Ch. 71..80

Unable To Hold On Any Longer

He is really unlucky to have to deal with this troublesome woman.

“Hey, what kind of expression is that?” Kristie noticed that Rayna had a smirk on her face, and her irritation flared, thinking that the woman was mocking her. “Are you cursing me silently?” she bellowed.

“No.”

“I don’t believe it. You must be speaking ill of me in your heart!” Kristie stomped her feet in fury before raising her hand to give Rayna a slap across her face.

A cold glint flashed across the latter’s eyes.

As she was tied up, there was no way she could avoid being hit.

However, just before Kristie’s hand landed on Rayna’s face, she stopped and looked at her palm before muttering, “I can’t do this. My hand would hurt if I slapped her. Besides, what if it upsets Curt?”

Rayna felt relieved when she heard that, thinking that out of fear for Curtis, Kristie would release her that evening at the latest. However, the next moment, Kristie retracted her hand and left.

A while later, Kristie returned carrying a small box in her hand. She had also brought along four tall and muscular men, who had murderous glints in their eyes, with her.

Rayna could roughly make out what Kristie had in her hands. It was a syringe and a small bottle. She took a glance at the four men behind Kristie and knew immediately what was going to happen.

“Ms. Winton, if I have offended you in any way, I apologize. Besides, there is really nothing between Mr. Faymon and me,” Rayna said calmly before continuing, “Please don’t be rash.”

“What is it? Are you scared now?” It was the first time Kristie saw Rayna looking fearful. She knew that the woman was taken aback by what she was holding.

With a smug expression on her face, she leaned in closer to Rayna and said, “I’m not going to do anything to you other than take a few pictures.” She paused and let out a cold snort before saying, “That way, you wouldn’t dare to return to Faymon Group ever again after Curt chases you out.”

One would not be able to tell how vicious Kristie was judging by her meek and fragile appearance.

“Ms. Winton, you’d better think carefully,” Rayna said, remaining calm. “It’s possible that Mr. Faymon already knows that you’re here. If he finds out that you have bought these things, he will be really mad at you.”

“Shut up and stop mentioning his name!” Kristie was getting annoyed. She instructed those men to hold Rayna down while she took the syringe out from its packaging.

The next moment, the syringe was inserted into Rayna’s skin.

As the woman was being pinned down by those strong men, she was unable to move.

“All right. Half of it is enough.” Kristie pulled out the syringe after inserting half of the substance into Rayna’s body.

As she heard that the substance was rather potent, she did not want to go too overboard.

Rayna started to feel weak, and her face started to flush. Seeing that, Kristie could not help but feel excited. After instructing those men to toss Rayna on the bed, she turned on her phone camera.

“Ms. Winton, I know about Mr. Faymon’s secret,” Rayna said weakly on the bed. “If I let you in on it, can you go easy on your punishment for me?”

“Are you lying to me?” Kristie pouted as she eyed the other woman suspiciously.

I’m with Curt all the time. How can there be anything about him that I don’t know?

“I swear that I’m not lying. If I am, I will die a horrible death,” Rayna said before continuing, “Come nearer to me. I’ll share it with you.”

As Rayna did not look like she was lying, Kristie approached her doubtfully and asked, “What’s the secret?”

Rayna looked over the woman’s shoulder and said shyly, “It’s hard to say those words out loud. Why don’t you get them to leave first? It’s embarrassing to say it in front of them.”

Assuming that Rayna was referring to that stuff, Kristie gestured for the men to leave the room. After those men left, she stared at Rayna and said through gritted teeth, “I’m really curious to know what it is that you can’t say out loud!”

Due to the drug that was taking effect in her body, Rayna’s face was getting redder and redder. In fact, she was barely able to hold on any longer.

Just a while more. I can’t let her take pictures of me!

The woman dug her fingers into her palms to keep herself conscious before waving Kristie over. “Well, it’s…”

“What is it?” Kristie was already losing patience.

When Rayna noticed that Kristie had let her guard down, she grabbed the woman’s ponytail and pinned her down using her feet before snatching the syringe over and injecting the other half of the drug into Kristie’s body.

“Ahh!” Kristie let out an agonized scream while struggling to break free. “Rayna, you b*tch! How dare you lie to me and sneak an attack on me!”

“That’s nothing compared to what you have done, Ms. Winton,” Rayna sneered. Trying her best to ignore her discomfort, Rayna tied Kristie up with a rope before stuffing a smelly sock into the woman’s mouth.

Kristie almost fainted from the pungent smell of the sock.

Noticing that Kristie’s phone was not locked, Rayna removed the phone’s password protection at once and ripped up Kristie’s blouse, revealing her breasts.

“Mmm… Mmm… Mmm!”

Kristie wriggled with all her might, trying to knock her phone out of Rayna’s hand. However, as she had gotten someone to fix the chair to the floor earlier, she was unable to move a single inch. As such, she had no choice but to let Rayna take photos of her freely.

