a liar!" He yelled, which made Sherly raise an eyebrow. "She's carrying Keisley's child, and that's all that matters!"

Sherly's smile remained infuriatingly serene as she delivered her final blow. "Is it, though? Or is it simply a convenient excuse to force a marriage that neither party desires? Perhaps it's time you reconsidered your daughter's motives, Mr. Lim, before you find yourself embroiled in a scandal of your own making."

With that parting shot, Sherly turned on her heel, her father following suit as they made their exit, leaving Jude Lim speechless and seething with frustration in their wake.

Hideous maintained his outward composure, his expression unreadable, as Jude Lim vehemently defended his daughter's claims. His daughter is enough to shut Jude's mouth, and that is why he needed not to speak up. Deep down, however, Hideous harbored doubts about the legitimacy of Elisia's pregnancy, knowing the truth behind the fabricated article. Well, it was all because he had the evidence, and no matter what Elisia said, he wouldn't believe her. Despite his reservations, he chose to bide his time, opting not to reveal his suspicions just yet.

As Jude continued to assert the validity of his daughter's pregnancy, Hideous listened impassively, his mind already formulating his next move. When Jude finally paused for breath, Hideous seized the opportunity to assert his authority.

This shouldn't continue anymore. Hideous could see that Sherly's patience was getting thinner and thinner. If they stay here any longer, she'll snap, and this might not give them a good chance to fight.

"Mr. Lim," he began in a tone that brooked no argument. He looked at him without any emotion and said, "I suggest you conduct a thorough investigation into this matter to confirm the truthfulness of your daughter's claims. If it is indeed proven that she is carrying Keisley's child, then we will address the situation accordingly. However, if you have deceived me in any way, if this turns out to be nothing more than a ploy to manipulate our cooperation, then you can bid farewell to any future dealings with the government."

His words hung heavy in the air, and the weight of his authority was palpable as he delivered his ultimatum. With a curt nod, Hideous signaled to Sherly, indicating that their business here was concluded. Together, they made their exit, leaving Jude Lim seething with frustration and humiliation in his office.