Francisco and Rafael had a longstanding history of conflict, each harboring a deep-seated animosity toward the other. Their interactions were often charged with tension, and this meeting was no exception.As Rafael continued to make his statements, his intentions were clear, but Francisco opted for silence. He simply fixed his gaze on Rafael with a piercing intensity, a strategy he often employed to unnerve his adversaries.Finally, Francisco rose from his seat, his patience waning. His words were laced with sarcasm, and he wasted no time in expressing his dissatisfaction."I was attending an interview, and you guys came here to chit-chat," he quipped, his voice laden with thinly veiled annoyance."Be calm, Mr. Francisco," Rafael said.Rafael attempted to diffuse the situation, advising calm, but his words fell on deaf ears. Francisco's response was resolute, and he didn't hesitate to vocalize his point of view."I am calm," he retorted. "After all, it's just a port, and my men have e
Hazel was reading a book, attempting to dispel the boredom that lingered in the empty room. Flipping through the pages, she immersed herself in the world of words.Unbeknownst to her, someone else had entered the room. The subtle sounds of footsteps and the rustling of papers went unnoticed by the engrossed Hazel. It was only when she felt a warm breath grazing her ear, tangled in her hair, that she snapped out of her literary trance.Turning to her left, Hazel found herself mere inches away from Francisco. Their faces were so close that a slight movement could have bridged the gap, making their lips meet. A sudden rush of nerves coursed through Hazel as she quickly shifted to the side, putting some distance between them."Sir!"She stammered, her voice betraying a mix of surprise and anxiety.Francisco chuckled softly at Hazel's reaction, his eyes retaining their usual sternness despite the playful atmosphere. He casually rested his elbow on the sofa, observing Hazel with an amused
Ben did not give up hope and made another proposal to Diana."Then would you bother if I dropped you off at home?"Ben's proposal was sweet. But Diana's lips were tightly sealed. She knew Ben was her colleague but every time she could not just reject him.'What's wrong if I go on a date with him? I have no real relationship with Max. Going on a date with Ben can't hurt...' Diana contemplated, glancing at Ben. Finally, she agreed to his proposal."Then let's leave."As they were about to depart, Max's voice unexpectedly echoed, calling out to Diana."Diana!"They quickly made a U-turn. Diana, caught off guard by Max's sudden appearance, found her thoughts lingering on him even as she stood there with Ben.Diana raised an eyebrow at Max's audacious claim. She maintained her composure and responded to Max with a calm tone, "Why are you here?"A smirk played on Max's lips as he confidently moved closer to Diana. He replied in a playful manner, "Of course, I am here to pick up my girlfrien
On the other side of the story, in the confined space of Max's car, a tense exchange unfolded."Let me go, Max."Max, unmoved by her shouts, pushed her into the car without a care for her well-being. As he stepped into the car, he locked the door and started the engine. In a matter of minutes, the car accelerated, the urgency in Max's actions palpable."Max, what are you doing?" Diana questioned, the unease evident in her voice."Don't you want to talk to him? Why not you call him right now?"Max gritted his teeth in response, his tone cold and detached.After driving a short distance, Max came to a sudden stop at the corner of the road. The silence inside the car was shattered as he gripped Diana's hand with force."Max!"Diana exclaimed, furrowing her brow as she attempted to loosen his hold. However, the more she struggled, the tighter Max's grasp became."Diana, do you really think to call that man?"Max questioned, the intensity of his gaze locking onto hers."Yes, I will give h
Hazel, taken aback by the unexpected request, hesitated for a moment. Her mind raced, unsure of how to respond. Before she could gather her thoughts, Francisco, with a sly smirk, interrupted, "It's okay."A mix of relief and confusion played on Hazel's face. She was about to express her thoughts, but Francisco, once again, cut in, "But I will come here to see you another time."His words hung in the air, leaving Hazel in a state of mild astonishment. Francisco's demeanor, a blend of charm and mystery, intrigued her. As he climbed back into his car, the engine hummed to life, and he rolled down the window."Until next time, Hazel," he said, a glint of playfulness in his eyes.As the car slowly pulled away, Hazel stood there, watching the vehicle disappear into the night.**Max returned to the mansion, his face a storm of anger that left no room for interpretation. His clenched jaw and furrowed brow painted a picture of frustration and resentment that was hard to ignore. As he made his
Diana was acutely aware of how to hurt and annoy him, a strategy that seemed to bring her a strange sense of satisfaction.Max shifted his gaze away from Diana, his thoughts tangled in the web of hurt and resentment.Diana's soothing voice cut through the tense atmosphere, a deceptive calmness masking the storm that brewed beneath the surface. "You should now get some rest," she advised, her words carrying a hint of concern."Call her right now," Max urged, his tone a sharp command.Diana pursed her lips, the rage bubbling within her threatening to explode. The wounds of jealousy and pain were fresh, and Max's insistence on reaching out to the maid reignited the flames of her anger.Diana, her face stern and determined, put the first aid kit box on the table with purpose. Max remained on the bed, his posture unchanged, caught in the crossfire of their unspoken conflict.She stood up and went to get a glass of water for him."Take this."Max's laughter echoed, a bitter sound that reve
Diana, with a deep breath, gathered the strength to make Max look at her. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a silent agreement that transcended words. Yet, Max, interpreting her silence as a green light, continued his tender gestures."Not tonight, Diana," Max's words carried a magnetic force, and for a moment, she felt the pull of his charisma weakening her resolve.However, Diana, though ensnared by the chemistry that crackled in the air, remained steadfast in her decision.She maintained a stoic silence, a silent battle waging within her. Max, interpreting her silence as a reluctant affirmation, leaned in to place a devoted kiss on her neck.His lips met the tender skin, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. Diana's hand instinctively stroked through Max's hair, entangled in the fervor of the moment. But soon, a realization struck her—Max was not moving."Not tonight, Max."She mumbled, a sigh escaped her lips.Diana carefully shifted Max beside her
"Oh, Max." Diana, caught off guard by the directness of the conversation, responded, "No, I haven't gone to his room." "Give him the utmost attention. He must come round as soon as possible." The weight of Francisco's words hung in the air, and Diana replied with a simple, "Yes." Her stunned manner reflected the unexpected nature of the conversation. "Just who do you want to come round?" The atmosphere in the mansion shifted as Max's voice reverberated through the room. Buttoning his shirt, he descended the stairs with a nonchalant demeanor. Diana instinctively averted her gaze, but as Max approached, he turned to face her with a frigid gaze that seemed to lack any sentiment. Francisco, engrossed in his laptop, seemed unfazed by Max's entrance. "We were speaking of you, Max. How are you feeling now?" he inquired, maintaining a composed tone. "Me?" Max feigned ignorance, adding, "What has happened to me?" With a casual glance towards Diana, Francisco said, "I've heard you're
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.