“Ms. Garland, it seems like karma has struck you.” With a frosty gaze, Rayna patted Kristie’s cheek and said, “I bet you’re hoping that those men outside will come to your rescue, am I right?”

Kristie stared at Rayna, wishing that she could kill the woman there and then.

Meanwhile, Rayna was starting to feel weak in her knees, and she could barely hold on any longer. Although only half of the drug was injected into her body, the drug had taken effect very quickly. That made her realize that it was not an ordinary drug and that she had to find a solution as soon as possible.

Currently, there were four men outside. As Rayna was extremely thirsty at that moment, going out wasn’t an option for her. She wouldn’t be able to control herself and would end up throwing herself at

those men.

Just then, the woman noticed a small window close to the top of the wall. At once, she stacked a chair on top of a table. Then, she stood on the chair and tried to climb up to the window.

Fortunately, Rayna was very slim and was able to crawl through the window. However, a rubbish truck was parked right below the window, and the woman’s nostrils were attacked by the stench coming from the vehicle at once.

Rayna gritted her teeth and jumped into the rubbish truck. Her body was instantly covered with rubbish that stank horribly.

After retching a few times, the woman’s anger was tamped down slightly.

Rayna climbed out of the rubbish truck, and with the help of the GPS in Kristie’s phone, she started navigating her way out of the alley.

The streets were crowded, and the weather was warm. Surrounded by the smell of sweat, Rayna could feel anger welling up in her chest again. The next moment, her knees buckled, and she fell to the ground.

Right at that moment, Curtis’ car arrived.

He had received Rayna’s call earlier, but the call was disconnected before anyone spoke. A while after that, Gray Wolf called.

“Mr. Faymon, that lady did not get into Mr. Tylinski’s car. I have already caught that driver, and he had confessed that an attractive woman had instructed him to send that lady to a hotel. Mr. Faymon, since you are closer to that place, you should head there first. I will bring some men over right away.”

Curtis set off for the hotel immediately after he hung up. After analyzing the situation along the way, the man figured that the attractive woman was most likely Kristie, who had called him the previous night.

If it was his aunt or anyone else from the Faymon family, they would not have bothered taking Rayna elsewhere but would have killed her right away. Meanwhile, Rayna had been an eyesore to Kristie for a long time.

Curtis’ expression turned cold, and he slammed on the brakes at once when he spotted someone collapsing on the side of the road.

He managed to catch a glimpse of the person’s face right before she fell to the ground. It was Rayna.

The man got out of his car to check out the situation at once. Although Rayna was covered in dirt, Curtis could still see the unnatural blush on her face. He removed his jacket right away and wrapped it around the woman before carrying her into the car.

After getting into the car, Curtis sped all the way to the hotel.

He turned on the tap and threw Rayna into the bathtub before making a call to Gabriel. “Gabriel, get the doctor here immediately and ask Gray Wolf to bring Kristie to me right now!”

She’s really getting out of hand. I had already warned her not to touch Rayna, but she had come all the way to Tyrandas to create such trouble!

Curtis could feel his anger mounting.

 

Chapter 72 Please Let Me Have A Touch

After hanging up the phone, Curtis went straight out without looking back. Since Rayna was a woman, it was better to get a female attendant to help her out.

However, he barely managed to walk two steps when he felt his shirt being grabbed from behind.

Rayna managed to stand up in the bathtub, but the shower had left her drenched, and her hair was all over her flushed red cheeks. “Uncle Curtis…”

Curtis was stunned for a moment when he heard her gentle voice. He didn’t expect that she had regained her voice entirely.

The hand that clutched his shirt was delicately fair under the light. As he freed himself from her hold, he gulped and murmured, “I’ll get someone to help you out.”

Yet, Rayna grabbed his shirt again. After being drugged, her nose was extremely sensitive to smell. She could smell that Curtis was giving off a pleasant scent.

“Uncle Curtis, come here.” The bathtub was too slippery. She tried a few times but couldn’t get up. She barely managed to hold onto a part of Curtis’ shirt as he stood far away from her.

Rayna looked up at him, licked her lips, and pleaded, “Just let me have a touch, please.”

Her voice sounded so soft. Curtis held on her wrist and checked her pulse. Her heart was racing quickly, and her body temperature was elevated. Something’s wrong with her!

Curtis’ glare turned hostile.

He was so furious that he wanted nothing more than to throw Kristie to an isolated island for half a year. That’s why I felt something was wrong with Rayna when I brought her back. She has been drugged!

Curtis called Gabriel again and instructed, “Get a female doctor.”

“Mr. Faymon, the doctor and I have arrived at the entrance.”

“Go and get another doctor!” Curtis bellowed coldly. Just as he hung up the phone, Rayna had already gotten out of the bathtub and clung to him like a sloth.

