Now I understood why the butler had that flushed face when he first saw me. He was clearly rattled. The shock in his eyes when he heard the gunshot was almost comical. I gave him one of my slow, evil smiles before striding out like I owned the place. The guards didn't move a muscle they wouldn't dare. After all, they were my men.
PRESENT DAY
"Boss, please… you're drinking too much," Paul said cautiously, watching the way I downed my glass."It's none of your FUCKING BUSINESS!!" I snarled, slamming the glass down so hard the liquor splashed across the desk.Paul flinched but didn't move. "Oh my sir, no need to yell like that. I'm just standing here. I think I need to check my hearing ASAP…"
I leaned forward slowly, my voice dangerously low. "Is that so? Then why don't you get your whole body checked as well… because you might not walk out of here alive."
Paul's eyes widened. "Oh Lord Jesus…"
He knew that look in my eyes — no one knew me better than Paul. And no one knew just how evil and merciless I could be.I swept my arm across the desk, sending glass, papers, and ornaments crashing to the floor."Sir, this is the tenth time you've destroyed everything in this room!" Paul groaned. "Let me just… dial the maintenance team once more. Oh Lord, someone please help my crazy boss…"
My head snapped toward him. "Did you say something?"
"Of course not, sir," he replied quickly, forcing a smile. "I was just… mumbling the Lord's Prayer." I let out a low chuckle. "So I'm the devil now? And only your pathetic little prayers can save you?" Paul's Adam's apple bobbed. "Oh no, sir… not at all." "What's with all the noise?" Tiwa barged in without knocking."I'm sorry, Tiwa, but just leave. I want to be alone," I said sharply.She looked between me and Paul. "And what about him?"
I smirked coldly. "He's my dog." Paul froze. "W-what? Sir… me?" I shot him a glare so sharp it shut him up instantly.Tiwa crossed her arms. "Why? What happened? What's wrong with you? "Don't tell me this is about her… about Raphaelina." My jaw clenched, the name like poison in my ears. "Don't… mention that name in my presence."Tiwa stepped closer. "How long are you going to punish yourself for her mistake?"As long as it takes," I hissed. "She will pay… and every woman will pay. I will make sure to betray, cheat, and break the heart of every woman I'm ever with. That will be my revenge."
Tiwa shook her head. "But that's not fair. How is it another woman's fault?" I don't care, Tiwa. Fairness died the day she betrayed me."
Jake stayed by Aurora's side the entire night. Her fever had worried him so much that he barely blinked, sitting at her bedside with a cold towel and medicine, determined not to leave her until she was safe. By dawn, her temperature finally began to drop. Only then did he slip out briefly, heading to a nearby hotel to freshen up. He ate a quick breakfast, but his mind was restless until he was back at the hospital.Aurora stirred, slowly opening her eyes to an empty room. Her heart skipped. Where's Jake?
The door handle turned, and to her relief, Jake stepped inside, smiling warmly.
"Hey… you're awake," he said softly, crossing the room and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry, baby. You'll be discharged today. The nurses will be here soon to get you ready," he reassured her. "I just need to make an important call. I'll be right back."Aurora nodded faintly, still too weak to speak much.Jake stepped into the hallway and dialed quickly. "Hello? Do you have any information?" "Yes, sir," the voice on the other end replied. "I have a lead. According to Miss Aurora, she was adopted. I searched every orphanage in New York… but found nothing. Then it hit me — check the hospitals."
"But how?" Jake asked sharply. "There are too many hospitals in the city."Sir, it's simple. Charles isn't an ordinary man. He'd never adopt from a low-class hospital. And honestly… I wouldn't call it adoption. It's more like kidnapping. As you know, there's no such thing as adoption directly from a hospital."
Jake's voice hardened. "So… could it be possible Aurora was kidnapped?"
"There's a high possibility, sir."
Jake's grip on the phone tightened. "As far as I know, Charles is capable of anything shady… that old bastard."Yes, sir. I searched the expensive hospitals first—"