"I told you to call him. I want to talk to him," Hazel reiterated, her impatience palpable.Without further delay, Lily dialed Francisco's number, but to Hazel's dismay, he didn't answer the call. Frustration simmered beneath the surface as she tightened her lips in annoyance.In a swift motion, Hazel ascended the stairs, her mind racing with questions and concerns."What is he planning?" she wondered, her thoughts swirling with unease as she retreated to her room.Hazel's reflection stared back at her from the mirror, her nerves palpable as she tried to decipher Francisco's intentions. The evening descended, and invited guests began to arrive, but Francisco was nowhere to be seen.Fueled by a growing sense of unease, Hazel paced back and forth in her room, her thoughts racing as she grappled with uncertainty. The anticipation weighed heavily on her, rendering her unable to stay still.Her nerves got the better of her as she hastily changed into a short dress, her hands trembling with
Hazel's eyes narrowed as she spotted Andrew, a familiar face amidst the crowd. His smile was polite, but there was a hint of mischief in his gaze as he approached her with a champagne glass in hand."Do you remember me?" Andrew asked, his voice smooth as he sipped from his glass.Hazel's gaze flickered around the room briefly before settling on Andrew. "Yes, Mr. Andrew," she replied curtly, her tone guarded.Andrew's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "So, finally he makes you his girl, right?" he remarked casually, taking another sip of his drink.Hazel's jaw tightened at his words, her discomfort evident. She tried to brush off his question, but Andrew was persistent, refusing to let her evade the conversation."Actually, no law could hold him like you did," Andrew continued, his tone conspiratorial as he leaned in closer. "And also, you were a beautiful lady, so Francisco could not let you go."Hazel's pulse quickened at Andrew's words, a mixture of unease and intrigu
Hazel's eyes flashed with defiance as she struggled against Francisco's tight grip, her frustration mounting as his words hung heavily in the air. She attempted to loosen his hold, but Francisco's grasp remained firm, his gaze intense as he addressed her."Why didn't you break his arm as well, Hazel?" Francisco's words were laced with a menacing undertone, sending a shiver down her spine.Hazel's jaw clenched at the implication of his words, her mind reeling with the weight of his expectations. She met his gaze with a steely resolve, refusing to be intimidated by his ominous demeanor.Meanwhile, Francisco turned his attention to Andrew, his expression inscrutable as he issued his command to Max."Take him to my guest room," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Max's shock was palpable as he processed Francisco's directive. Andrew was one of their most influential business partners, and Francisco's decision to confront him in such a manner sent a ripple of apprehension th
"Rafael," Peter spoke, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope and apprehension.Rafael turned to face him, a question lingering on his lips."I know, I will find her here, right?" he inquired, his tone edged with uncertainty.Peter nodded solemnly, his expression mirroring Rafael's uncertainty."Yes, Rafael. If anyone can help you remember, it's Hazel," he affirmed, his voice tinged with a note of reassurance.Rafael's brows furrowed as he grappled with his doubts."But what if I can't remember anything after seeing her?" he voiced his fear, his words tinged with a sense of vulnerability.Peter placed a comforting hand on Rafael's shoulder, offering him reassurance."As you remember us, then you will remember her as well," he said, his tone gentle yet firm.Adam chimed in, his voice filled with optimism."And once you see her, everything will fall into place. Trust me, Sir," he added, a note of conviction in his voice.Rafael nodded, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes as he abs
"We have to accept that the richest man invites us personally," Peter remarked with a smile, though beneath the surface, a palpable undercurrent of resentment simmered in their conversation.Francisco returned Peter's smile, his gaze briefly flickering with amusement before turning to Rafael, who remained lost in his silent exchange with Hazel. Francisco's jaw clenched imperceptibly, but he maintained his facade of geniality as he addressed Rafael."Mr. Rafael!"Francisco's voice cut through the air, drawing Rafael's attention away from Hazel with a start. Rafael's gaze shifted to Francisco, a flicker of surprise crossing his features as he registered the unexpected interruption."Yes?" Rafael replied, his tone tinged with confusion as he tore his gaze away from Hazel, still unable to fully comprehend her presence before him.Hazel, sensing the tension between Francisco and Rafael, observed Rafael's reaction with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. There was a strange vibe emanatin
Francisco's grip on Emily's arm tightened as he spoke with a steely resolve, “Go somewhere. I will talk to you later.”But Emily, fueled by alcohol and her own determination, refused to back down. “No… I want to talk now,” she insisted, her voice slurred.Despite her persistence, Francisco maintained his calm demeanor, his gaze piercing as he silently conveyed his message. Emily, noticing the intensity of his stare, felt her voice falter.“Please,” she pleaded, her tone subdued.Rafael, observing the interaction, felt a surge of disapproval at Francisco's treatment of Emily. He exchanged knowing glances with his colleagues, a silent understanding passing between them. Clearing his throat, Rafael addressed Francisco, his voice tinged with reproach, “Mr. Francisco, it’s not acceptable to treat a woman in this manner.”Francisco's response was unwavering, his tone cold and unyielding.“Mr. Rafael, I do not tolerate ill manners, and I do not entertain garbage in my mansion.”With that, Fr