“Uncle Curtis, you look so good…” Rayna murmured, her fingertips caressing his cheek as she continued, “Besides, you smell wonderful. Just like last time.”

She clung to him seductively.

“Uncle Curtis, please, let me touch it. Just a touch.” The woman’s crimson lips continued to move as she muttered in displeasure and reached into his shirt. Curtis’ lower abdomen tightened at the warm touch as he immediately regained his senses. He quickly undid his necktie and tied her hands up.

He brought her outside after wrapping her in a towel. Throwing her onto the bed, he quickly went straight to the living room without even batting an eye.

Curtis was willing to bed with her. He still had vivid memories of her soft, delicate figure. However, he had no interest in a woman who was being drugged. It would seem like he was taking advantage of her.

His lower abdomen felt as though it was on fire after being touched by Rayna’s fingers. He was suffering from the heat when he noticed a cigarette box on the coffee table. He hurriedly took one out, lighted it, and took a few puffs to relieve his discomfort.

Not long after, Gabriel arrived with a female doctor.

The doctor went into the room to examine Rayna while Gabriel came forward to Curtis and reported, “Mr. Faymon, Ms. Kristie was the one who kidnapped Ms. Garland after she snuck back from a ceremony she had attended in Epea. Gray Wolf informed me that Ms. Kristie had been kidnapped when he arrived at the scene. However, he urged us to relax because he had chased after Ms. Kristie, and she was wearing his unique customized ring.”

“Why was she abducted? She is not a threat to the Faymon family,” Curtis questioned coldly, flicking his cigarette over the ashtray.

“Right now, it’s unclear what the intention is. We have no choice but to wait for Gray Wolf’s return. Despite this, Gray Wolf is pretty impressive and is actually a genius in physics. I doubt even the research institute could create that kind of tracker,” replied Gabriel.

Curtis nodded in agreement. Although Theodore attended the same school as Gray Wolf, he might not be able to compete. “Indeed. Pay him in double when he comes back.”

“Noted.”

At that moment, Curtis’ phone on the coffee table buzzed. He received some pictures from an unknown party.

His expression darkened instantly as he clicked to access the pictures.

Kristie appeared unkempt, bound to a chair, and in poor physical condition in the pictures. She was positioned next to the ocean with the waves slamming into the sand. It seemed like she would soon tumble into the sea with the chair.

When Gabriel saw the picture, his expression changed abruptly. “Mr. Faymon!”

It came in the form of a WhatsApp message. Grim-faced, Curtis added the WhatsApp number and initiated a video call. In the next second, a man appeared on the screen.

“Good day, Mr. Faymon.” Although the man looked harsh, his greeting was pleasant. Kristie, who was tied to a chair and had a stone tied to her leg, was behind him as he raised his phone.

Shooting a glance at the person behind the man, Curtis uttered in a low voice, “I want to talk to your boss.”

At first sight, Curtis was certain that the man was a bodyguard who was just following orders.

“I was about to tell you this, Mr. Faymon.” Ringo stopped talking and started a chat room, inviting people to join.

Soon, another gentlemanly-looking man appeared on the screen.

Curtis narrowed his eyes and said, “Mr. Hamilton, your business is in Epea; we do not interact. Why are you doing this? Why would you disturb my people?”

Jefferson smiled. “Indeed, Mr. Faymon. There is no need for me to harbor resentment toward you because we don’t have any interaction in business. However, I will assist you in teaching her a lesson because you are unable to discipline your people properly.”

Within a single sentence, Curtis was aware of Jefferson’s intention to kidnapping Kristie. He noticed that Jefferson was in an Epean-style living room with a vista of yellow and orange outside the floor-to- ceiling window.

Although Jefferson was elsewhere, he must have dispatched someone to Tyrandas.

“I didn’t discipline my people well, and I will let her pay for that. There is no need for you to take action. Think about the dog’s owner before you hit it. I’m sure you’re aware of this, Mr. Hamilton,” said Curtis indifferently.

“No. Since it’s your people, I’m sure you will have mercy on her.” Jefferson smiled. His voice seemed gentle, yet there was a murderous intent exuded from him.

“So, are you declaring war with me? Since I last entered the business world, it has been a while since I last engaged in a match with anyone,” Curtis sneered and put his cigarette in the ashtray.

“I’ve always wanted to have a match with you, Mr. Faymon. There’s no need to rush, though.” Jefferson was aware of the vast business empire of the Faymon Group. But instead of being worried, he grinned affectionately and gently.

Someone entered the room with a box at that precise moment, and Jefferson pointed the camera over while unwrapping the box.

It was a bloody finger in the box with a high-quality emerald ring on that finger. It launched a strong visual assault, unsure whether to look at the finger or the high-quality emerald ring.

Curtis’ face twitched.

