All Chapters of Gold & Sand: Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

Arthur adjusted the earpiece, scanning the VIP section with practiced focus. The dim lighting, soft hum of jazz, and clinking glasses provided the perfect cover for secrets exchanged in hushed tones. His eyes followed their primary target… a man suspected man of having connections to Ashford or being the Ashford himself, the one suspected of leading Newcastle drug trafficking ring.Then, from the corner of his eye, Arthur noticed someone descending the stairs. The figure wore a hat pulled low and a long coat that brushed against his legs as he moved. The man had his left hand to his ear, speaking on his phone. Something about his demeanor made Arthur pause. And then, he saw it. The rose tattoo. Arthur’s blood ran cold. His pulse quickened as memories flooded back… his sister Alexandra’s lifeless body, her blood staining the floor, and a hand with that same tattoo disappearing into the shadows. It wa

The Velvet Crown Casino bustled with its usual energy, the sounds of slot machines blending with the murmurs of high-stakes gamblers. For Arthur, the glitz was starting to wear off, replaced by a growing sense of purpose. Day two was critical. They had a plan, and every step counted.Masahiro was already on edge, his sharp eyes scanning the floor as they stepped inside. “Stay focused, Cooper,” he said without looking at Arthur.Arthur nodded, adjusting his tie nervously. He wasn’t sure if he was more worried about blowing his cover or disappointing Masahiro.“Knight said that the bartender named Max knows the layout and the players,” Masahiro had explained during the briefing. “If anyone can give us actionable intel, it’s him.”Arthur and Masahiro approached the bar, blending into the crowd. Masahiro leaned casually against the counter, but his tone was firm when he addressed Max.“Max, we need

Masahiro’s gaze lingered on Matthew, his features soft in the dim glow of the bedside lamp. Peaceful and vulnerable, Matthew looked utterly his. Masahiro allowed himself a rare moment of quiet happiness, savoring the thought that, for now, he had Matthew entirely. Then the shrill ring of Matthew’s phone shattered the calm. Masahiro’s jaw clenched as he glanced at the screen.Cassidy.He ignored it, turning his eyes back to Matthew, but the call persisted, growing more grating with each ring. Huffing out a frustrated breath, Masahiro snatched the phone and answered. “Matthew,” came a gruff, impatient voice on the other end. Masahiro’s tone was clipped, laced with mockery. “This isn’t Matthew.” There was a pause before Cassidy’s voice sharpened. “Who the hell are you? Tell Matthew his boyfriend is calling. Where is he?” Masahiro’s lips curved into a smirk. “I’m the guy who’s fucking your boyfriend. And right now, he’s sleeping soundly, thanks to me.” The silence on the other end w

Matthew was lounging on the couch, his legs stretched out, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone. The peaceful moment was interrupted by the familiar ring of his phone. Seeing Masahiro's name on the screen, Matthew smiled faintly and picked up."Hey," Masahiro’s voice came through the line, steady but warm."Hey, clingy detective," Matthew teased, his tone light. "We were together just yesterday. What's it now?"Masahiro chuckled. "I’ve been thinking...""Oh? That’s dangerous," Matthew joked. "What’s on your mind?""Next two weeks, Middlesbrough is playing Bristol," Masahiro said. "We should go."Matthew rolled his eyes. "Geez... you know I’m not into football, right?""C'mon. It’s going to be fun," Masahiro coaxed. "Good atmosphere, good food, and maybe I’ll get to see you cheer for once.""I’ll think about it," Matthew said with a mock sigh.Just then, Matthew’

Cassidy leaned casually against the doorframe, his sharp suit pristine despite the fire in his eyes. He was eerily calm, the kind of calm that promised chaos beneath the surface. His voice was low and deliberate. “So, it was you?”Masahiro stood in the doorway, his expression didn’t falter as he met Cassidy’s gaze head-on. "You’ll have to be more specific," Masahiro replied, his tone light but cutting. "I’m many things to many people."Cassidy’s lips curled into a predatory grin. “Don’t insult my intelligence. I’m talking about that call. The one where you decided to play coy while answering my boyfriend’s phone.”Masahiro leaned against the doorframe, his smirk widening as though Cassidy’s words were amusing. “Ah, that call. Funny, I thought you’d let it slide. Guess I overestimated you.”Cassidy stepped forward, his movements slow and controlled, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. “Where is he?” he asked, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. “I know he’s here.”