Frank smiled as he tried to be as friendly as possible. "Just call me Frank. You don't have to be so formal with me."However, the more friendly he was, the more wary Fred became. He was also further convinced that Frank was up to something…Fred's phone rang just then, and he quickly answered it when he saw the number.Frank had no idea who it was but could not help frowning as he could hear the man on the other end snapping, "What the fuck have you been doing, Mr. Lawrence?! Are you going to fulfill your quota for this month or not?!"Opposite Frank, Fred apologized profusely and humbly. "Of course, boss! I'll definitely get it done…""If you don't meet the quota, you can pick up your things and leave!"Fred kept apologizing until he hung up, and breathed a huge sigh of relief.Still, he was soon left feeling awkward as he noticed Frank staring fixedly at him. "Haha… Sorry for that mess."Frank did not tease him for it at all. "I guess estates aren't selling well in this econ
The boor narrowed his eyes, actually surprised that Fred caved that easily.His eyes narrowing, he barked, "Do you think it's over with just an apology?"Fred drew a blank. "Well, what do you want?""Five hundred bucks. I need this repaired," the boor snarled."What?" Fred was left gaping.The boor was the one who hit his moped, and he was demanding that he pay up instead? What twisted reasoning was that?"What do you mean, 'what'?" The boor promptly seized Fred by the collar. "Pay up!""That's not it, chief." Fred tried to reason. "I've already apologized—why would you want me to pay above that?"He earned less than that in a day, and he really did not want to pay up!"Then what about the scratch on my car?!" The boor glared furiously. "Stop dragging your feet and pay up!"He raised his hand again, ready to land another slap when Frank suddenly strode up, catching his wrist.The boor did a double take, glaring at Frank as he snapped, "Who the hell are you?""Don't you th
However, life has dulled Fred's edge.No one had his back even if he fought for himself, and all he had was an elderly mother and a sister who was still attending university.His family would be in tatters if anything happened to him!Frank watched as Fred headed off into the distance and sighed exasperatedly.-The lights of the Salazar Villa in Riverton were bright and dazzling, for it was Viola's birthday party.The children of every important figure in Riverton were invited, and even Lane Holdings was on the list.However, Helen was too busy to attend and sent Cindy in her stead.Naturally, Cindy certainly could not ask for more for such a social event."Woah…" Her eyes were immediately darting everywhere after she entered Turnbull Villa.It might be just a villa, but the furnishing and renovations were a billion times better than what Lane Manor had. Even the paintings hung on the wall were all worth a fortune!Suddenly the crowd became rowdy."It's Ms. Salazar…""She
Cindy's face was ashen as she had difficult breathing. "My cousin… is Lane Holdings' CEO!"With that, Viola kicked Cindy in the gut with her stiletto heel, sending Cindy tumbling to the floor with an audible thud.She was left in agony as she felt a fiery pain in her stomach, while still confused about what made Viola so mad."Stello! Tera!" Viola called out just then, and the two bodyguards standing by the door hurried to her side."Yes, Ms. Salazar?""Bring me Lane Holdings' CEO," Viola shrieked manically. "Now. Immediately!!!"Both men traded glances.They had no idea what could have driven Viola to such fury, but they had their orders and they just had to carry it out."Yes, Ms. Salazar," both men replied, and left.Some of the onlookers then approached Viola, asking in concern, "What happened, Ms. Salazar? Why are you suddenly so upset?"Viola took a deep breath and waved them off. "It's no big deal—please enjoy yourselves. I'm feeling under the weather, so excuse me."
While Helen was left stunned by the slap, Viola growled through her teeth, "Don't give me that crap. My father bought that necklace for me—from where I'm standing, you stole it."And after that, she gave it to Chris.Why would he give the necklace to Helen after that?!Even so, Helen's innocent expression remained. "That's impossible… We've never met before, Ms. Salazar. How could I have stolen it?"Tera and Stello traded glances nearby, actually convinced that Helen spoke sense.If they had never met, how did Helen steal it? She certainly could not reach across dimensions…Viola blinked.If Helen did not steal the necklace, the only possibility was Chris giving it to Helen.However, she refused to believe that Chris was cheating on her, which was why she was dead set on believing that Helen stole it!"Who knew how you stole it?!" Viola slapped her again. "Don't bother lying to me!"Helen's eyes were welling up with tears—it certainly hurt to be blamed for something she did n
Dan Zimmer had been performing a surgery at Riverton Hospital, referred to him by Hali King that day.When he was about to leave, he stumbled upon Helen and promptly asked for her file."Oh, hell… Bruises everywhere and bones broken in three places?!" Dan was left gaping. "Who on earth had the balls to lay a finger to Ms. Lane?!"He promptly called Frank, who rushed to Riverton Hospital at top speed.Spotting Cindy on the bench outside the operating room, Frank strode up to her, demanding icily, "Who did this to Helen?"Cindy frowned, surprised to see him. "What's it to you?"She was still holding a grudge for him tricking her of that bloody polypore.If Frank had given it to her, she would now be best friends with Viola—and this mess certainly would not have happened!"I asked you a question."This time, however, Frank was not interested in banter.He seized Viola by the collar and pulled her to her feet!She had to be here when Helen was hurt—he really doubted that she did
Trevor quickly answered his call. "Yes, Mr. Lawrence?""Locate Viola Salazar. The sooner, the better," Frank said.Trevor could immediately tell from Frank's cool tone that Viola was dead meat.He went to work without delay and found Viola in the shortest time possible."She's at Twilight Keg, Mr. Lawrence," he told Frank.With that, Frank headed over without delay.-Meanwhile, Chris had an arm around Viola's shoulder as he assured her, "Of course Helen Lane stole it from me. I was working with her company, but I wasn't too wary of her. I didn't think she's that type of person.""Really?" Viola asked skeptically."Of course. I'll even swear by it. If I'm lying, I—"Viola stopped him even as he started to throw his fingers up. "Stop it. I'll believe you, okay!"Chris smiled. "I know you love me. Don't worry—I promise not to have any more dealings with her. By the way, where is she now?"Viola sneered. "Where else would she be other than the hospital?""I had her beaten up,
Frank stared at the two men and the woman before something clicked in his head.That was the woman he saw at Skywater Bay the other day… and she was clearly close with Chris!"So, it was you?" Frank leveled a sharp glare at her. "Go to Helen now and apologize on your knees, and I could consider sparing your life.""Apologize? On my knees?" Viola snorted in disdain. "To Helen Lane? She deserved far worse!""Where the fuck did this mongrel come from, barking around like that?" Troy was glaring at Frank in turn.Viola glanced at Troy and Aiden right then. "Well, since you want revenge for Helen, I guess you just ended up playing yourself. He's all yours, boys—think of it as doing me a favor.""What are you saying, girl?" Troy laughed. "It's your birthday, and we didn't bring presents. You can keep the mongrel as a pet after we break his limbs, though!"Viola giggled. "You boys are the best. Though I'd just dump him in the mirror—can't stand the sight of him."As the trio began to