That ring is the Faymon family’s heirloom. Aunt Sienna is so adored by Grandma that she is given an emerald ring on her wedding day. Since then, she never takes it off.

Jefferson stated slowly, “Mr. Faymon, I think nobody informed you before that I don’t have a very good personality. I’m just like you. I won’t let anyone touch things that are mine, even if I’ve thrown them away. My ex-girlfriend is really naive and easy to fool with. I have nothing to say as she willingly helped you with that business cooperation. However, I would not stand idly by when the Faymon family actually dared to touch her.”

“I have no issue with that, even if you cut off ten of her fingers.” Curtis was calm. He knew Jefferson appeared polite, but his personality was actually quite aggressive. However, Jefferson’s genuine brutality surprised him.

Besides, he brought Rayna to Tyrandas to assist him in the business cooperation, and he didn’t want anything bad to happen to her either. He had not anticipated that Sienna would hire someone to kill Rayna.

He didn’t do a good job of protecting Rayna, and he had no justification in response to Jefferson’s accusation.

 

Chapter 73 Because Of A Woman

Jefferson let out a chuckle and said, “I’m glad you feel that way, Mr. Faymon. However, I have no use for this finger, so I’ll have someone mail it over to you.”

“Have him release Kristie. I’m not known to have a good temper either,” Curtis said calmly. I couldn’t care less what Jefferson does to Aunt Sienna, but I won’t just sit by and watch him hurt Kristie!

“I’m afraid that’s not possible. She needs to be punished for what she did. How about this? I’ll let her go if she can survive three minutes in the ocean,” Jefferson replied with a sadistic grin.

Curtis clenched his fists tightly but maintained a smile on his face. “Go ahead and try.”

Only a few have dared challenge him in life.

Jefferson’s grin widened when he felt Curtis’ intimidating aura through the screen. He was about to have Ringo drop her when he heard a sudden, loud noise.

The next thing he knew, the phone fell to the floor, and Ringo could be heard groaning in pain.

A few seconds later, someone else picked up the phone.

“Mr. Faymon, I have secured Ms. Winton, but that guy jumped off the cliff and ran. Should I have someone chase after him?” James asked coldly as he appeared on screen wearing a black beanie.

Curtis breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that. Wow… Not only is this young man great at sniping and designing stuff, but he’s also skilled in hand-to-hand combat!

Jefferson was finally starting to show some fear when he recognized James.

He first saw James when he met up with Roxanne a while back. That was how he knew about Rayna having a younger brother. Jefferson was planning on roping James in at first, but he never had the chance to.

I was not expecting James to be that skilled in fighting! On top of that, he’s on Curtis’ side!

Of course, Ringo wasn’t the only person on the cliff. There were others hidden nearby, but Jefferson decided not to have them attack James because he was Rayna’s brother. He then motioned at the man standing next to him and had him make a phone call.

“You sure have a lot of talented individuals on your side, Mr. Faymon. I can’t believe he took down my most skilled bodyguard. It looks like I have no choice but to hand this woman back to you.”

“Feel free to visit me in Chanaea anytime, Mr. Hamilton,” Curtis said.

“I’ll be sure to take you up on your invitation, Mr. Faymon. Please try to keep your people under control, though. I won’t always be so kind, you know?” Jefferson replied before hanging up, leaving Curtis and James in the video call.

“I’ll bring Ms. Winton and this phone back to you, Mr. Faymon,” James said.

“You can discard the phone. I doubt there is anything useful in it.” Curtis knew full well how cautious Jefferson was. He figured that subordinate wouldn’t have left the phone behind if it contained important information.

“Understood.”

Curtis then placed his phone down on the coffee table and kept quiet.

Gabriel, who was standing next to him at the time, felt as though the temperature in the room was dropping rapidly.

“Call Quadrius. I want every information I can get on Jefferson!” Curtis ordered coldly.

This guy had the audacity to kidnap Kristie. I need to find out who he is and make him pay for what he did!

As Gabriel went off to make the phone call, the female doctor stepped out of the bedroom and said in Anglandurn, “Mr. Faymon, the PO3 inhibitor isn’t working on her either.”

The PO3 inhibitor is a powerful drug used to reduce the effects of strong aphrodisiacs. It’s very expensive and is known for its high efficacy. If it doesn’t work on Rayna, then the drug she has been injected with must be of a much higher level. How the heck did Kristie get her hands on something this potent?

“That b*stard!” Curtis cursed under his breath.

After taking a moment to keep his anger suppressed, Curtis asked the doctor, “What if we retrieve a sample of the drug from her blood and send it to a lab? How long would it take for them to come up with an antidote?”

“At least six hours.”

“Get it done. I’ll watch over her.”

“Um, I’m not sure if that’s going to work, Mr. Faymon.” The doctor glanced at the bedroom as she continued, “I don’t think she’ll last long enough for me to bring you the antidote.”

