Chase's guess was right on the money—Stefan did indeed plan to completely distance himself from Carmine Pawnshop, so he would never turn up anyway under the guise of "Mr. Q" ever again. He even intended to discard the SIM card with the hidden IP address. But as soon as he saw the video of Renee being tortured in the water prison sent by Chase, he instantly lost his mind, retaining not the slightest trace of reason.At the moment, he was accompanying Seraphina as they attended a very important family banquet of the Murphy family, where they discussed the cooperation between the Hunt family and the Murphy family for the next season.Seraphina's father, Ethan Murphy, was fully satisfied with the agreement he had reached with Stefan, and all throughout the evening, he had been dropping hints every now and again that they should start planning for the wedding between Stefan and Seraphina."You must be aware of how I've treated you all these years, Stefan. You and my darling Sera have bee
Although Chase knew that the man in front of him was an impostor, he still instinctively became respectful and deferential when facing him, not least due to the naturally powerful aura that he exuded."In that case," said Stefan, "tell him to keep his word!"Without hesitating for another second, he then pushed the door open and tried to head inside."Wait!" Chase stopped Stefan just as he was opening the door, frowning. "Think carefully before you barge in! This is the water prison. Once you go in there, you might never come out alive again, or worse, you might suffer a fate far worse than death!""As long as she's safe, I don't care."Stefan took a deep breath and still pushed the door open without any hesitation.Inside, the water level had already reached Renee's waist, and in less than five minutes, when it would reach her shoulders, at least 500 snakes, bugs, and rats would be released automatically through the holes. There would soon be plenty of venomous snakes in there,
Standing at a high spot, Quinton looked down at Renee, who was still in the water prison and told her, "Hurry up and get out, sister. The water level is increasing, and soon, what's going to come out of these holes won't be water, but venomous creatures of all manner like snakes and bugs.""No!" Renee raised her head and looked at her brother in panic. "Brother, you gave me your word! You told me you'd give me the full authority to deal with the impostor, didn't you? So what are you doing now?""I wanted to let you handle it yourself, but as soon as I learned the impostor's true identity, I knew I just had to break my promise to you. Please forgive me, Renee."Beneath his mask, Quinton's eyes became dangerously ruthless, as if he could hardly restrain himself from tearing the impostor into pieces right then and there."This is my own personal vengeance. I have endured crushing humiliation for so many years just so I can avenge myself one day, so I can't just let him go.""Personal
"Ms. Everheart."Chase chased after Renee, who looked rather emaciated and lonely from the back."What is it?""Are you really going to leave now?""Why should I stay here?""You should hurry up and stop Boss! He's not joking, you know. No one else in Carmine Pawnshop—no, no one else in Beach City can stop him except you! If you leave now, then Mr. Q… no, then that devil Mr. Hunt will surely die!""Since you called him the devil yourself, then isn't it right that he should die anyway?""You can say that," Chase warned her with feeling, "but if he really dies, then he'll really be gone forever. Won't you be upset? Or rather… aren't you afraid of the consequences?"Stefan Hunt had always been Carmine Pawnshop's deadliest enemy. Back then, when the two parties were at war with each other, Chase was one of the main forces fighting against him, and he even had his leg injured by the Hunt family, an injury from which he still suffered long-term effects even now. Naturally, Chase also
Immediately following that was the sound of Quinton's roaring laughter."Hahahaha, look at you now, Stefan Hunt! I can't believe something like this would ever happen to you. Do you remember how I begged you to let me live all those years ago, and you refused me? Now you get the retribution that you deserve!""Don't stop!" He ordered his men. "Keep it going! Keep releasing more things into the water! I want this snob to taste what it's like to suffer a fate worse than death!"Just then, Stefan's agonizing cry of pain once again rang out.Chase was in such a panic that he stomped his feet and rushed towards Renee, who still stood coldly and frigidly there, "Ms. Everheart, he really can't hold on for much longer! I hope, and I wish, that you won't regret this!""Ugh! So annoying! How can you be such an annoying gnat?!"After yelling at Chase, she then turned around and returned to the water prison.As expected, the water had reached Stefan's neck, and snakes and insects could be s
