"I don't agree with you using yourself as bait!" I said firmly. "Richard is a personal trainer at the gym, he’s very muscular. If it comes to blows, he could take down several men with his bare hands. You can't handle him.""Sweetie, you just said he could take down several men barehanded. Even with you there, my safety wouldn't be guaranteed. Let's not risk another person getting hurt," Wendy replied."No, no, no!" What on earth was she saying? What did she mean by 'getting hurt'? Wendy's words were so ominous that I hastily spat out, "Quick, say you won't get hurt!""My little darling is getting cuter by the day!" Wendy pinched my cheek.I urged her to say something more auspicious. Under pressure, she repeated my words."Better now?" she asked.I nodded, feeling relieved.A mist seemed to form in Wendy's eyes, but when I looked closer, it had vanished.Fearing Richard might do something desperate, I stuck to Wendy like glue.When we got out of the car, I scanned the surro
Luke stood with one hand in his pocket, giving a slight nod.“Do your thing, honey!" Wendy said with a playful wink.Used to her antics, I simply reminded her to drive safely.As I watched her leave, about to enter the building, I noticed Luke standing nearby checking his phone.Luke pocketed his phone and said, "Shall we?"I followed behind him silently."Is there something fascinating about my loafers?"Ever since I learned Luke was the man from that night, I couldn't remain calm when alone with him.Lost in my complicated thoughts, I kept my head down, following his steps closely. He stopped abruptly, and I nearly bumped into his back.Preoccupied, I hadn't heard what he just said. "Did you need something, Mr. Walker?" I asked."You've been staring at my shoes. I thought you might have some fashion advice."I was at a loss for words."If Ms. Middleton has unique insights on outfits, you could be in charge of my daily wardrobe."I was about to refuse, not wanting too muc
I felt a bit frustrated as I turned on the computer. Staring at the screen, I suddenly couldn't remember what I was supposed to do next.I took out the peppermint oil I had prepared and applied it to my temples. The cool sensation helped me calm down a little. I found my to-do list and struggled to get into work mode.At lunchtime, I made a point of calling Wendy.On the other end, Wendy was driving, with the GPS giving directions towards the outskirts of the city.Wendy's workplace was in the city center. Remembering her conversation with Mrs. Marshall yesterday, my heart skipped a beat, and I asked nervously, "Did Mrs. Marshall contact you?""Sweetie, don't be like a startled bird, afraid of every little movement," Wendy said, turning off the GPS. "I'm heading to a resort in the suburbs for work.""Are you meeting a client?""The recent news about the Universe Tech founder's backstabbing has been spreading like wildfire online. There's been a lot of negative press, and their s
As I opened the car door and got in, my emotions had completely settled by the time we had driven a short distance. I unconsciously shifted my position in the seat.Luke noticed my movement, his brows furrowing tightly.He pressed his lips together and closed his eyes.I didn't notice his expression, instead looking down to check the time.Ten minutes had passed since I ended my call with Wendy. I wondered if she had arrived at the meeting place yet, and whether Mrs. Marshall was genuinely cooperating or if she might betray us. Various possibilities flashed through my mind, causing my recently calmed nerves to tense up again.I took out my phone, ready to contact her."Brian is with her the whole time. She'll be fine," Luke said.I hadn't seen Brian at the company during lunch today. So he had gone to protect Wendy.I had seen Brian's profile before. He was the national martial arts champion 15 years ago, capable of both offense and defense. I had once witnessed him subdue a kn
"Look at me, getting all sentimental seeing such accomplished young people like you. I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."Luke remained silent, briefly checking his phone before putting it away.In the private room were only Henry and his assistant. Henry kindly said to Brian and me, "Please, have a seat. We're all friends here, no need to stand on ceremony.""Thank you, Mr. Smith," Brian and I said in unison. After getting Luke's approval with a glance, we sat down.Henry looked at me, "You seem familiar. Have we met before?""A few times," I replied. I had encountered Henry a couple of times when out with Wendy, but she wasn't close to her father and never introduced us."For someone so young to be Mr. Walker's assistant, you must be quite capable. My daughter is about your age, and she's very talented too! She's my pride and joy," Henry said, his eyes full of admiration. "Unfortunately, my daughter doesn't like being tied down, always preferring to carve her own path. She'
Outside the private room, Richard was tied up and thrown on the ground. His mouth was gagged, only able to make muffled sounds.Henry, fearing Wendy might cause trouble that could affect her and the Smith family, sternly said, "Don't be stubborn!"He approached Wendy, but she stepped back.Wendy was a top PR professional, usually smooth in handling situations. Her aversion to her father was the reason for this reaction.A flash of hurt crossed Henry's eyes.Luke noticed Wendy's movement and subtly shifted closer to me.My attention was focused on Wendy, so I didn't notice his action.Seeing I didn't move, his handsome face relaxed slightly."Mr. Smith, if I handle this, it can be passed off as young people fooling around. If you get involved and uncover something you shouldn't, it could be problematic," Wendy said.Henry, as Johnsonville's richest man, was sharp. He sensed something unusual in Wendy's words.In an instant, the shock and disbelief in his eyes were replaced by
The surveillance footage showed his face contorted with rage, his eyes filled with vicious intent, sending chills down one's spine.Mrs. Marshall, watching the video with Wendy, looked at the "stranger" on screen with horror.Richard's brutality made me want to hand him over to the police immediately."The human heart is unfathomable," Wendy said, kicking Richard's shoulder lightly. "You can keep trying to defend yourself.""I..." With irrefutable evidence, even if Richard stubbornly denied it, he couldn't change what he'd done. He mumbled, "But you're fine, aren't you?"I was speechless.He showed not a hint of remorse. How could someone be so shameless?Wendy laughed bitterly at his words. "If something had happened to me, you wouldn't be here right now.""This is a society governed by law. Since there was no loss of life and you weren't injured, even if you call the police, they can't do much to me.""You should be grateful we live in a lawful society.""If you let me go t
I had heard of Candice Kingston. She was as ruthless as her second brother, a true hellraiser. Her boyfriend who had supposedly committed suicide bore marks all over his body, clear signs of inhumane abuse.His family had once sought justice, but the matter was quickly suppressed before it could escalate. The incident only circulated within a small circle. In less than two years, it had faded into obscurity, never to be mentioned again.Richard shook his head vigorously, like a rattle drum. "I was wrong. I apologize for my actions. Please don't hand me over to her!""I can grant your request."Clearly, Richard had some understanding of Candice’s methods. His fear of her far outweighed his fear of Wendy.Wendy's words gave Richard hope, and he hastily thanked her."You have some leverage over Nancy?""Her leverage..." Wendy's words caught Richard off guard. Without thinking, he blurted out, then quickly tried to backtrack, "Although we worked at the same gym, we didn't interact m