Curtis frowned. “It’s just an aphrodisiac, right? I’ll just keep her immersed in cold water, then.”

The doctor had no choice but to explain the situation to him.

Curtis was frozen in shock after hearing the doctor’s explanation. The look in his eyes was so cold that the doctor shivered in fear as she awaited his instructions.

The silence in the living room was broken by the faint moans coming from the bedroom.

There was a combination of pain and pleasure in Rayna’s voice.

After about fifteen minutes, Curtis glanced at the bedroom door with a gloomy look in his eyes.

“Get out,” he said coldly.

The doctor quickly went back into the bedroom to pack her stuff. Rayna’s sobs and moans got even louder when the doctor opened the door. Curtis’ body was incredibly tense as he stood there and watched.

A few minutes later, he was the only one left in the house.

As the bedroom door was left ajar, Curtis could clearly hear Rayna’s moans coming from inside. Right when he was about to enter the bedroom, he recalled something and grabbed his phone from the coffee table.

He then dialed a number and made a phone call, which got through within seconds.

A familiar voice came on the other line. “What’s up, Curtis?”

“Is it true what you told me about that drug?”

“Which drug?”

“FX1236. You said it could erase a person’s memories of the past twelve hours.”

“It’s true, but the drug is still in the development phase.” Realizing something was amiss, the guy asked, “Why would you want to know about this drug, Curtis? Do you need it urgently?”

“Yes, I need one.”

Curtis was interested in Rayna when he saw her drunk at the bar because she was still somewhat conscious. Now that she was completely out of it, he didn’t feel like laying a finger on her at all. He was only willing to do it because the doctor said it’d take too long to formulate an antidote. He wanted to wipe Rayna’s memories because he didn’t want her to think he raped her. Besides, it wasn’t his style to have sex with a woman without her consent.

“I don’t mind getting you the drug, but you need to tell me what you need it for. After all, you did tell me that this drug I’m developing is a dangerous substance!” Jeremy York said with a mischievous smirk.

Curtis let out a snicker when he heard that. “I’m surprised you have the audacity to hold a grudge against me! Anyway, I want one sent over within five hours. In return, I’ll sponsor your research for the next three years, regardless of what it is you’re developing.”

Given the situation he was in, he had no choice but to play along with Jeremy.

“Where are you right now, Curtis?”

“Tyrandas.”

Jeremy, who was always well-mannered and sophisticated, exclaimed in shock, “What the f*ck? That’s so far away! There’s no way I could get it delivered within five hours!” After taking a moment to calm down and analyze the situation, he asked, “Why do you need the drug so urgently, Curtis? Is it because of a woman?”

Curtis simply kept quiet in response.

As Rayna’s sobbing and moaning grew increasingly louder, Jeremy was able to hear it over the phone.

“Ahem… It looks like you found yourself a wild one, Curtis! I thought you were free of lust, but it seems like I was wrong!” he said while trying to hold his laughter in.

“Jeremy…” Curtis’ tone grew icy-cold in an instant.

“All right, I’ll have someone send it to you right away. It should reach you within five hours. Remember your promise to sponsor my research for the next three years, okay?” Jeremy replied.

“Yeah, okay.”

For some reason, Curtis was sweating profusely by the time he ended the call. Rayna sounded like she was in a lot of pain as she continued sobbing and moaning.

Curtis then placed his phone down and made his way over to the bedroom.

 

Chapter 74 Whose Lipstick Mark

On the other hand, James untied Kristie and brought her back to the hotel in a car.

Kristie no longer had her previous radiance and was now in a pitiful state. Her checkered dress was torn, and she had rope marks on her wrists and ankles.

She had previously been unconscious and unable to feel anything. After James fed her some water, she started to mumble something inaudible, and her hands slowly pulled at his sleeve.

“Gray Wolf, is the air conditioning not switched on? I’m feeling so hot!”

Why is it so hot?

As she spoke, she couldn’t sit still and kept wriggling. As a result, her coat slipped off, revealing the checkered dress underneath. At the same time, her cleavage was fully exposed.

“Ms. Winton, please sit still.” James picked up the jacket and threw it back on her. With a gloomy face, he said, “Please don’t cause trouble for Mr. Faymon in the future.”

Kristie pouted her red lips and said in an aggrieved voice, “How did I cause any trouble? Hmph, it was Rayna… that b*tch! She only knows how to hit on Curt.”

She was feeling really hot, and as she spoke, she was panting. Her vision was blurry, and the more she looked at James’ face, the drier her throat became. She couldn’t help swallowing her saliva.

Grabbing the young man’s sleeve, Kristie climbed onto his legs and sat down.

“Your body feels so cold, and I love it.” Kristie rubbed her cheek against him like a coquettish kitten. “Can you hold me? Please hold me.”

