That was because the man in the marriage certificate photo was not Mr. Q at all, but Stefan Hunt! Even the name of the husband was Stefan Hunt!“What's the matter? You just got married, so shouldn't you be happy? Why do you look so pale?”Stefan crossed his arms and asked with a smile on his face.It sounded like an inquiry, but it was more of a mockery. He was mocking Renee's naivety and ignorance.“What... What did you do?”The marriage certificate in Renee's hands suddenly felt as hot as lava. She quickly threw it to the floor. She was on the verge of a mental collapse.Stefan calmly bent down to pick it up. His slender fingers carefully wiped the dust off it. He looked at the wedding photo with deep eyes. His smile was gentle and profound.“Look at our photo. What a beautiful couple. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call us a perfect match. We're meant to be together.”“Shut up!”Renee covered her ears and yelled at him, "Do you think this is funny? I can make hundreds of
But he simply moved his fingers slightly and easily pulled her back into the abyss!Stefan's smiley eyes gradually turned cold. They were now filled with dangerous intent.“At a moment like this, he's the one you care about, huh? I underestimated your feelings for him.”“Of course you underestimated our feelings! That's because you're a cold-blooded animal! You don't even have basic human emotions, so how can you understand other people's feelings?!”Renee was filled with intense fury. She wanted to pounce on him like a mad dog, biting and tearing him to pieces.But she was also aware of the fact that, the more she lost control, the more satisfaction he would gain.The only thing that could truly hurt him was the feelings between her and Mr. Q.After all, for a person without emotions, that kind of blow was a "critical hit"!“Even if you used despicable means to achieve your despicable goal, he will still have my heart. As long as our hearts are together, it doesn't matter whet
“I mean it in the literal sense of the word.”A sinister smile broke out on Stefan's face, like the smile of Satan. He said slowly, "To tell you the truth, I castrated him. He can't even be considered a man now, so you should give up your fantasy, forget that he ever existed and stay with me.”“You castrated him?”Renee shook her head in disbelief. "That's impossible. There's no way you can lay a hand on Mr. Q that easily!”Stefan snorted disdainfully, "Four years ago, I could destroy him and make him live like a worm. Four years later, I can castrate him and make him less than a man...”“If I hadn't, how did the important documents you gave him end up in my hands? How did you end up marrying me instead of him?”While saying that, he calmly opened his package.It contained the crucial documents Renee gave Mr. Q and Stefan's copy of the marriage certificate.“Maybe...”Renee looked at the documents with fearful eyes. She swallowed with difficulty as her mind went through countl
She could not believe that the man who treated her so sincerely would become so merciless. The only possibility was that bastard Stefan must have done something despicable to Mr. Q, forcing him to do this!She wanted to see Mr. Q. She must see Mr. Q!“I'm warning you guys, step aside right now. I have important matters to discuss with Mr. Q. I don't want to hurt you.”Renee's eyes became cold. She clenched her fists, ready to go ham.The guard had also undergone strict training. He raised his weapon and said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Everheart, but we're just following orders. If you really try to break through by force, then we can only stop you by force.”“Is that so? Well, here I come.”Renee's left leg kicked the ground to propel her forward. She pulled her right hand back and launched a right hook at the guard.The guard dodged, but Renee dropped him to the ground in mere seconds. After that... more guards rushed forward and surrounded Renee.“Looks like you all want a beating to
Renee was someone who would not give up until she found what she was looking for.“I'll do just that. Even if I have to turn this place upside down, I'll find him and make him give me an explanation.”She pushed Chase away with a frosty face and walked straight into the Carmine Pawnshop.A few of the injured guards tried to stop her, but Chase waved them aside.“But Mr. Chase, Mr. Q explicitly forbids Ms. Everheart from entering the Carmine Pawnshop. If you let her in...”“It's okay. If I don't, she’ll never give up.”Chase stared at Renee's thin but stubborn figure and sighed. "Sometimes, it's easier to achieve happiness if you're ignorant, especially for a woman. I wish she'll be kept in the dark forever!”This was not Renee's first time in the Carmine Pawnshop. She could not say that she knew the place like the back of her hand, but she was familiar with the layout and furnishings inside.She searched every corner of the pawnshop, even the restricted area, but could find no
Rosie looked up at the bright moon and said, “Mr. Q is a good person. After I stole the treasure from the Carmine Pawnshop, not only did he spare my life, he even helped me quit my addiction. After that, he hired me as his assistant with a generous salary. I paid off my debt and sent my son back to kindergarten. Our future became bright again, like the moon.”“You're Mr. Q's assistant?”Renee's eyes lit up. As if she had caught onto a life-saving straw, she grabbed Rosie's hand and asked, "Do you know where he is? Can you tell me? I have something very important to ask him!”“Mr. Q has always kept his whereabouts a secret. Although I'm his assistant, I have no right to know where he goes. But...”Rosie was about to say something when Chase walked over and interrupted her words coldly.“Rosie, Mr. Q already told you that starting from this week, you're no longer his assistant. You've been dismissed. What are you doing here?”Chase's eyes were cold, and his voice was threatening, "
