"Of course!" Hank nodded repeatedly. The man on the ground nearly peed his pants. "Thank you for sparing my life… Thank you for sparing my life," he muttered continuously.It wasn't their fault for being so humble. The Stuart family was leagues above them. They might not care about the law when it came to grey areas like these, but they wouldn't dare go against the Stuart family unless they no longer wanted to dabble in this field.In actual fact, Xavier was only so arrogant because he had told his subordinate to inform Hank about the situation before he went there."This casino is simply too gory. I can't stay here for another minute!" Xavier covered his nose and exclaimed in disgust."It can't be helped, Mr. Stuart. This is the only way the casino can attract people. It's messy, but it's also where all things are possible. Here, you can win anything under the sun, things that you'll never be able to buy anywhere else!" Hank wasn't the owner of this underground casino. He was, at
After Stefan finished his sentence, he turned around and left without even looking at Renee."Hey, Stefan. Are you leaving already?" Xavier realized that his joke had gone too far with the joke when he watched Stefan leave. "I was only joking, and you took it seriously. Don't worry. Renee still belongs to you. Even if I rescued her, she's still yours. I won't do anything stupid!""It doesn't matter. Do whatever you want." Stefan made an 'okay' gesture with his hand before walking out of the controversial place.Xavier couldn't make Stefan stay, and he stood there dumbfounded.Was Stefan so generous that he'd give his wife away?Xavier turned around and looked at Renee, who was still tied up. She looked like a gift waiting to be unwrapped. For some unknown reason, Xavier felt embarrassed."Renee, don't be afraid. Stef is probably just jealous. He's gone. I'll have to take care of you for now."Xavier had never spoken to Renee like this. It only served to show what a gentleman he
Xavier gulped. He couldn't process what the woman just said."I sold myself to the casino, and the casino could do anything it wanted to me. I had already lost the will to live because my fate would be equally torturous no matter which man I ended up with. Thank goodness, God took pity on me and left me in your hands…" The woman was overly emotional and couldn't help but lean closer to Xavier."Wait a second. Don't come near me!"Xavier, a towering man of over six feet, backed away as if he'd just seen a terrifying beast. He intentionally kept his distance from the woman.The woman seemed visibly hurt by his response, and she stopped moving. "Mister, are you disgusted by me? Are you afraid I might keep bugging you?""No, that's not it!" Xavier waved his hands. "That's not what I meant. I just think that you're a person, not an object. You shouldn't allow others to control your life.""I get what you mean, but I've already signed a contract with the casino. If you don't want me, I
"Oh no! Someone fainted!" There was a panicked scream from the crowd.Xavier had already gotten into his car. He didn't want to get involved with a woman who had nothing to do with him.However, the crowd grew larger and larger, and among them included some men with ill intentions. Hence, he couldn't resist frowning and walked over quickly."Get out of the way!" Xavier pushed his way through the crowd. His voice was loud and powerful.The crowd could instantly tell that he was from a rich family, and they made way for him.However, there was an arrogant goon who didn't think much of Xavier. He tried to carry Shirley, who was now unconscious, back to his place for his own pleasure."Let go of her!" Xavier shouted at the man with a scar on his face, keeping his hands in his pockets while doing so."Who the hell are you? Mind your own business. I found this chick first. Don't try to snatch her from me!" The man exclaimed before openly carrying her over his shoulder and trying to le
"Uhm. What did you hear?" Xavier asked."I heard you saying I belonged to you. Does this mean you've accepted me?""Please don't misunderstand. It was an emergency. I had to…""Thank you!" Although Shirley was smiling, her eyes filled with tears. "I have no regrets after hearing what you said. Thankfully, I won't become an aimless, wandering spirit after I die.""What are you saying? What do you mean after you die?"Xavier felt a tightness in his chest. This woman was weird. It sounded like she was saying her last words."Can I ask for a small favor from you?" Shirley grabbed Xavier's arms and asked in a sad voice.She looked so pitiful that Xavier couldn't help but give in. "Tell me what it is.""After I die, keep my ash in a small box and bury it in a well in the village. You don't have to organize any rituals. Just send someone to pray for me each year…" She was barely breathing when she said this.Xavier felt something was off. He asked sternly, "What's the matter? Are you