"Cut the crap! Hold on." After Renee said that, she fainted out of exhaustion. At last, Quinton's heart softened. He asked someone to help Renee and Stefan up before he found some exceptional doctors to try their best to save them…The next day, Renee woke up in deep pain. "Sis, you're finally awakened. You scared me so much!" Quinton grabbed Renee's hand. He became so agitated that his eyes turned red. "If anything happens to you, I won't survive…"Renee's lips were pale, and she had not a bit of strength in her. She asked feebly, "How is Stefan?" "He…" Quinton's gaze flickered, and he instantly changed the topic. "How are you feeling now? Does your head hurt? Are your eyes blurry? Can you see things well?"I'm fine. My head hurts a bit. Tell me… How is Stefan?" Renee asked anxiously. She could tell from her brother's expression that something must have happened to Stefan. If not, her brother would not look like he had a guilty conscience. "Err… I'm not very sure ab
Stefan lay in the guest room of Carmine Pawnshop. His eyes were tightly closed, and his breathing was slow. He was still in a coma. "How long has he been in a coma?" Renee forcefully exerted her weak body and rushed to the man's bed before she asked in concern. Her eyes inevitably turned red the moment she saw Stefan. It was because she'd never seen him so weak before; it was as if anyone, even a three or four-year-old child, could kill him with great ease. "You guys are rescued together. It's already been three days." Quinton stood at the back with both hands in his pockets while making an honest reply. "Didn't you send him to the hospital? I'm sure a more professional hospital can save him, given his condition."Why didn't you send him to the hospital?" Quinton explained, "The first thing I did was get some people to rush you guys to the hospital, but those doctors were out of options. They claimed that you guys were dying, so I spent a lot of money to get a professi
Renee said pessimistically, "I'm afraid my kids will hate me to the core for killing their father!" "No, that won't happen. Sis, don't worry. The exceptional physician I hired is an outstanding physician with great medical skills. He claimed that Stefan will be all right as long as he can wake up in time. This guy will be fine." At first, Quinton did not plan to let Stefan off the hook, but since he was his nephew and the biological father of his niece, he could only let go of his grudge and let him stay alive. "I hope so…" Renee heaved a long sigh. "My mind is a mess now. Please leave me alone. I want to stay with him." "Okay." Quinton nodded and patted her shoulder. He said apologetically, "Don't worry, sis. I was too impulsive. I'll try my best to make it up to you." After Quinton left the room, Renee no longer pretended to be rational or aloof. She sat before Stefan's bed and held his hand with a heart full of worry and pain. "Stefan, you've been sleeping for a long
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
"What do you want? I'm warning you! Stay away from me, or I won't go easy on you!"For an unknown reason, a chill ran down Macsen's spine when he saw how fierce Renee looked. He wondered why she was that fierce. She could walk fast even when dragging a sandbag over 110 pounds—she wasn't ordinary.Holding a gun, Macsen flexed his fingers as his knuckles turned white. "I don't care about people's lives! I can kill them if I'm happy, including you!""Is that so?" Renee stubbornly faced the gun and walked forward. She glared at him coldly. "A demon like you should never live. I'll kill you, even if I have to die for it!"She swiftly pounced on and pushed him down despite the heavy sandbag.Everything happened so fast, Macsen was dumbstruck. Renee even managed to knock on his gun. The gun went off, firing a bullet at a nearby stone pillar. It nearly hurt one of Macsen's subordinates. "Oh, you don't care about people's lives, do you? You can just kill them, huh? I'll make you suffer t
Macsen clenched his fists, agitated. For many years, he was mainly responsible for the armed forces of the fort. On the other hand, Benjamin instructed his adopted sons to take care of his business. Previously, Hunt Enterprise promised the Jenkins family many profits under the condition that Renee and Joanne could leave the fort safely. Hence, Benjamin let them go at that critical point despite the humiliation he faced. Afterward, Stefan continued his close cooperation with the Jenkins family. While this happened, the relationship between Macsen and Benjamin grew tenser. Gradually, Macsen kept gathering power to surpass Benjamin one day and take revenge on Stefan.Renee and Leia's sudden arrival at the fort was beyond Macsen's expectations. Although he was getting stronger, he wasn't powerful enough to fight Benjamin and the Hunts. Despite this, he naturally wouldn't give up such a good chance easily. Macsen's revenge was the result of his impulsiveness. He had been reckless,