”Alright, let's go have a drink. I haven't had a good drink with anyone for a long time!”Renee felt that she got along well with Rosie. They hit it off right away. They came to a bar street on the Water Dock. They picked a cozy little bar, ordered a few bottles of strong beer, and started to drink.The bar had a wonderful ambiance. A man on stage was singing folk songs while playing the guitar. It was refreshing to see a bar with this kind of atmosphere in the Water Dock, an unlawful area.“Rosie, how long have you known Mr. Q for? You seem to have a crush on him.”Renee gulped down half a bottle of beer in one go. The sting she felt in her throat actually cleared her head. It even made her feel a bit excited. She started feeling the urge to gossip.“No woman can resist a man like Mr. Q. However, I have self-awareness. I know I'm already lucky enough to be his assistant.”Rosie had also relaxed a bit. She downed half a bottle of beer with great fervor. She did not hide her admir
"Yeah, you understand, right? A broken heart isn't easy to mend—even if it was fixed, there'd still be cracks…" Renee said softly as her beautiful eyes teared up. She held her head up high, not wanting to let her tears fall. She refused to cry over that man again, especially when so many years had passed. It would be too humiliating."Honestly, for the longest time, I felt like my heart had crumbled to dust. I didn't want marriage, I didn't want love, I didn't even want any type of relationship. I just believed that I would never become a bride again… until I met Mr. Q. For once, I felt like marriage could be a good thing…" Renee started thinking about their brief time together. Although it had been a mere facade orchestrated by her children and she had never taken it seriously, every minute she spent with the man had been blissful. No other man had made her feel that way before.Hence, she really didn't want her judgment to be wrong again. "Yeah, Mr. Q does have a certain charm to
While Macsen was talking, his subordinate reached Leia and grabbed her neck with one hand. A light was reflected on the shiny machete; it seemed he was about to slash Leia.Frightened, Leia hunched and screamed in terror. "Ah, no! Save me, Liam! Ren, save me!" "Stop!" Reia yelled at Macsen, anxious. "What do you want to let us go? Tell me, I'll do it!"At first, she was carefree. She was fine even if she got killed and couldn't be bothered to resist. However, she grew restless since her friend was about to be harmed. She would rather take Leia's place. "Stop stalling for time. You've used this trick too many times tonight. Do you think I'll be fooled again?" Macsen sneered. "You're too vicious and nearly bit off my neck. I'm just avenging myself!""Then, you're asking for trouble!" Renee's gaze grew sharp. "Listen. If you harm her, you'll die very miserably right away!""Hahaha! Stop bluffing!" Macsen laughed. "People who can save you now can't even protect themselves. Plus, th
"What?" When Leia heard that, she swallowed and her hair stood on end. Although she didn't know what it meant, using human skin was terrifying. "You guys look confused. I'm sure you don't know what that is…" Macsen was calmer since his neck was bandaged. He said generously to his subordinate, "Come and explain it to them. Prepare them for fear that the lamp might not be bright enough because they're too nervous.""Okay, boss!" Macsen's subordinate nodded. He walked to them and said arrogantly, "Well, we'll use a machete to skin people from head to toe to make lamps. The light from these lamps is blurry and beautiful. It's a top and valuable item.""That's crazy!" After listening to that explanation, a chill ran down Leia's spine. She gnashed her teeth and said to Macsen, "Are you out of your mind? That's a crazy habit! Aren't you worried the victims might come demanding your life in the middle of the night?"The people here were used to a human lamp, so it became common among th
The three of them rolled their eyes in unison and looked speechless."Look, Liam. She's the top love-struck idiot. She'll never learn though she'd suffered much." Leia shook her head and sighed. She felt sorry for Renee's bad luck and disappointing actions.Although Leia was a love-struck fool herself, she was better than Renee. She would quickly retreat if she found anything wrong unless the guy shamelessly pestered her. Also, he had to show his sincerity. Only then would she forgive him. Renee was way worse. She suffered countless times because of one single man, but she didn't even hate him. She even wanted to ask him if they could start over.No one could be as "humble" as her.Renee used to be a bright and awesome figure, and it seemed like there was nothing she could not resolve. Yet, she lost herself several times because of a man. It infuriated Leia. Leia was not alone in feeling that way. Liam shared her sentiments and gnashed his teeth furiously. "Seriously, I wonde