Stefan was shocked to discover that the topographical structure and direction of the route on the map were identical to the entrance of the Hunt family's ancestral grave on Mount Lodge in North City.The Hunt family spanned a long history that dated as far back as the Thame Dynasty. In fact, there were generals and ministers in the family throughout the generations, and they all held prominent positions. The family had always been active in North City, and their ancestors were also buried on Mount Lodge, which had the best Fengshui and was inaccessible to outsiders.Only during his great-grandfather's generation did his family move south to create their business empire in Beach City, which was located on the other side of the country.Apart from periods when important festivities were held, the Hunt family rarely returned to North City."This is odd. Why would the map to the Hunts' ancestral grave be sewn on Renee's sheet?" Stefan asked out loud.Could there be a connection betwee
"I need you to turn this novel into a movie within three months. In fact, I don't care how much money you have to spend; I want you to make it the most popular movie in the world!" Stefan cut to the chase with his request.The Stuart family owned the world-renowned entertainment company Universal Entertainment. The artists signed by the company were all international superstars who had produced many internationally-acclaimed movies, TV series, and variety shows. Stefan knew he could entrust this matter to Xavier."You didn't have to tell me. I had the same thought after reading it too!" Xavier's eyes lit up. "The adaptation of real life, the characters' personalities, and the intense conflict involved make it ideal for a movie, but… The storyline is somewhat cliché. I think it's better off as an idol drama. If you want to make it into a movie and expect it to become world-famous, it's not going to be easy.""If it were easy, why would I come to you?" Stefan seemed determined. "I wan
Three months later, on a private island in Southeast Aeos, Renee was lying on a white hammock while she ate a piece of chilled watermelon and watched short videos on her phone.There were two more months until she was due to deliver, and her belly was bulging.Ever since she left Beach City, she'd been staying on this island. She walked in the breeze, ate, drank, and read novels every day. She also managed Azure Group and her law firm remotely. Life was leisurely and comfortable.Just as she read on the internet, being close to men only led to misfortunes!Ever since Renee left Stefan for good, life had been nothing but enjoyable. She could wake up whenever she wanted. She was so happy that she even gained a good amount of weight.She bought this island many years ago with money from her scholarship, patent fees, and pocket money she had saved since she was a child. She designed it the way she'd imagined.Her initial plan was to make this a holiday home and bring her family here
Jovan felt that he wasn't as passionate and loving as Stefan."Stop beating around the bush. Why is he trying to hold himself back? You made a scumbag sound like he'd suffered a lot!" Renee snarled.She gnashed her teeth. If her foot was not chained, she would have long beaten Jovan up for being evasive and mysterious."I think he was forced to give up his beloved woman because of his identity. He has suffered a lot." Jovan frowned, his tone laced with sympathy."What about his identity? I've already known about that. Our grandfathers decided on our marriage. What are we, Romeo and Juliet?" Renee had wondered if their families were sworn enemies. It might be the reason why Stefan was in a dilemma.However, her grandfather made the Hunts take care of her when her family was doomed. Her grandfather always wanted the best for her. He held her hand and told her that only Stefan could make her happy, and only the Hunt family could protect her. It seemed unreasonable that Stefan was
Jovan was stunned to hear Renee's words. He was so furious, he laughed."Maybe!" He agreed with her and looked at her wickedly. "Since I can't win him over, I want his beloved woman.""You're out of your mind!" Renee was disgusted as goosebumps gripped her. "I'm not his most beloved woman. He loves Briar the most. You got the wrong person. You should kidnap Briar instead. Then, you can get to him."She was acting out of spite, but she meant what she had said.In the past, she was confident that Stefan loved her the most. After so many things had happened, she was no longer as confident. Stefan eventually broke up with her because of Briar. It was enough to prove her position in his heart."Haha! Do you really think so?" Jovan shook his head, his lips a complicated smile. He seemed to be muttering to himself or hinting at something. "Unfortunately, he can't always do a good job. His romance is a mess. His most beloved woman doesn't understand him. How pathetic!""Stop mumbling!
