They were in utter disbelief when they found out that the man in the conference room was not Luke Crawford, the CEO of T Corporation, but Luke Crowford, the general manager of a medium-scale company. 'How uncanny! 'How could two people look and sound so alike, and how could their names be so suspiciously similar?' With the facts laid in front of them, they had no choice but to believe it. Half an hour later, a group of police officers entered the conference room, bringing with them the disgraced Mr. Schmidt in handcuffs. Peyton Schmidt was a man in his fifties. He still carried the demeanor of someone in a position of power for a long time, but his face was haggard, his eyes were lifeless, and his body was shriveled. It seemed that prison life took a toll on his physical and mental health. "Look at that man, Peyton Schmidt. Is he the Luke Crawford whom you have dealings with?" The male officer asked sternly. Peyton lifted his head weakly and started to carefully examine t
The major case involved Luke Crawford, A City's business mogul, and Peyton had provided conflicting statements. The higher-ups of the Public Integrity Committee paid a lot of attention to the case. However, they could not find anything that pointed to Luke Crawford. The man in the incriminating video matched Luke Crowford's appearance. Also, Peyton insisted multiple times that the name on the contract was Luke Crowford with an "o." Of course, Luke Crowford's identity was genuine. He was an orphan without any relations, and his background and work experience were plain for all to see. GC Corporation, the implicated company, had existed for ten years. The legally appointed representative for the company was indeed Luke Crowford. Gordan produced the contracts that proved the transfer of ownership of those plots of land from Luke Crowford of GC Corporation to Luke Crawford of T Corporation. Gordan spoke eloquently in front of the judge and jury, describing the details of the tr
There was a reason why Peyton Schmidt changed his statement abruptly. Even though he was in prison, a large portion of his property had disappeared, and no one had been able to find its whereabouts. However, Luke managed to find out that Peyton had a mistress and an illegitimate child. Before he was arrested, Peyton had secretly moved the mother and child to Switzerland and had transferred his property under the child's name. That was how Luke threatened Peyton, saying that if Peyton did not follow his instructions, he would expose the whereabouts of his property, and the mother and child's lives would be put in danger. Peyton was resentful toward the threat, but he had no choice. Luke had taken extreme care in ensuring that there were no flaws in every step of his plan. Any flaw would result in his plan's failure. After Bianca listened to the concise but comprehensive narration, she could not help but be impressed by the man's attention to detail. Ten years ago, Bianca
The next day, in the presidential suite. The big bed was shaking violently. As the man grunted and the woman moaned, a thick smell of decadence wafted in the air. After a beastly low growl, the room slowly resumed its calm. Leia leaned on Wayne's solid chest and hugged his neck. "Are you happy with my performance today, mmm?" "It's so rare that you take the initiative. What do you want? Just say it." Wayne laid in bed and hugged Leia, though he kept his hands busy. "Naughty you! I've missed you. What else could I want?" Leia suddenly flipped onto his body and performed several bold maneuvers. Wayne laughed. "You seemed so reluctant only a few days ago. Don't tell me that you've changed so fast! Have you begun to enjoy it?" Leia cast a seductive glance at him. "How can you say that about me, Wayne? Haven't you heard the saying, 'If you can't fight it, you might as well lie down and enjoy it.'? Your skills are so amazing. No wonder so many women fall for your charms…" Way
Luke's heart was in his throat when he heard Bianca shrieking in fear. "What's wrong, Bianca?" Bianca could not speak when she saw the scene in front of her. Snakes! So many snakes! She was sitting on the swing, and her first instinct was to get off it. However, in her panic, she could not control her injured leg very well and nearly fell to the ground. Fortunately, her hand managed to grab onto a thick branch so that she did not have to fall face-first on the ground. "What's going on, Bianca?" Luke sounded extremely worried. Bianca pointed the camera of her phone at the fearful creatures on the ground. She dared not move a muscle. Through the voice call, Luke could see tens of black snakes surging toward Bianca… His heart skipped a beat, and his eyes instantly widened in anger! Those snakes were black mambas, the most dangerous and venomous snake in the world. They were feared for their speed and ferocity; two drops of their venom was enough to kill. However, those
In the nick of time, Bianca managed to scramble several steps forward to higher ground, and the snake did not spot her momentarily. That was a close call! How could such scary animals appear in the mansion? Bianca's stomach hurt intensely, and her body was limp. She did not have the strength to run. In front of the front door of the house was a flight of stairs. Every step was a struggle, but she could only force herself to move. The snakes behind her continued to swarm at her. The biggest snake was almost going to reach her when Uncle Vald suddenly turned back and shouted, "Madam!" He noticed a children's wooden spade at the side. That was what Lanie and Rainie often used when they played in the garden. He summoned his courage, took the spade, and slammed it on the snake's head! The spade was light, but Uncle Vald was strong. The snake was incensed by the pain and moved faster. It stuck out its tongue, bared its fang, and bit Uncle Vald! The gardener disregarded his st
