The animated conversation was starting to kick off when Ingrid’s phone rang out of the blue, prompting the young woman to pull it out and glance at the screen.Her expression changed—slightly, but almost instantly. “Hey, Agatha? It’s Uncle Claude.”The same shift in expression befell Agatha as well. “Tell him I’ve left Tael and that I won’t be back for a while.”Ingrid nodded. She moved out onto the balcony to answer the call.Their exchange allowed Zayn to piece together a vague picture of what the young women were probably facing. For starters, Agatha was in the middle of a row with her family. She looked about twenty-seven or eight, which meant the problem was likely pertaining to marriage. Was her family pushing her into some sort of arranged marriage? It seemed possible, even if a little dated.Ingrid took the call outside on the balcony, but a little distance like that was no hindrance to Zayn’s superhuman hearing. In fact, he heard every word.A few minutes later, a dispir
Zayn took pride in being someone who always repaid kindness. Agatha saved his life—an act like that was only deserving of his biggest gratitude and payback in kindness.After two days’ worth of rest, combined with the shot of vitality from the Ambrosia Fruit, a lot of his injuries were healed. He was back to at least eighty percent of his usual strength. As long as his enemies were not one of those perfect class berserkers, Zayn was certain that he could power through a horde of them, no sweat!Just one more day of rest, and Zayn would be back to his former glory, or even better. Again, as long as his enemy was less of a crazed freak of nature like Ezra, the perfect class fighter, Zayn was confident that he could trade blows with just about anybody.He was beyond certain that regardless of whatever problem plagued Agatha, Zayn would be able to solve it.Unfortunately, what he meant as words of assurance ended up sounding like unfounded braggadocio to Ingrid and Agatha. It elicited
Whatever good impression that was left of Zayn in Agatha’s mind had basically evaporated into thin air. Honestly, who would have thought he would be so… shameless?! Agatha could not suppress the abhorrence she had for him—there was nothing else she hated more than an ambitionless, parasitic gigolo!However, she held herself with significantly more civility and grace compared to her cousin, so even if she had a few words itching to be fired, she kept them to herself. She was of the opinion that one had to always be on their best behavior even when facing someone they utterly detest.“The problem is, Mr. Larson, there isn’t a guest room at my place. I don’t know if I’ve got the space for you to crash,” she said. “How about I give you, say, 300 bucks to stay at a hotel somewhere? Or you could always go to the cops. Give your family a call and wait for them to pick you up. How’s that?”Regardless of any context, what Agatha offered was a shining display of her kind heart and steadfast a
“For God’s sake, can you stop acting like you’re hot sh*t already?!” Ingrid bristled as she trained an accusatory finger on Zayn. She was disgusted. “Do you even know who we’re up against? He’s f*cking related to the city mayor! The city mayor, mister! That means he’s got loads of money and power, if you’re too slow to get me. He can skin you alive and get rid of you like you’re trash on the sidewalk! Meanwhile, you’re here huffing and puffing like a white knight who no one gives a f*ck about!”Her words were extremely caustic, even for someone like her, but to screech and point at Zayn was an outright display of irreverence. Zayn would have reacted by slapping her across the face if anyone else was shouting at him so rudely, but he could not bring himself to do so. After all, they were the people who saved him. Flashing an awkward smile meant to appease her, he replied, “Listen, Miss Jonas. Don’t be mad. I’m only stating facts. The thing is, the mayor’s nephew and I have history—more
Agatha realized that she had completely lost her composure soon enough. She immediately expressed her regret and apologized to Zayn, “I’m sorry, Mr. Larson. I lost my cool there.”“It’s fine, it’s fine,” said Zayn in a haste. Agatha continued to say, “I’m serious, Mr. Larson. Please stay in the car. I’ll come and pick you up when I’m done handling the affair. We’re friends, so don’t embarrass me, alright?”She stared at Zayn closely with unprecedented seriousness. Zayn could tell that she was not playing around. If he insisted on coming, it would genuinely infuriate her. Zayn could only heave a heavy sigh, before saying in a helpless tone, “Alright then.”Agatha cracked a smile and said, “Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Larson. I won’t keep you waiting for long… At least, I shouldn’t be keeping you waiting for long…”At that point, Zayn could only nod in agreement. He added, “Ms. Rouge, I respect your decision, but if Rugal steps out of line, you have to tell me. I really a
They chatted on their way inside. They had just arrived at the door when they heard an infuriated voice shouting angrily, “Hey, it’s already been 40 minutes. Surprise, surprise—no sign of Agatha at all. I’m warning you, Claude, you still owe Mr. Gonzalez more than a million dollars! If Agatha doesn't show up today, we’re going to sell two of your properties and that factory of yours. Your family can have fun living out on the streets!”The voice belonged to a man, and it had taken on a very impertinent tone. Agatha could see a bald, burly man on the other side. He was pointing at her father’s nose, looking far from pleased. On the other hand, there were a few people in the house who appeared to be thugs. One of them was sitting audaciously on the sofa with a malicious smile on his face. He was a young man who was dressed in branded clothes.He was Rugal Gonzalez, one of Waltz City’s most affluent heirs. It was mainly because of his uncle’s status as mayor of Fenx City. His legs wer
Rugal’s eyes instantly lit up at the sight of her. His covetous eyes were trained on her, taking in her breathtaking beauty.Claude was relieved to see that Agatha was back. However, his gaze was tainted with a tinge of guilt. He had betrayed his daughter, and there was nothing he could do about it.“You’re finally home, Agatha. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” Rugal smiled as he walked towards Agatha. His arms were outstretched so they could cling on to her waist. Noticing his movements, there was a slight change in Agatha’s expression. She hastily moved out of the way to dodge his perverted hands. “Mr. Gonzalez, have a little more respect. It’s inappropriate to touch a woman without her consent!”Rugal was not infuriated by Agatha’s act of avoiding him at all. In fact, his smile grew even more malicious. He stood where Agatha was standing earlier, and inhaled a deep breath. Then, he assumed a drunken, intoxicated expression and said, “Smells so good.”His behavior wa
Agatha was furious, but she was aggrieved as well. They were a family of law-abiding commoners who usually behaved themselves. They had never committed any crimes nor hurt anyone. They could not accept that they were in such a calamitous situation!However, Rugal did not sympathize with them at all. In fact, he even burst out laughing. “Hah-hah-hah! Agatha, I’m warning you to keep that mouth of yours in check. When have I made things difficult for you, huh! It was your father who signed the business deal, and he was the one who came begging to get a loan in the first place. Actually, he was the one who willingly wrote me an IOU too. Afterwards, when his business failed and he was out of luck trying to make money, he pawned all of the properties. He was the cause of his own downfall, yet you’re accusing me of making things difficult for you?”Rugal started at Agatha closely. He was slowly inching towards Agatha, step by step. His eyes were focused on Agatha invasively.Agatha began t