"You're trying to take revenge on Stefan, aren't you? What did he do? Why do you hate him so much?" Renee demanded.She was particularly clueless.At the very least, she felt that Stefan and Jovan didn't have a grudge even if they couldn't get along. Besides—back then, Stefan survived because of Jovan's blood.In a sense, they should be close to each other. Stefan was able to live on because of Jovan.Yet now, Jovan wanted to ruin the one he had once risked his life to rescue."No, I don't hate him," Jovan answered honestly. "I even admire him, and I'm jealous of him. He's my role model, the pride of my family.""Then, you're envious of him!" Renee went straight to the point. "You can't defeat him, so you tried to make him disappear. When that happens, you'll feel better. No one will block you, and you'll get a chance to shine."Jovan, speechless, slowly stopped smiling. Renee had accurately guessed his innermost thoughts. Since he couldn't defeat Stefan, he would let Stefan b
The thing Renee feared the most was that Jovan's action would infuriate the Baldwins.Quinton, Adie, Abby, and Margaret were still there. If the Baldwin family wanted to do something bad, Renee's family would be in danger. Her happiness was secondary. She just wanted to ensure that her family was safe and sound.It seemed Austin was full of schemes. Though he seemed to have brought her family to live with her, he in truth just wanted hostages to control her…Unfortunately, she couldn't go back in time even though she had seen through his tricks."What's the rush?" Jovan watched Renee with a meaningful smile. "Someone will handle it even if it's a big mess. Your family will be fine. My foolish cousin won't let them be in danger. At most, the two families will fight fiercely."Renee was shocked. She glared at him, and suddenly understood something. "So you did it on purpose! You wanted to watch them fight and get something from it.""That's not my concern. Once, I was more powerf
After all, Jovan was a human being. Such direct physical pain made him shake and groan. Normally, he should get angry and try all means to make her stop biting him.However, he was not an ordinary man. Although he trembled in pain, he maintained his posture and let her bite him as if he wanted to see who would give up first.Renee kept biting him fiercely, as if her teeth would gnaw through his palm. Blood oozed out of the wound. She was full of hatred, wishing to vent her anger. "Just bite me hard as long as you're happy. I'm enjoying myself too!"Jovan looked at her, whose head was lowered as she kept biting his palm fiercely. It was a bloody scene, but his words made everything sound ambiguous. Renee noticed his underlying meaning and was disgusted. She immediately let go of his palm. "Bah! Disgusting! You're sick!"Her lips were still stained with blood. From afar, it looked like a blooming rose from afar. It looked attractive on her. Aroused, Jovan held the back of her
The bed was around seventy inches large. Renee's eyes were closed as she moved anxiously.She thought she was still sleeping in the West Chamber, but the mattress didn't feel the same. Then, she abruptly opened her eyes. She saw a luxurious bedroom in the Paris La Nuit Club style. Above her hung a brilliant chandelier akin to the ones in medieval castles. A fragrant scent permeated the air. "You're finally awake…" A man's bewitching voice came from an inconspicuous corner. "Renee."Jovan was sitting in a luxurious chair, his legs crossed, swaying a glass of red wine. He appeared like a stereotypical vampire as he stared wickedly at Renee. "Are you out of your mind, Jovan? What did you do to me?" Renee yelled.Recalling what had happened, she abruptly sat up. Once she realized her situation, she started snarling at him. "Do you or your family hold a grudge against me? Why did you kidnap me from my engagement party?! Have you thought about the consequences? I'm sure you know h
"I… I don't know! I really don't know!" The makeup artist's face was flushed, her eyes rolling back. She felt like she was about to faint again."Are you still trying to hide the truth?" Justin continued flexing his fingers. He was certain that the makeup artist who suddenly wanted to modify the size of the gown must be aware of the truth.With her eyes rolled back, the makeup artist begged him, "I'll tell you…! Please let me go! I'll tell you everything!" Hearing that, Justin slowly released his grasp.The makeup artist finally got a chance to breathe. She kept taking deep breaths and almost cried because of her terror. "What should I tell you?" She truly knew nothing."What?" Justin's gaze grew fierce."Oh, I remember it now…" She drew in a cold breath and hurriedly said, "A handsome guy came not long after you were gone. I think he's Mr. Hunt. When Ms. Everheart saw him, she was very…"She paused, trying to find her words. "She was very…?" Justin urged her. This was the
Meanwhile, Liam and Leia became vigilant when they saw that scene."What are they doing?" Liam walked past the guests enjoying the fun and stood between Alexander and the two guards. He faked a smile and said, "We're the guests you invited sincerely. Is this how the Baldwin family treats their guests?""Guests?" Austin got off the stage and strode toward them. Although he was smiling, coldness gleamed in his eyes. "Have you ever seen any guest steal the hostess?""You can't say that, Sir Baldwin..." Liam smiled and added, "How could you be sure that it must be the Hunt family?""Who else could it be?" "This is just your guess. They've always been here. Even if they wanted to do that, they couldn't. So… You should act fair and square, given your noble identity. Shouldn't you find fault with the culprit instead? Isn't that more reasonable?" Liam looked at Austin. Although he was younger and came from a family weaker than the Baldwin family, he was still domineering.Besides, his
Alexander took a deep breath and analyzed logically, "This wasn't Stef's style. If he wanted to snatch her away, he would have done it openly in front of everyone. But this trick was cunning and dishonest!""Yes, you're right, but this is a special case. If he didn't use a trick, his woman would marry someone else. It's normal for him to be restless." Although Francine agreed with Alexander's analysis, she felt that Stefan could do anything if it concerned Renee. Naturally, he would stoop this far. "Regardless, we have to leave," Alexander whispered to Francine, sensing danger. "Austin has always been decisive and cruel. Since Stef humiliated him, I'm sure he wouldn't let Stef off easily. We're in danger too.""Is it that serious?" Francine looked at Austin, who was standing on the stage. He coldly ordered his assistant about something. It seemed like he wasn't that crazy. "I don't care what he'll do. We have to get out of North City right away because this city is controlled b