Ashton chuckled. "You have both the formula and the personnel. If I allow you to take her, you might break your word and team up with others."If so, wouldn't my efforts be in vain? I'd even gain another enemy. That woman's man is not to be messed with, either."It's risky to be in our line of work. We can't afford to offend those who have a bit of power."Ethan scoffed in response. "So, you don't trust me. Why work with me when you don't even have fundamental trust?""I can give you that woman, Mr. Lynch. After all, she's a gift we've gone to great lengths to prepare for you."Ashton expressed his thoughts eloquently. However, he overlooked the chilling, murderous intent that flashed in Ethan's eyes when he referred to Victoria as a gift."You can see her anytime you want, Mr. Lynch. You can even stay here for an extended period," Ashton continued."But until we reach an agreement, you can't take her away. As far as I know, her man is looking for her everywhere. It won't be saf
After Ethan left, Ashton's face instantly darkened.But soon, he recovered his mask-like smile.Gordon's gaze remained on him. He sensed Ashton's displeasure and said indignantly, "Boss, people like Mr. Lynch are clearly unhinged. This is our territory, and yet he dares to challenge you."He got humiliated by a woman without a hint of resistance. He even plans to grovel to her. He's really pathetic!"Someone like him can never achieve anything. Why bother considering him, Boss? Once we get our hands on the formula, dealing with him will be as simple as squashing an ant."Ashton's smile faded. "What do you know? A man who achieves great things may enjoy the company of women, but he wouldn't openly compromise so much for a woman."He knows we won't cooperate, so he uses that woman as an excuse. His motives might go beyond this."Ashton's voice turned cold. "While we want the formula, he wants our clients."Gordon was incredulous. "How dare he?"Ashton's sharp gaze seemed to pier
Gordon glanced at Victoria and then turned to Wendy after delivering his message."If Mrs. Harper doesn't want to join us, then you better advise her to be sensible. Otherwise, she can continue making a scene. We'd love to experience the taste of a woman pampered by a wealthy family."Gordon swaggered away after threatening. However, the guys who came with him seemed rooted to the spot, as if their legs were glued.Their eyes were fixated on Victoria's face, and they were reluctant to leave.Gordon forcefully patted them and exclaimed, "Why aren't you leaving? She's not the type of woman you can dream of."Ethan was too arrogant and overbearing, and Gordon found pleasure in seeing him humiliated.However, if Ethan's mood turned sour, he might point a gun at him.What good was all the money if he lost his life?After careful consideration, Gordon decided to warn Victoria not to provoke Ethan.Gordon walked to the door and turned around. He smiled satisfactorily when he saw the
The watchtower hung in the air, with no safety measures on all four sides. People who were timid and afraid of heights wouldn't dare to come up.The platform on the watchtower was not large, spanning only about 50 to 60 square feet. Initially, three people took turns observing the surroundings.With Victoria, Ethan, and the others, as well as the guide, there were five people in total. As they ascended, the small space became even more cramped.Ethan looked at the people in the watchtower and ordered, "You can leave now."These people wouldn't dare to leave their posts during the day. In case something happened, they wouldn't be able to face the consequences even with nine lives.After exchanging glances, they looked at the person who had brought Ethan and Victoria up.Ethan's smile, as if bathed in a spring breeze, instantly turned cold. "Do my words not count? Do you want me to call Ashton personally and have you thrown down from here?"The highest watchtower is about 20 stori
Ethan was filled with anger. He stormed off to find Ashton.Ashton looked at the injuries on Ethan's face and felt a sense of satisfaction.Concealing his inner glee, he acted as if he knew nothing. "What's wrong?"Ethan randomly picked up things in the room and smashed several antiques that Ashton liked.Although Ashton's face still wore a smile as he looked at the broken pieces on the floor, his eyes revealed a cold demeanor.Ethan wasn't someone who cared about others' feelings.Well, he could. It was just that he wouldn't care about anyone other than Victoria."What's wrong?"Ethan approached Ashton and repeated his words. His slightly raised voice sounded cold."What did you say? Ashton, what do you mean by this? Are you not trusting me?"Since you can't have someone watch over me, are you planning to use some device to monitor me? Do you think I'm blind?"Ashton, I see you're genuinely not interested in cooperating with me!"Ashton quickly understood.When arranging
Ethan, of course, wouldn't cooperate.He glared at Ashton and questioned, "What do you mean by this?"Ashton smiled and explained, "I've never asked you to reveal the formula. Here, we follow whatever you say. Hence, don't make it difficult for me."Once we're familiar with and trust each other, we won't need this anymore. All my brothers who followed me went through the same. Gordon still blindfolds himself."Ashton's cold gaze flickered toward Victoria as he spoke.Victoria shrank back and obediently blindfolded herself with the black cloth.Ethan snatched the black cloth away and positioned himself in front of Victoria to block Ashton's view of her.He warned, "If you have something to say, say it to my face. Don't scare my woman!"Ashton, with an ambiguous tone, said as he retracted his gaze, "Lynch, you really cherish her. Are you serious about her?""It's none of your business!""Lynch, you're wealthy and handsome. What kind of woman do you want that you can't find? Jus
The car had been driving for almost half an hour and was beginning to sway. After another ten minutes, it finally came to a stop.Ethan reached to remove his blindfold, but Ashton stopped him."Wait, Lynch. We're not there yet."Ethan stopped in his tracks. He seemed dissatisfied as he got out of the car impatiently. "What about now?"Ashton looked at Ethan, whose mood seemed to change rapidly, like a volcano about to erupt. It was a headache for everyone.Ashton lowered his voice. "I'll have someone to guide you."Ethan got back into the car and looked toward Ashton. "I want to head back. I'm not going!"Ashton's temple throbbed visibly. He was so angry that he felt like shooting Ethan with a gun.He spoke in a calm tone, "Just a few more minutes. We'll be there soon."Ethan remained unmoved. "You think I don't know what you and your people are up to? You covet my woman. You're trying every means to take advantage of her and make her betray me!"Only then did Ashton come to
The laboratory door was thicker and heavier. Without fingerprints and the password, it was impossible to open it.Next to the specially made door was a reinforced bulletproof floor-to-ceiling window.At this moment, only two people were standing inside the airtight and spacious laboratory.They were wearing protective suits and face masks. This made it impossible to see their faces or figures. However, Victoria noticed one of them seemed to be a woman.Everything inside the laboratory was clearly visible through the glass window.In the midst of the conversation, Ashton's men brought protective suits and gas masks for Ethan.Ethan glanced at Victoria and pointed to her while stating firmly, "She's staying with me. Get one person out of there!""Okay."Ashton weighed the situation and didn't argue with Ethan.He knew it would be futile. Having come this far, he didn't want to provoke Ethan unnecessarily.Soon, someone brought a set of protective gear for Victoria.Protesting