"Bianca!" Outside the house, Luke roared hysterically. At that moment, Luke was worried and furious. He fired at the snakes with his hunting rifle as though he had lost his mind. As he pulled the trigger, he called out Bianca's name. When Bianca heard Luke's voice, she scrambled over to the window and thumped at the glass. "I'm fine, Luke. There are many venomous snakes outside. Please be careful…" She tried to suppress her fear when she saw Luke's bloodshot eyes and his almost maniacal demeanor. He seemed to be more scared of the snakes than her. She felt relieved when she saw him. Luke also felt relieved when he saw that Bianca was safe inside the house. An unknown amount of time passed before the electronic door opened and Luke rushed in. He hugged Bianca with trembling arms. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry…" He had almost lost her again. "It's not your fault. You don't have to blame yourself." Bianca slumped in his embrace, grateful that she had survived the ordeal. Luk
Luke thought that he had seen the same trick before. He remembered the berserk Persian cat when they were in Blue Honors. Both incidents were very similar, and he could not help but feel suspicious. "Boss, these snakes aren't native to the country. Someone must have smuggled them in through the black market," Jason analyzed calmly. Luke narrowed his eyes, and a cold smile appeared on his face. "Contact Percy Mallory and ask him for his help. He should be able to find the source of the snakes and the details of the transaction." He could roughly guess who the mastermind was, but he did not have solid evidence yet. Once he could confirm that the mastermind was the same person in his mind, he would not spare them any mercy! … The media reported heavily on the news about the appearance of venomous snakes in La Fontaine Mansions. La Fontaine Mansions was a development project under T Corporation. It was an elite low-density neighborhood, and each of the mansions cost tens of
Kassy’s eye donor was Hera, the one Abel had brought over.Even though Hera’s eyes resembled Kassy’s, they did not meet the criteria for a transplant. However, Hera’s blood type matched Kassy’s exactly.Hence, Abel decided to use Hera’s eyes. His belief was that her eyes were specifically meant for Kassy.Shanks knew he would not be able to change Abel’s mind, so he did not try. Abel’s stubbornness was something even Kassy herself could not sway.Luca remained silent for a while, not saying anything further. She understood that using a cadaver was the best option as it would not harm anyone.However, the eyes Abel wanted for Kassy were not from a cadaver. He intended to take them from Hera.Luca certainly would not participate in such a surgery. It was too cruel.“What are you thinking?” Shanks suddenly asked.Luca shook her head. “I’m just thinking about the volunteer’s situation.”“You’re wondering if this solution will be marketed, aren’t you?” Shanks suddenly asked.L
“I’m still a bit worried. Let me take a look in your room and change the dressing while I’m at it.” Luca knew Luke would not want her to worry. Therefore, she needed to see for herself that everything was fine before she could feel at ease.“Alright.” Luke knew she was worried about him, so the two of them headed into the room.He took off his shirt, revealing the bandage wrapped around his torso.Luca could not help but chuckle at the sight. The wrapping was done by Gerald, and it was hilariously sloppy. It was haphazardly bound—overly tight in some places and entirely uneven. It looked like it was just meant to cover the wounds, with no thought for neatness.“Stop laughing.” Luke was clearly rendered speechless by Gerald’s lackluster bandaging skills as well.If it were not for the fact that it was difficult to bandage himself, he would never have let Gerald do it.“With it wrapped like this, how are you supposed to sleep at night?” Luca asked as she began unwrapping the ba
Abel chuckled. His voice was low and gravelly.“Hera, let’s agree on something. Don’t use threats of leaving to manipulate me anymore, or I won’t be happy,” said Abel in a low voice.What might have sounded like a plea or a compromise came across to Hera as a veiled threat.The cool sensation of his fingers brushed against her eyelids, and she could not help but shiver. His touch felt as cold as death itself. She could not feel a trace of warmth.Her hands clenched tightly together. The tension in her grip was the only thing keeping her from trembling further.“Alright,” Hera murmured obediently.Abel withdrew his hand. Hera opened her eyes. A strange unease stirred within her. For reasons she could not quite explain, Abel’s behavior filled her with an unsettling dread…“Will you stay at the hospital with me tonight?” Hera could not help but crave some semblance of comfort.Abel frowned slightly. “Stay here with you? And what about Luca?”“You could just send her home. I onl