Rafael remained steadfast, his eyes searching hers for a connection that Hazel couldn't comprehend."I can't be!" he exclaimed, the frustration evident in his voice.With a touch both tender and possessive, Rafael lightly touched Hazel's lips. She lowered her gaze, her mind grappling with the complexities of the situation. She gently held his palm, a mixture of fear and uncertainty etched across her face.Then suddenly Rafael stumbled backward, disoriented from the sudden push. Confusion and frustration etched across his face as he tried to regain his balance.Meanwhile, just a few minutes ago, in the adjacent room, the confrontation between Francisco and Emily unfolded.Francisco had pushed Emily onto the bed, his face displaying irritation."What was that?" he demanded, his tone sharp. Emily, in her intoxicated state, struggled to sit up but failed."Francisco, did you really make her yours?" Emily slurred, a drunken chuckle escaping her lips. Francisco's gaze remained stern, his ex
Rafael's gaze bore into Peter's, a silent exchange passing between them before Rafael finally broke the tension with a question that caught Peter off guard, "Where is Robert?"Peter's curiosity piqued by Rafael's sudden inquiry, he couldn't help but respond with a question of his own, "Why are you asking about him suddenly?"Rafael's measured nod was met with a lingering gaze, a silent conversation playing out between them. Then, finally, Rafael spoke again, his words carrying a weight of significance, "Did he leave to save her parents?"The question hung in the air, a moment of profound realization sweeping through the group. It was as if the pieces of a complex puzzle were finally clicking into place, revealing a clearer picture of the events that had transpired.Stunned into silence, the others exchanged glances, understanding dawning upon them. They realized that the truth they had been seeking had been lurking beneath the surface all along.Meanwhile, on the other side of the sto
It had been hours, the room pulsed with dim red and blue lights, an eerie ambiance that cloaked its sinister purpose. The heavy scent of leather, sweat, and stale perfume filled the air. On the floor, Hazel knelt, bound and blindfolded. Her wrists were shackled with cold steel chains, the metal biting into her skin as she trembled.She was clad in tight lace lingerie, her body exposed and vulnerable.Her breaths came in short, ragged gasps, her head drooping as if the strength to resist had long since left her. The collar around her neck tugged slightly as the man looming over her adjusted the leash. Hazel whimpered softly, her voice breaking the unsettling silence.She whimpered as the sting of the whip bit into her back again.“Um…” Her voice was faint, a mixture of pain and helplessness.The man, his face hidden behind an eye mask, grinned maliciously. His big belly heaved as he leaned closer, his hand brushing against her thigh. “How does it feel to play, darling?” he hissed, his
Max nodded, his gaze steady despite the weight of the situation. Ignoring Dimitri’s sly remarks, he turned his attention to Francisco. “Francisco,” he said firmly, signaling discreetly for him to step aside.Francisco’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, scanning Max’s expression. Something wasn’t right.Dimitri, ever the provocateur, interrupted with a smirk. “What’s this? Is everything alright, Max?”Max forced a tight smile, keeping his tone neutral. “Yes. It’s a personal matter.”Dimitri raised an eyebrow, feigning concern. “Ah, I see. For a moment, I thought my important guests weren’t being looked after properly.”Max’s lips curved into a quick, thin smile. “It’s your party, Dimitri. There’s no way it could flop.”Before Dimitri could respond, Max turned back to Francisco, his urgency thinly veiled. “Francisco, we need you. Right now.”Francisco’s piercing gaze lingered on Max for a moment, searching for answers in his eyes. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he rose from his se
Francisco’s jaw clenched as his phone buzzed again, Arthur’s name flashing on the screen. He let out a slow, deliberate breath, trying to mask the turmoil building within. The room was silent except for the faint rustle of papers and the occasional clink of glasses.Dimitri leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement as he lightly touched his lips with his thumb. He observed Francisco with a predatory curiosity, savoring the rare moment of tension in the usually unflappable man.“What happened, Francisco?” Dimitri finally broke the silence, his voice calm but laden with intrigue.Francisco’s gaze flicked at him, sharp but unreadable. Before he could respond, James interjected with a smirk, “You’re not the old Francisco anymore, are you?”Dimitri chuckled softly. “Perhaps Hazel is responsible for that change.”The room’s atmosphere shifted, charged with unspoken truths. Francisco rubbed his forehead, his frustration evident, but he didn’t rise to their bait. Instea