Silence washed over everyone instantly. It seemed they were waiting for Renee's answer.Mateo, who was unrelated, was all ears too. He wanted to listen to a spicy story before he got killed. After all, it was related to Stefan, the mighty president of Hunt Enterprise. Of course, it would be amazing. However, Renee remained silent after a long while."Hey, silly. Of course, Renee wants to meet Adie and Abby the most!" Leia glared at Liam because the latter had asked the obvious. She also helped to get Renee out of the awkwardness. "Of course." Liam didn't let it go, and kept pressing Renee. "Is there anyone else you want to meet other than Adie and Abby?" "Certainly. Both Quinton and Margaret are very important to Ren. I know Ren can't bear to let them go," Leia casually mentioned other people except Stefan. She knew Stefan's name was too special to Renee. If she mentioned Stefan, Renee might break down. Hence, she could never mention Stefan."No, you're wrong!" Mateo finall
Previously, Amber cared very much about Liam. Later, she wanted nothing but to stay away from him.She had happily planned their wedding and imagined how to lead their married lives. Later, she planned her wedding with another man…and wanted to learn sewing from Liam to sew their wedding suits. It was heartbreaking!Hence, Liam chose a noble excuse to try and ruin the wedding between Amber and Mateo. He kept using pessimistic wedding opinions to influence Amber's thoughts as a traditional woman.True, he hadn't influenced Amber's mind solely out of his selfishness. Women would have more freedom if they stayed single. He dissuaded Amber from getting married mainly for the sake of her happiness, but it didn't cover up his despicable thoughts. Hence, he chose to keep quiet."Wow, Liam! I didn't expect you to fall for her. I thought you were forced to be with her!" While enjoying the fun, Leia forgot about her sadness and fear. Her eyes went wide as she teased Liam. "Hey, you kno
Liam found Leia unlucky and disappointing. He simply stopped talking.A brief silence overcame them. It seemed like they had accepted their fate to get killed as they quietly waited for their death.Macsen had returned to the shop to treat his wound. After struggling for a long while, Mateo failed to struggle free. Macsen's subordinate whipped him several times. "Motherfucker! Just wait. I'll make you pay!" Mateo furiously cursed Macsen's subordinate. Macsen's subordinate sneered. "Hmph. You want to make me pay? I think my boss will skin you alive. It's been a long time since I've seen a lamp made of human skin. We're waiting for a good show!"Leia had closed her eyes, but when she heard that, she shuddered and reopened them abruptly. Her voice was shaky as she asked, "Liam, what's that?" "Uh…" Liam found it too cruel and couldn't bring himself to explain it to Leia. He hated his incapabilities. "It's my fault. I got you guys into this mess. Damn it all!""No, we can't blam
Renee was well aware of the situation and was calm in the face of death. "If Macsen wants to kill us, Benjamin will feign ignorance. I think we're doomed here today.""Whatever. I'm not afraid!" Leia didn't take it too seriously, grinning. "You and Liam are the most important people to me. Although we weren't born on the same day, it's great that we can die on the same day. I want us to be siblings in our next lives!""Silly, you're so optimistic. We're going to get killed, not attending a party! Why are you this happy?" Liam's gloominess and tenseness gradually relaxed because of Leia's optimistic and happy tone. "Yeah, it isn't a big deal. I have no regrets since I can die with you guys.""You guys have no regrets, but I'm unlucky!"Mateo kept sighing. "If I knew, I wouldn't have meddled in this or caught you guys. At most, I'd be suppressed by another guy. But now, I'm about to get killed. I regret it! You have big supporters, don't you? Is there any way to contact either of
When the fight reached an intense moment, Macsen's subordinates managed to surround Liam and Mateo. They were disappointing.Macsen's most loyal subordinate aimed a gun at Liam's head and screamed at Renee, who had gone mad. He tried to threaten her. "Let our boss go, or I'll make you pay a price!" Renee regained her wits and turned to look at Liam. Her mouth was bloody. A helpless sigh escaped her. "Why are you this useless? How could they get you?"Helpless, she slowly got up and let Macsen go temporarily. "Motherfucker! Go to hell!"When Macsen regained freedom, he was no longer a gentleman. He slapped Renee twice with one hand and held his neck with the other. Then, he ordered his subordinates, "Tie them up with the woman on that ship!""Okay!" Macsen's subordinates were obedient. They quickly grabbed a thick and heavy rope to tie up Renee, Liam, Leia, and Mateo together, tying the rope around them thrice."Liam, why are you caught too? You're so useless. We even wanted
Everyone looked at each other in dismay before raising their weapons to attack Renee.Liam ordered his subordinates to fight Macsen's men when he noticed the danger. "Don't hurt her, or I'll fight you!"There were more than ten people from both sides. When they started fighting, the whole jetty was filled with the sounds of weapons and bullets. It was a mess.That battle sacrificed a lot of Liam's subordinates. Gradually, he failed to hold on."Mateo, where are your men? Get them into the fight. If anything happens to Boss, you'll suffer too. That crazy Stefan will kill everyone!"While fighting Macsen's subordinates, Liam wanted to involve Mateo in the fight since the latter was merely watching. Besides, he knew what a man like Mateo, who was good at weighing the pros and cons, cared about the most.As expected, Mateo chose to side with Liam when he heard that this mess would affect his relationship with Stefan.After all, Macsen was the most powerful person in the fort. It wou