Luca's expression was serious, and Hera realized she was not just trying to scare her. Ignoring her warnings had already caused her to suffer once.Unwillingly, Hera sipped on the cereal. Her resentment was evident in every movement.Luca noticed it was not difficult for her to handle. She quietly sat down and ate her own bowl of cereal.Hera did not have much of an appetite.Hera took a couple of bites before growing bored. She glanced at Luca and asked, “How did you end up working for Abel?”Luca did not respond. She calmly blew on her cereal and ate in silence, showing no intention of engaging in conversation.“I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?” snapped Hera.Luca lifted her gaze briefly and replied, “You should finish your cereal before it gets cold.”“I’m not even hungry.” Hera really had no appetite and was not planning to eat the cereal.“It’s still better if you eat something. Otherwise, when hunger strikes later, don’t expect me to help you,” said Luca, “I’m only he
Luke had never taken the medicine that could speed up healing, so his recovery was nowhere near as fast as the others from the Island of Despair.Luca did not respond to Gerald’s comment. Her gaze fixed on him with intensity.“No stitches,” said Luke, “I trust you.”Luca bit her lower lip.“But if you don’t stitch it, it might tear open,” insisted Gerald, staring at Luke’s wounds.Luke glanced at his injuries and shrugged, seemingly unconcerned, as though the wounds had nothing to do with Luca.“Stitches will leave scars.”“Are you afraid of scars? What kind of man doesn’t have a few scars on him? Scars are a symbol of manhood,” teased Gerald with a playful tone, “Scars show you’re reliable, that you can protect a woman.”Luke gave him a look as though he were an idiot, then his gaze shifted to Luca. “I don’t want too many scars. I’m worried my future wife might dislike them.”Luca’s heart sank at his words, but his lighthearted remark eased her sadness. Despite the severity
Luca could not help but tremble with heartache. She fought hard to resist the urge to rush forward.Everyone in the room had survived brutal training to make it out of the Island of Despair, and they could not help but shudder when they saw the scene. The sound of the whip felt like it was landing on their own bodies.Gerald closed his eyes, unable to watch any longer. It was too cruel for him to watch.The ten lashes felt like an eternity, stretching on for what seemed like a century.Luca looked at the drenched clothes on Luke. His eyes were red, and his shirt was so soaked that you could wring out the blood from it. Her hands were clenched so tightly into fists that the veins were bulging.Abel tossed the whip aside, looking at Luke’s disheveled state with satisfaction. He enjoyed the thrill of this bloody scene.He turned to Luca, noticing her reddened eyes, and smiled even more devilishly. “Hera is in the hospital now. You’ll go take care of her for the next few da
Luca instantly understood the situation. It was about Hera.Hera was someone Abel valued, possibly as a future corneal donor for Kassy. While Abel might not love Hera now, he certainly took her health seriously.In a calm tone, Luca explained, “She was hospitalized due to inflammation that caused a fever.”Abel furiously flung his half-smoked cigar at her. The glowing embers singed her clothes, leaving a small burn mark.She instinctively stepped aside.Abel roared, “What kind of care is this?! I told you to look after her! Is this how you handle things?”Luca was perplexed. When did he ever tell her to look after Hera?Besides, she did take care of her.”When Ms. Sanchez fainted last night, she already had a low-grade fever. I diagnosed her condition as inflammation and prescribed anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing medication. I also emphasized that she needed to take oral anti-inflammatory drugs. She didn’t trust me and threw out Mr. Shanks’ medication, which led to her con
Luca placed her hand on Hera’s other wrist, checking her pulse. “Her condition is worsening. The inflammation in her body has intensified.“I prescribed her medication. Those are Mr. Shanks’ formulations, and they're highly effective for reducing inflammation. It shouldn’t be getting worse.” Gerald pursed his lips before finally speaking up. “Luca, when I was cleaning yesterday, I saw that Ms. Sanchez had thrown all the medication you prescribed into the trash. She didn’t take any of it.”Luca was speechless.She had been questioning whether the medicine was ineffective or if she had made an error in diagnosis. It turned out that it was Hera herself who had sabotaged her treatment.“What should we do now?” asked Gerald.“There’s no other option. She needs to go to a hospital,” Luca decided firmly. “Her condition is serious, and since she doesn’t trust my treatment, the hospital is her best choice.”“Can’t you help her just this once?” pleaded Gerald, “I mean, she looks really b
Luke stayed silent, letting the chilled beer cool him down, washing away some of the lingering heat.Gerald glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before leaning in and speaking softly to Luke. “Actually, I’ve seen it.”“Seen what?” Luke could not be bothered.Lowering his voice even further, Gerald whispered just loud enough for the two of them to hear, “I’ve seen you going into Ms. Craw’s room quite often.”Luke’s expression sharpened instantly. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.He had been so cautious. How had Gerald noticed? Was he bluffing?Luke narrowed his eyes and said nothing.His aura grew colder by the second.Gerald, sensing the rising tension, shrank back slightly and quickly added, “Relax, I’m not going to tell anyone. If I wanted to report you, I would’ve done it already.”Luke’s expression eased slightly.Gerald continued to reassure him, “I’m not one to meddle. Look, I haven’t said a word about you, and I even stood up for you during that whole thing