Hazel swayed unsteadily as the girl held her arm firmly. “Are you okay?” the girl asked, her voice soft but laced with concern.Hazel pressed her lips together, nodding weakly. “Yes… I’m fine,” she muttered, but her words lacked conviction. She tried to focus her vision, but everything was still blurry. Her head throbbed, and her body felt uncomfortably warm.“I don’t know… I’m just—” Hazel murmured, glancing at the girl who was helping her. She couldn’t make out her face clearly in the haze of her drugged state, but her touch felt steady.“You’ll be fine,” the girl said soothingly. “Let’s get you out of this dress. It’s too tight—it’s not helping.”Hazel didn’t respond. She felt aware enough to understand the situation but too disoriented to resist or make decisions. Her mind spun with the realization that she must have been drugged, and the heat coursing through her body only confirmed her suspicion.The girl carefully worked to change Hazel’s dress. Hazel felt a cool breeze agai
Hazel sat on the barstool, her frustration palpable as she tapped her nails lightly on the counter. Her voice was low but sharp as she asked the bartender for a drink, not caring what it was. She couldn’t suppress the anger and despair bubbling inside her. Francisco had taken everything—her freedom, her choices, her dignity—and left her trapped in a life she never wanted.The glass of beer arrived, and Hazel absently twirled her finger along its rim. Her thoughts spiraled as she stared into the amber liquid. Once, she had stood tall as a detective, a servant of justice. Now, she was no better than a prisoner, bound to a man whose world revolved around power and crime.She finished the drink in one swift gulp, the bitterness burning her throat. "Another, pig," she muttered, her words dripping with venom. The bartender narrowed his eyes but complied, sliding another glass toward her with a wary glance.As she lifted the second drink to her lips, a familiar voice interrupted her."Ma’am,
The room fell silent again, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Dimitri, unbothered by Hazel’s sharp retort, simply smiled at her, his composure as smooth as the wine he swirled in his glass.“Ah, then it must be the sweetest regret for you,” Dimitri said, taking a sip of his drink. His voice carried a mocking lilt. “Just imagine—you’re sleeping with one of us every night.”Hazel’s expression hardened, her face a mask of controlled fury.Dimitri leaned back in his chair, sneering, “How helpless you are. Isn’t it fascinating?”The words struck a nerve, driving home the oppressive reality of her situation. Dimitri had skillfully highlighted her vulnerability, reminding her of the sheer powerlessness she felt among people who thrived on corruption and violence. Hazel could feel the weight of every eye on her, and the humiliation was almost unbearable.Without a word, she yanked her hand free from Francisco’s grip. Her voice was firm, yet laced with barely concealed frustration,
Francisco didn’t react immediately. His sharp gaze fixed on Dimitri’s hand for a long moment, as if calculating every possible outcome of this exchange. Then, finally, he reached out and clasped Dimitri’s hand in his own. The handshake was firm, neither man willing to back down, their locked hands a silent battle of wills.“I am sorry for my unprofessional attitude,” Dimitri said smoothly, his tone carrying a hint of insincerity as their hands finally parted. His smirk never wavered."So, how are you?" Dimitri asked, his voice light, though his eyes glinted with something sharper. "How’s life been treating you all these years?"Francisco pressed his lips together briefly, raising his brows in acknowledgment before answering curtly. "It’s going well."Dimitri nodded, his smile remaining as he leaned forward slightly, folding his arms.“I see,” he said, his voice casual, though the room seemed to tighten around his words.“Yeah, normally it would be good. After all, you’ve been... killi
They soon reached a secluded area where several high-ranking clan members were gathered around a grand table, each one deep in conversation. James, Lilith, and Ron—son of the Wolf Clan boss—sat among them, each turning their attention as Francisco and Hazel approached. The atmosphere here was different; there was a tension woven into the room’s decor and the careful way everyone held themselves. Conversations halted momentarily, eyes shifting toward them with mixed expressions.Francisco’s gaze swept over the group, searching. He noted familiar faces, but one key figure was missing.Dimitri!The room fell silent as Francisco and Hazel stepped into the circle. The clan members’ conversations came to an abrupt halt, their gazes shifting toward the pair.Francisco eased into a seat on the plush couch, pulling Hazel down beside him. His expression was calm, but Hazel could feel the undercurrent of tension in his movements.Lilith, seated nearby, took a sharp breath, her face hardening. He
Without a word, Hazel opened the car door and slid inside, leaving the two men standing in a charged silence. Francisco took a slow step closer to Arthur, his gaze flicking to the car window where Hazel sat, her eyes cast elsewhere. Then he turned back to Arthur, his tone low and deliberate.“Arthur,” he said quietly, “I trust you’ll remember your boundaries.”The statement was calm, almost conversational, but laced with an unmistakable edge.Arthur swallowed, feeling the weight of Francisco’s gaze.“Boss, I…” He stammered, struggling to explain, though he knew words wouldn’t change what Francisco had seen.Francisco’s gaze sharpened.“I saw everything, Arthur. Now consider, what if it happens again next time, then?”His tone was laced with an unspoken warning, leaving no room for misinterpretation.Arthur’s throat went dry, and he forced himself to respond.“I… understand, sir. And if there’s any punishment…”He hesitated, glancing up briefly before returning his eyes to the ground.