Diana, maintaining an air of composure, tilted her head and somberly remarked, "I apologize for not seeing you." "Do you need something?"Max seized her hand, "Okay, let's go now." Her compliance seemed a momentary respite, but her next words cut through the fragile peace.Diana replied as Max seized her hand, "Do you not have something to do, Max, or do you simply want to be fired from Francisco's company?" "In what sense do you mean that?" Max arched his brows, a mix of confusion and frustration clouding his expression."I advise you to quit being a bodyguard and look for another job. I know how to defend myself well."Her proficiency in martial arts and the use of firearms were not to be underestimated, a skill set born out of the shadows of her own dark experiences.Max, persistent in his attempt to take her home, held her hand and urged, "Diana, get off your duff. Now, let's get home." However, Diana was not one to be easily swayed, and she smoothly freed her wrist from Max's g
"Hello, lovely," he greeted her, reaching out to hold her hand. However, instead of shaking hands, Hazel bowed her head and offered a polite smile. Andrew, surprised by her response, grinned."It's nice to meet you as well," he said, seemingly amused by Hazel's formality.The tone of the conversation took an uncomfortable turn when Andrew remarked, "It seems Emily's leaving is now cut off from him. Are you his new one?"Hazel, taken aback by the directness of Andrew's question, widened her eyes in discomfort. The inquiry about her relationship with her boss, posing so casually in front of her boss, caught her off guard. She pondered how to respond, aware of the need to navigate the situation diplomatically.Hazel stammered in response. She shifted her attention from Andrew to Francisco, seeking guidance on this unexpected exchange.Francisco, maintaining his stoic demeanor, observed the exchange between Andrew and Hazel. "No, I am not his girlfriend. I work as his private assistant,"
The room buzzed with the low hum of murmurs as the attendees exchanged glances, processing the information. In the world of organized crime, where power dynamics and alliances have shifted like quicksand, any deviation from the norm raises eyebrows.Within this clandestine network, criminal organizations were symbolically represented by totemic animals—dragon, lion, wolf, and snake. Francisco Hilton, a formidable player in this sinister chessboard, bore the emblem of the snake.Among those present was James, a key player in this intricate web of criminal enterprises. As he lit a cigarette, his gaze shifted to Andrew, and he inquired with a hint of curiosity, "Where is your phony friend?"Andrew, nonchalant in his response, remarked, "He is completely immersed in his new PA.""PA?" James questioned, seeking clarification on the term."Yes, he did employ a female as his PA."James chuckled and replied, "Ah, how intriguing. I believed he only permitted his depraved fantasies in his house
James, perceptive as ever, read the intentions behind Francisco's smirk like an open book. The unspoken challenge had sparked a flame of anger within him, threatening to consume reason. Just as the impending clash seemed inevitable, Andrew intervened, playing the role of a mediator before the situation spiraled out of control.“Francisco, stop and consider everyone’s matter,” Andrew interjected, a note of urgency in his voice.“Everyone’s matter?”Francisco retorted with a sardonic smirk, a master of turning any conversation to his advantage. His words lingered in the air, a subtle reminder that, beneath the guise of camaraderie, they were here to discuss matters of business, not engage in a clandestine power-play.Andrew, his face now etched with sternness."Are we friends who come here to discuss business, or are we holding some kind of party?"He tilted his head in mock contemplation.With a nonchalant demeanor, he crossed his fingers, a gesture that seemed to symbolize the intrica
As the romantic song enveloped the atmosphere, Hazel closed her eyes, allowing the rhythm to guide her movements. With a subtle sway of her hips, she expressed the joy of the music coursing through her.Rafael, captivated by her rhythmic waggling, couldn't resist the allure. He placed his hands on her waist, syncing his movements with hers.Hazel leaned against him, feeling the connection as they moved in unison to the melody. With a gentle pull, Rafael drew her even closer, the heat of their bodies merging in the intimate dance.Turning to face him, Hazel placed a delicate hand on his chest, her eyes expressing the emotions the music evoked. They took a step back, only to lean on each other again, their bodies perfectly attuned to the romantic rhythm.Taking a step back, they maintained their proximity, leaning on each other as the music played on. Rafael guided Hazel in the dance, his firm grip on her midriff creating a sense of security and connection. Hazel, feeling the strength i
Hazel, still swaying slightly from the effects of the wine, raised her head to meet the gaze of the man who had abruptly yanked her away. To her tipsy senses, he appeared like a good-looking figure, and she greeted him with a casual."Hey."The person who had forcefully intervened was none other than Francisco. He held Hazel in his arms, his eyes momentarily locking onto hers before shifting to Rafael, who stood a short distance away."Mr. Francisco, you shouldn’t have pulled her in this way. She could be hurt."Rafael admonished, his tone carrying a hint of anger as he clenched his fists in disapproval.Francisco's anger, palpable and etched on his face, flared in response."How dare you touch my PA?"He spat, the words filled with a possessiveness that revealed more than a professional attachment."She is your PA, not your girlfriend. So, dare not say it."Rafael retorted defiantly, drawing a line between professional boundaries.As the tension escalated on the dance floor, Hazel,