James’ face turned dark as he caught a strong whiff of the girl’s sweet scent. He grabbed Kristie’s hand and tried to pull her away, but she held on tightly.

“Ms. Winton, if you don’t let go, I will have to use force.”

“You won’t.”

James was indeed afraid to do so. If it were someone else, he would break her hand without hesitation, but Kristie was Curtis’ favorite.

F*ck, so annoying!

“Gray Wolf, Gray Wolf…” Kristie pouted her red lips and kept calling his name. Her face was red, and her entire body was pressed against his chest.

James finally reckoned something was wrong when he peered into her eyes and saw that they were out of focus. It isn’t just a normal drug. He realized with growing alarm, and his face darkened with dread.

Didn’t Kristie kidnap that girl? How did things turn out like this?

Kristie twisted her body and squirmed even more fiercely as she continued pulling his clothes. She even kissed his neck, making James uncomfortable and flustered. Out of options, he had to use his jacket to tie up her hands.

When the car arrived at the hotel, James held Kristie and went directly to Curtis’ room, pressing the doorbell twice.

Kristie, who was tied up, wriggled in his arms unhappily. She was constantly kicking her legs and complaining about the heat. Overwhelmed by the ruckus, James felt his veins throbbing on his forehead.

Curtis opened the door, and he wore a gray bathrobe.

“Mr. Faymon, Ms. Winton has run into a bit of a problem, and I’m afraid you’re the only one who can solve it.” As he spoke, James was about to hand over the problematic lady. “I have something else to do, so I’ll…”

However, he abruptly stopped talking.

He initially thought Curtis had just taken a shower and changed into his bathrobe, but it didn’t seem to be the case. Noting the faint lip mark on James’ face, he concluded there was probably a woman in the room.

Curtis looked at Kristie, whose face was flushed red. She was almost in an identical state to Rayna.

It was not hard to imagine that Kristie wanted to make Rayna look bad, but because she wasn’t thinking clearly, Rayna was able to turn the tables on her. Thus, Kristie ended up falling into her own trap.

He had never thought Kristie to be so stupid before.

Thinking of the woman in the bedroom and the one in front of him, Curtis felt his head starting to hurt. “What’s the use of you bringing her here?”

“Mr. Faymon, where else do you want me to take her?” Not expecting Curtis to be with another woman, James was embarrassed. “How about leaving her here with you while I look for a doctor?”

Curtis’ face turned gloomy. “It’s no use to have the doctor over, as there isn’t enough time to prepare the antidote.”

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have to…

James failed to notice the unnatural look on Curtis’ face. He only felt that Kristie, writhing in his arms, was getting more difficult to handle. Getting more anxious, he said, “Mr. Faymon, surely you’ll need to look after her. Your stamina is good enough to handle the two of them anyway. If you need anything, just tell me, and I’ll get it for you immediately…”

“That’s enough.” Curtis almost choked mid-sentence. It was the first time that he lost his cool.

James didn’t continue speaking and handed Kristie over. “Then Mr. Faymon, Ms. Winton…”

At that moment, the sound of a woman’s voice came from the room. It was a coquettish and flirtatious voice that even made James’ ears tingle. He thought to himself, Even from across the living room, the woman’s voice can be heard so clearly.

“I know you are smart and will find a solution. I’ll leave this to you.” Curtis spoke quickly, anxious that Rayna might emerge and be seen by others. He then closed the door decisively.

James was shut out.

“What the heck?” James was rendered speechless.

Why am I the person to deal with his woman? She’s a pain in the a*s. What am I gonna do?

Mr. Faymon, you’re really putting me in a difficult position. How can you abandon your old lover for a new fling?

“Gray Wolf, I can’t stand this heat!” Kristie wriggled in his arms in a soft and coquettish manner. “You don’t have to tie me up. I want to cuddle.”

James wanted to curse out loud, as this was the first time he had to deal with somebody as vexing as Kristie.

Worried that somebody else might see them, James had no choice but to bring her to his place.

Cillian opened the door, naked from the waist up and only wearing shorts.

“F*ck!” Cillian saw that James came with a woman and immediately covered his chest in shock. “James, can’t you just get a room? I have my own reputation to uphold.”

“Stop your nonsense. Can’t you recognize her?” James pushed him aside and brought Kristie into the bathroom before rummaging through her bag.

After Cillian realized what was happening, he quickly put on a short sleeve shirt and approached James. “Is that Ms. Winton? What happened? Why are you with her?”

“Something terrible happened.”

“What?”

Cillian rushed to the bathroom and saw Kristie writhing in the bathtub. Her face flushed seductively, which would make any man’s belly tighten.

“It seems to be a big deal.” Cillian was visibly shaken and stammered, “Did Ms. Winton plan to surprise Mr. Faymon in bed, but he wasn’t there, so she…”

“No, she was drugged by someone else.” James looked for medicine while continuing, “I think it is the kidnapper’s doing. I brought her to meet Mr. Faymon, but he had another female companion.”

