Julian Donovan knew he was out of options. A poor student like him stood no chance against the kind of people he had crossed. Besides, he was sick of his life as it was. Without Juliet Jennings, his world was shrouded in darkness, and he had nothing left holding him here.
He knew full well this middle-aged man was no respectable citizen, but a bloodthirsty impulse from deep within pushed him to make his decision: to abandon everything he had and reinvent himself completely.
'But what about my mother? If Wendy Lowe tracks her down, she'll be dragged into this because of me.' He stood there, hesitating with a frown. The middle-aged man seemed to read his thoughts.
"Don't you worry. Once we get to the docks and we're in the clear, I'll have my men help your mother lay low. It's easy to hide a single person."
"Thank you!"
He shot the middle-aged man a grateful glance, then turned and went into his bedroom to pack. Besides a few items of clothing, the only thing he took was the watch Juliet Jennings had given him.
She had bought it for him with the money from her very first acting job, and it had been expensive. Juliet Jennings had told him that every man needed a respectable watch. His heart had ached at the time, not just over the cost, but over her devotion. She could have easily used that money to buy the clothes and jewelry she needed as an actress.
The thought was like a knife twisting in his heart. He hated Wendy Lowe. Hated him for destroying his chance at a happy life. He swore an oath: if he ever became powerful enough, he would settle this score with Wendy Lowe. And so, filled with bitter resentment, he followed the middle-aged man into the night.
Julian Donovan never imagined that this one decision would change the course of his life, and the life of a certain girl, forever.
Only after boarding the boat with the man did Julian Donovan learn their destination: Thailos. The man's name was Ian Shaw, and he was the leader of a mid-sized gang in the Qindale Region.
Ian Shaw simply explained that he had come to Syan on business and had crossed Wendy Lowe over a conflict of interest. Although Ian Shaw didn't specify the nature of his business, Julian Donovan had a pretty good idea. After all, he knew that Qindale was at the heart of the Argent Triangle.
Yet, Julian was strangely calm about it all. His heart was now filled with nothing but a thirst for bloody revenge. He would follow this path even if it led straight to hell, so long as it ended with him being strong enough to crush Wendy Lowe with his own two hands.
It was noon the next day by the time they reached Qindale. Julian Donovan went with Ian Shaw and his men to change into clean clothes. He also re-dressed Ian Shaw's wounds, and only then did the group set out again.
The group stopped in front of a magnificent building designed in a rich, traditional Thailos style. Expressionless guards in black suits and sunglasses stood watch at the entrance. Julian Donovan guessed this must be Ian Shaw's home.
Just as they got out of the car, a clear, crisp voice rang out,
"Dad, you're finally back!"
Her voice was brimming with eager joy, and a moment later, a slender girl came dashing out of the house.