The moment those words left Alec's mouth, Mortimer stiffened up while Old Mr. Faust's expression grew solemn. "What do you mean, Alec? Did he do something to you?"Old Mr. Faust had promised himself to forgive all the foolishness his son had done in the past, as long as he never hurt Alec, but now…"Don't spout nonsense, Alec Faust. When did I try to kill you?" Knowing his father's personality, Mortimer forced himself to stand his ground.Alec sneered, then tossed up several documents of evidence. "You bribed that therapist, didn't you?"Chills ran up Mortimer's spine. He had totally forgotten about that. When he found that therapist, he bribed the man not to help Alec's condition. In fact, he had told the therapist to encourage it to worsen. He also promised a boatload of money if the therapist convinced Alec to commit suicide.There just didn't seem to be much of a result afterward. Mortimer had even wondered if that therapist had failed.When Old Mr. Faust read through the e
Outside the mansion, Mortimer quietly followed behind Alec, dispirited."Are you happy now?" he asked, no longer having the energy to be angry. There was no point. Alec wouldn't be affected either way.Alec stopped and looked back at him. "You're blaming me for seeing through your crimes? Even wild beasts look after their young. What does that make you?"Mortimer's expression stiffened momentarily. "I never intended for anything to happen to you. I only wanted to set a safe path for your brother's future.""Brother? I don't have a brother," Alec sneered. He was his mother's only son. She never had any more children after."Deny it all you want, Alfred is your brother." Mortimer insisted, ignoring his son's denial. Alec's face grew shadowed with killing intent. "If I were you, I'd make sure both you and your son stay the hell away from this family. Do you really think I won't lay my hands on the both of you? Think I'm that kind?""You—""I'm warning you now. Once things are set
Alec understood what she meant, so he didn't refute her. "You have a good point. It's best that Paul learns how to truly love someone."Otherwise, their relationship might not make it through all the challenges that arose once things turned serious.Frankly, Alec was quite similar to Paul in terms of romance. He just wasn't as overbearing—he'd never dreamt of caging her by his side. Instead, Alec would try and win her over through his actions.Dinner was soon ready for the three people."We're going back to Bardoff City tomorrow, right?" Graham asked, just to make sure.Jenny nodded. "Right away after getting Stephanie out, yes."Even if Graham was there in person to support this plan, Jenny still didn't want to risk dallying around. It was safer to leave as soon as possible.Graham nodded. He wasn't concerned about this Paul Wagner fellow, especially when his territory was limited to Parrington. Things would be different if the man were situated in Bardoff City. After all, Parr
Stephanie shuddered just the slightest when she heard Jenny's name. "Really? When did she come back? She never told me.""She's one of the Bardoff City Ten Elites now," Paul scoffed, ecstatic that Stephanie might never see Jenny again. "She might've forgotten all about you."Stephanie hummed quietly, though she knew deep in her heart that Jenny would never do that.Paul wrapped his arms around her. "Don't worry. Unlike her, I'd never ever leave you behind.""Really?" Stephanie asked.Paul didn't answer, choosing to respond with his actions instead.…The next morning, sunlight filtered into the room and brought life to the mess of sheets and limbs on the bed. Stephanie opened her eyes. The space on the bed where Paul had been was already cold. He must've left for work.She got up and showered, put on some makeup, then started packing her things.She really hadn't known Jenny had come back to Parrington. But the moment she did, she knew her time to leave had come.Stephanie lo
After several long seconds, just before Stephanie was about to say something again, Paul said, "I'll have some of my men guard you two. It's not safe for women to be out on the streets.""Paul…""They'll just be there to protect you, nothing else."Obviously, Stephanie didn't buy that. "Protecting her" was just another way to spy on her.Stephanie was about to refuse when Jenny made a subtle signal to her. Stephanie sighed, "Alright, fine."After hanging up the call, Jenny and Stephanie left the villa by car with Paul's men tailing them.In the car, Stephanie asked, "Are my Mom and Dad—""They're safe. They've already reached Bardoff City. I'm here just for you."Hearing this, Stephanie finally relaxed. All that mattered to her was her parents' safety. She eyed the cars behind her, guessing a good handful of Paul's men might be watching out for them. "Are you sure we'll be able to leave? I can always…""Don't worry about it. I'm only here today because I know we will succeed,"
The pen in Paul's grip snapped in half. He instantly called his guards. "Where is she?""Ms. Walker is in the washroom with Miss Walter, sir," the bodyguard replied, oblivious to what was happening.Paul's temple throbbed. "How long has that been?"The guard's heart fell with the sudden realization. "At least ten minutes, sir.""Go find her, you piece of shit!" Paul roared, then stormed off from his desk and out the door. "Have all eyes on the airport shuttle buses," he ordered his men. "If any of you let Stephanie get away, I will make your life a living hell!"He had already guessed there was a hidden agenda behind Jenny visiting Stephanie. Meanwhile, the two women were still on the road. Jenny kept glancing at her watch while telling the driver to speed up. The moment Paul discovered the Walkers had left Parrington, he would immediately know of Stephanie's escape. That was why they needed to hurry at all costs. Seeing how worried she was, even Stephanie started to sweat. L
Paul's tone oozed with confidence, believing Stephanie wanted to stay of her own volition and only left because of Jenny's meddling.Jenny didn't share the same thought. "Steph, do you still want to stay with him?" she asked. If the answer was yes, she'd leave the two alone right away.Stephanie glanced at Jenny, then at Paul, and sighed, "No."Jenny smiled while Paul flew into a fit of rage. "Think twice before you answer that question, Stephanie Walker!"Why wouldn't she want to stay? Hadn't they had such a good time together? He had thought she'd given up entirely on leaving him."I have Paul. Countless times. I don't want to stay anymore, Paul. I'm a person, not an object. I know what I want." As much as she liked Paul, she wasn't going to stay with him, not when he treated her that way.Paul's hands clenched into fists. "Alright…al-fucking-right then!""Well? Steph doesn't want to stay. So, are you going to let us go or force us to stay?" Jenny sneered. She had already gu
As angry as Paul was, he still found himself somewhat scared of what Stephanie would say next.The woman gazed at him for a moment before sighing. "I can't change what you think, and so be it."Paul nearly lunged at her. "Alright then!" He gritted out, knowing full well he wouldn't be able to keep Stephanie by his side anymore. With a sneer, he said, "You really think you can rest easy in Bardoff City? I've told you once, and I'll tell you again; I will always find a way to bring you back to my side, Stephanie Walker. No matter where you run off to."Stephanie frowned. "Paul—""Get out of my sight!" he yelled. The circle of men around them broke, leaving a clear path to board the plane once again.Jenny and Stephanie were shocked, but after a moment's delay, Jenny tugged at her friend's arm and headed for the plane. "Let's go."Once they boarded, Graham ordered the pilot to take off, but not before taking a long look at Paul Wagner. He was memorizing his face because he knew t