Cillian was initially confused but soon realized what he meant. Then, he exclaimed, “F*ck!”

James pushed Cillian out of the way and entered the bathroom with several bottles of medicine. Kristie was tied up and lying in the bathtub, her chest submerged in water and her hair in disarray.

“Gray Wolf, I don’t feel good,” Kristie said with a weeping voice as she struggled to break free. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at James pleadingly. “Please, cuddle with me!”

James ignored her and poured a handful of medicine into his hand. “Bring me a bottle of water.”

Cillian hurriedly brought over a bottle of mineral water.

James forcefully pinched the sides of Kristie’s jaw, opened her mouth, and forced the medicine down her throat. Cillian started pouring water into her mouth, terrified at the thought that Kristie might choke.

 

Chapter 75 Come Here

“At a time like this, who cares about being gentle?” James cursed angrily before snatching the bottled water and forcing Kristie to drink it.

He was being too aggressive, causing Kristie to choke and cough. Water overflowed from her lips to her chin.

“Hey! James, take it easy.” Cillian’s heart was hanging by a thread, and he stammered, “She’s Mr. Faymon’s favorite. We can’t afford to mess up.”

James sneered.

If she’s Mr. Faymon’s favorite, why would he look for another woman?

Once he was sure that Kristie had swallowed the medicine, James tossed her back into the bathtub. She slid into the water clumsily, startling Cillian, who sprang to carry her out.

“Khaff, khaff…” Kristie struggled to catch her breath. Her body was wet all over, and her eyes, though half-opened, lacked focus.

She continued to mumble softly, and it was apparent that she was suffering.

“Wait three minutes and monitor her situation.” James removed the black woolen cap on his head, revealing his messy short hair. In these few hours, he had been busy running around to get things settled.

Cillian asked, “Is that possible? Can these medicines take effect in just three minutes?”

“I sure hope so,” James said. He brought back the medicines from school a while ago but never used them. Now he had to try them all on Kristie. “If the medicines don’t work…”

“Then what do we do?” Cillian abruptly asked.

James gave him a sidelong glance and sneered, “Then you’ll have to do something about it!”

“Me? F*ck off!” Cillian stammered, quickly placing Kristie back in the bathtub. Obviously, he wanted nothing to do with her. “No, no, I’m still too young for this.”

“Stop pretending!” James sneered. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to.”

“Come on. She’s one of Mr. Faymon’s women. I will never even think about it. Besides, you don’t know Ms. Winton well. If she finds out that I did anything to her, she will probably come at me with a knife. Didn’t you say that Mr. Faymon was with another woman? What does she look like?” Cillian jumped to a different topic, obviously interested. “Is she local? Or is it Ms. Garland?”

“I didn’t go in, so how would I know?” James rolled his eyes.

“What a shame,” replied Cillian disappointedly. “I was hoping you could tell me something interesting!”

“Pfft, I wouldn’t dare gossip about Mr. Faymon’s matters. If I inadvertently offend someone, I would be found dead even before realizing it.”

James then shrugged his shoulders.

Suddenly, there was a commotion coming from the bathtub.

Kristie, whose hands were tied up, was squirming aggressively in the bathtub. At the same time, she was mumbling about the heat as she pitifully gazed at James and Cillian.

To be precise, she was staring at James.

“I’m not feeling well.” Kristie sniffed. Her eyes were visibly red, and she seemed to be on the verge of tears. “Come and cuddle with me, please?”

Her voice was soft and gentle, like sweet, honey-covered pastries.

Hearing this, Cillian blushed in embarrassment. James, however, was not affected as he remained completely calm.

“At such a state, Ms. Winton still cannot forget about you.” Cillian nudged James playfully. “I think she likes you.”

In response, James viciously kneed him in the thigh.

“Ouch!” Cillian contorted his face in pain. Agonized, he bent over his waist and lamented, “James, you’ve gone too far. This is outrageous!”

“I’ll shut your mouth for you since you’re asking for a beating!” James smirked coldly.

Kristie, with her chin resting on the edge of the bathtub, stared at James pitifully. It was as if she was expecting James to do something. Irritated, James furiously threw the mineral water bottle aside before walking over to her.

Kristie tilted her head upward and gazed at him like a tiny kitten. “I want cuddles.”

To hell with your cuddles!

James’ temper began to swell. He grabbed a handful of hair at the back of her head and pushed her harshly into the water. Kristie struggled to breathe, but the man’s arms remained perfectly still.

After silently counting down in his head, he pulled her out of the water.

Kristie was coughing violently. As her face was still bright red, James pushed her head back into the water again after she had caught her breath.

“Oh my goodness, James, have you gone mad?” Cillian rushed over, panicked and flustered. “Do you want to drown her alive? Let go of her now!”