Hazel struggled with the car door, frustration etched on her face as she prodded Francisco with both her hands and knees. He remained stiff, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.Amidst the tense atmosphere, Francisco ordered the driver to head directly to the mansion. “Drive home quickly.”His terse command hung in the air, emphasizing the gravity of his mood. The driver, experienced at discerning his boss's temper, nodded subtly and accelerated the car."I want to go back…""Hey, stop the car."The driver, recognizing the intensity of his boss's glare through the rearview mirror, chose to ignore Hazel's plea. He kept his focus on the road, determined to fulfill Francisco's instructions promptly.Undeterred, Hazel persisted. "Let me go." She extended her hands towards the door, attempting to unlock it in a desperate bid to change their course.The car sped through the city streets, each passing moment adding to the tension inside. Hazel's attempts to alter their destination were met
The dimly lit street bore witness to Max's calculated act of defiance. Turning his head toward Diana's apartment window, he smirked, knowing that she was observing the dramatic tableau from behind the curtain.In a sudden burst of raw emotion, a sharp sound shattered the stillness. Max, with a smug smile still lingering on his lips, unleashed a powerful punch at the window of Ben's car.The glass yielded to the force, shattering into a thousand glinting fragments. The cacophony of breaking glass was punctuated by the unexpected violence, and pieces of glass embedded themselves in Max's palms and fingers.As the realization of what had just transpired settled in, Ben's brows furrowed in astonishment. He watched Max's bleeding hand, the crimson droplets staining the pavement below.A mix of shock in Ben's narrowed eyes as he assessed the damage to his car.Max, seemingly unperturbed, continued to smoke, exhaling a plume of smoke defiantly in Ben's direction."You broke my car, Mr. If yo
Lily suddenly held Hazel’s hand, her voice calm but firm. “Calm down! Let me call him. But you have to finish your meal first,” she said before walking out of the room.Hazel sat back on the bed, irritation bubbling inside her. This is too much, she thought, clenching her fists.After a while, the door creaked open, and Max entered, his presence commanding the room. He glanced at the untouched meal on the table, his brows furrowing in displeasure. Though his temper flared, he reminded himself to stay composed—for Francisco’s sake.“You haven’t even touched your food,” Max said, his tone edged with restrained annoyance.“Exactly,” Hazel replied, crossing her arms defiantly. “I need to talk to Francisco!”Max sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to maintain his calm. “He’s not available right now, and I can’t reach him either. It could be a network issue.”Hazel narrowed her eyes. “Where is he?”“He went to his grandfather’s house,” Max answered after a pause.Hazel raise
Hazel noticed Lily downstairs and quickly descended the stairs. As soon as Lily saw her, she hurried over with a worried expression.“Ms. Hazel, you’re awake! You could have called me,” Lily said, her tone full of concern. “You must be hungry. Please, go back to your room. I’ll bring something for you to eat.”Hazel frowned, confused by the strange tension in Lily’s voice. Something felt off.“Wait a second,” Hazel said, stopping Lily with a hand. “First, tell me what’s going on here. Why is everyone acting so weird?” She glanced around at the house, now filled with bodyguards stationed at various points. “And why are there so many guards here?”Lily hesitated, fidgeting nervously. “Ms., Boss arranged all of this. They’re here for your safety. And I’m here to take care of anything you need.”“For my safety?” Hazel’s tone rose as her confusion turned to frustration. “Why do I need this? I don’t need any of it!” Her voice sharpened as she arched a brow, waiting for answers.Lily sighed
Kai groaned, blood pooling beneath him. Max and Lucas stood by, their faces emotionless as they watched Francisco’s wrath unfold. Neither of them spoke—they knew better.Francisco sat in a chair, his cold gaze fixed on Kai. There was no hint of mercy, no sign of hesitation. He seemed to relish the sight before him, his lips curving into a grim line.“It’s better if you just stay silent,” Francisco muttered, his tone low and menacing.He rose from the chair, gun in hand, and knelt down in front of Kai. Gripping Kai’s neck tightly, Francisco forced him to meet his unrelenting stare.“You dared to touch her?” Francisco growled, his voice filled with venom.He pressed the gun against Kai’s forehead. “You looked at her with these eyes?” Francisco whispered, shifting the barrel to one of Kai’s eyes.“There’s no forgiveness for you,” he murmured, repeating the phrase like a mantra.Without warning, Francisco pulled the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the room, and blood splattered across
Hazel, her mind clouded and her body trembling, suddenly clasped Francisco’s collar and pulled him down into a kiss. Her movements were fevered, desperate, and without hesitation. Francisco stiffened at first, his hands instinctively going to her arms as if to push her away.“Hazel,” he murmured against her lips, trying to steady her. But she didn’t stop, her kisses becoming more insistent.For a moment, Francisco battled with himself. He knew she wasn’t in her right mind—her behavior erratic and fueled by whatever drugs that fucking Kai had forced upon her. She was vulnerable, and he should protect her, not exploit the situation.But then his heart whispered louder than his mind. This was his chance—a chance to have what he’d long desired but could never ask for. He wanted Hazel, all of her. A family with her. A future where she wouldn’t leave him, bound not just by love but by something unbreakable.He hesitated only for a heartbeat more before he gave in. His hands slid to her wais
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,