Chapter 199
The Sub–Inspector sighed, like a man too tired to care anymore.
He raised his sidearm.
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Viper shrieked, voice cracking in terror. “No, no, no! I made mistake but you can’t just kill me! There’s a procedure–a trial! I want my lawyer! There’s still law in this country, right?!”
Alex glanced over his shoulder, voice cold.
“Relax, Viper. You won’t be alone. Your boss Raymond’s next in line.”
The door clicked shut behind them as a single gunshot shattered Viper’s last plea.
Sophia half–turned, just in time to catch a glimpse of Vipers body hitting the concrete in a lifeless heap.
They stepped outside, the faint evening light hitting their faces like a cruel reminder this was real.
Across the street stood Jasmine, flanked by her own bodyguards.
Her expression flickered with worry before twisting into a scowl the moment she spotted Alex’s hand clutching Sophia’s.
She stalked over in her designer heels, posture rigid, eyes brimming with rage.
“Well, well,” she snapped, crossing her arms.
“Look who’s having a grand old time. You disappear, make me chase all over town, visiting every police station- and when I finally find you, you’re getting cozy with another woman?”
Alex blinked, genuinely surprised.
“Jasmine, it’s not what it looks like. I-”
She cut him off, voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Don’t feed me that bullshit. I spent the whole night digging you out of trouble. Meanwhile, you’re hand in hand with another woman. I must be the biggest fool on earth to care!”
Sophia tried to speak, but her words tangled in her throat.
Alex looked from Jasmine to Sophia, and back again. “She was arrested because of me. I–I had to help her…”
Jasmine arched a brow. “Then why are you practically glued together?”
Only now did Alex notice he was still gripping Sophia’s hand. Both of them jolted apart like they’d touched a live wire, cheeks flushing in unison.
Jasmine gave an exasperated scoff.
“Unbelievable. I thought you were a good guy, but apparently, you collect women like trading cards. Congratulations, Alex–you’ve officially disappointed me.”
With that, she spun on her heel, hair whipping behind her, ready to vanish into the night.
Alex took a half step to follow, hesitated, then cast a quick glance at Sophia.
“Are you… are you okay if I—”
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Chapter 199
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Sophia’s lips were pressed tight. She looked away, her tones frosty as a winter wind. “G chase your princess. Don’t pretend you need my permission.”
Alex swallowed hard, then muttered, “Take a cab home,” before dashing after Jasmine.
Sophia stood there, arms crossed, seething at her own words.
She wanted him to stay, to prove she mattered more than that spoiled brat, but he’d run off without a second thought.
Tears of anger and frustration burned at the corner of Sophia’s eyes as she watched Alex disappear down the
street.
The entire day felt like a nightmare–blood, gunshots, twisted loyalties, and now this heart–wrenching mess. Tears blurred her vision; she felt humiliated, unwanted, and downright furious.
Outside on the sidewalk, Alex caught up to Jasmine.
“Jasmine, wait! Please–hear me out.”
She turned on him, face pinched.
“You’ve got ten seconds before I smash your phone and leave you in the gutter.”
“It was complicated,” Alex began, panting.
“Sophia got arrested because of me. There was a shootout… I had to protect her, keep her safe. That’s it. There’s nothing else between us–nothing real.”
Jasmine narrowed her eyes.
“You swear it?”
“I swear.”
For a moment, she stared him down like a hawk sizing up a rat.
Then, so suddenly it almost gave Alex whiplash, Jasmine’s lips twitched into a sweet, dazzling smile.
“Fine. Consider yourself forgiven on account of your oh–so–heartfelt explanation.”
Alex blinked. Her mood swing was sharper than a switchblade, and he couldn’t help feeling like she’d just reeled him in with a well–practiced act.
From the distance, Sophia stood rooted, arms clamped around herself, glaring at Jasmine’s triumphant smirk.
The meaning was crystal clear: I won.
Jasmine looped her arm through Alex’s.
“Let’s go. I’ll drive you home.”
He shook his head. “I can’t. Not yet. There’s someone I need to meet.”
“Who?” Jasmine demanded.
“The bastard who got me into this mess.”
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Chapter 199
Later that night, a sleek, high–walled mansion loomed under the moonlight.
Expensive cars crowded the circular driveway like a parade of polished predators.
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Inside, Raymond paced in a lavish sitting room, every step echoing across the marble floors.
Opposite him, sprawled on an imported leather sofa, was Henry Dupont, a young man dressed in head–to–toe luxury.
Six female bodyguards flanked him–each stunning, each armed with sleek, curved blades, and each carrying herself like she could slice a person in half before breakfast
Henry took a leisurely sip of his red wine.
“So, Raymond, you yank me out here from Chicago with talk of miracles and fortunes. Now, explain why I’m not sipping margaritas in my penthouse instead.”
Raymond forced a stiff grin. “Mr. Dupont, trust me, you won’t regret hearing this. I’ve tested a new formula personally–a ‘miracle pill.‘ It saved my life when I was on the brink of death from internal injuries. This stuff can heal almost anything, accelerate martial–arts training, you name it.”
“Mm–hmm.” Henry snapped his fingers. One of his bodyguards handed him a cigar, lighting it for him. He blew a Jazy smoke ring. “That’s a big claim. Where’s this wonder pill? I don’t do imaginary deals.”
Raymond coughed, sweat beading on his brow.
“Unfortunately, I’m… temporarily out. But one of my men’s retrieving the prescription as we speak. It won’t be long, I swear.”
Henry’s eyes gleamed with sudden menace.
“Is this your idea of a joke? You drag me away from my city, away from my comfortable life, for vaporware? You’d better pray that pill is real, or your coffin’s going to be on sale this week.”
Raymond’s nerves rattled, but he managed a shaky smile.
“I promise you–this deal is genuine. Once we secure the recipe, I’ll begin production immediately. The Chicago Lord guild will get the first exclusive batch. You’ll have the global market eating out of your palm, Mr. Dupont.” Henry flicked ash onto Raymond’s pristine floor, clearly enjoying the other man’s discomfort.
“That’s better. If you keep your word, I might mention you favorably to my father. If he’s in a generous mood, he’ll see what your cooperation might earn you. If not…” He shrugged.
“We’ll see just how ‘miraculous‘ that pill really is—maybe it’ll heal you after my bodyguards run you through.” Raymond’s forced grin widened.
“Thank you, Mr. Dupont. I swear I won’t let you down.”
But beneath his polished exterior, Raymond seethed. He knew the stakes. The Chicago Lord guild held power is politics, the military, and the corporate world.
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