James gave him a sidelong glance. “Shut your mouth. Do you understand?”

Although James was young, the look on his face exuded strength and coldness. His thick eyebrows matched his narrow, elongated eyes. When he narrowed his eyes, they radiated gruesome killing intent. Terrified, Cillian retracted his outstretched hand and took two steps back.

James lifted her head out of the water and then pushed it back in again.

He did this a few times. In the end, Kristie’s face turned pale, and her temperature dropped. It appeared that the medicine she took was beginning to take effect.

He pulled her out of the water, untied her, and carried her out of the bathroom. “Go find Mr. Tylinski and ask him for two sets of clothing.”

“Okay, okay.” Cillian scratched his head in confusion.

Just now, he thought that James was going to drown Kristie, but it turned out that wasn’t the case. Judging from the look on Kristie’s face, he believed she must have recovered.

As expected of James. He’s amazing!

At five-thirty in the afternoon, Gabriel entered the suite and knocked on the bedroom door.

Looking approachable and folksy, Curtis came out of the bedroom wearing some casual clothes.

“Why did you come here?”

“The medicine by Mr. York is here.” Gabriel handed over the shopping bag. With his head lowered, he continued, “These are also two sets of clothing that will fit Ms. Garland.”

Curtis furrowed his eyebrows, flashing an awkward gaze.

It’s not so good to have an assistant that is too clever either.

“I think that Julian will come over soon and keep track of the flights for the next few days,” said Curtis. “By the way, ask Gray Wolf to check up on the room that Rayna stayed in. While Jefferson may have made arrangements to monitor the hotel, he can’t know of Rayna’s every move. The room must be bugged.”

“I thought so too.” Gabriel nodded, “I’ve told Mr. Faymon about the matter, and he said that the protective wall is very thick and will take some time.”

“Just let me know if you get any news,” replied Curtis, looking a little better.

Previously, he knew that Jefferson was also vying for the project, but since Rayna was on his side and he couldn’t find any information on Jefferson, he brushed his concerns away. However, Jefferson had now waged war on him.

Whether Sienna was alive did not matter. However, the fact that Jefferson cut off his aunt’s finger was something that he could not let slide.

Curtis carried the bag to the bedroom.

The bag contained clothing and a transparent medicine box. There was also a note with instructions for use. It was stated that the medicine was for heart disease and should not be taken by any elderly or pregnant woman. Jeremy had also given him an extra one as a backup.

Jeremy previously said that the medicine was still in the trial stage and might not be able to completely erase a person’s memory within twelve hours. However, Curtis could not be bothered more. Even if the success rate was only ten percent, he was still willing to try.

It would be better for Rayna to forget about what happened tonight.

 

Chapter 76 It Is None Of Your Business

After taking out a pill from the transparent medicine box, Curtis opened a bottle of water and walked to the bed.

Rayna was lying on the soft bed. Her face was not as red as before and had already resumed its normal complexion. Even her breathing was now steady.

Curtis knelt on the bed and bent toward Rayna.

He was not. However, since he had been busy developing Faymon Group’s branch in Norham for the past two years, all he could think of was work. Despite the women flocking toward him, he ignored all of them.

After returning to the country and bumping into her at the bar, the suppressed feeling within his heart had been awakened. His heart would pound every time he interacted with her.

At that moment, Curtis suddenly did not want to give her the medicine. He wished that she would remember that night.

However, that thought only lingered in his mind for two seconds.

Curtis opened Rayna’s mouth to shove the pill in. However, she kept her mouth closed in her sleep. She even slapped his hand away and turned her head aside while mumbling something under her breath.

She’s still quite wary.

Curtis chuckled. He placed the pill in his mouth, drank a mouthful of water, and pinched Rayna’s chin. When she opened her mouth, he transferred the pill over.

Rayna had no choice but to swallow the pill with a slight moan.

She only woke up a day and a night afterward.

When she completely woke up, she realized that she was wearing pajamas and sleeping in Curtis’ bedroom. Confused, she mumbled, “Didn’t I change my clothes to prepare to leave? Why…”

I remember that after I woke up, I changed my clothes and went to find Uncle Curtis to ask him something. Why am I on the bed now? Was I sleepwalking? That doesn’t sound right. After swimming last night, I’m sure that I’ve returned to my room. But this is Uncle Curtis’ room!

Suddenly thinking about something, Rayna quickly pulled her sleeves up in a panic. Her arms were smooth without any blemishes. Furthermore, her body felt refreshed, and she did not feel anything strange.

Rayna heaved a sigh of relief.

No one can blame me for checking. It’s true that I was sleeping in my room last night, but I drank half a glass of wine before that. Luckily, I didn’t come running to Uncle Curtis while drunk and do something embarrassing.

At that moment, someone knocked on the bedroom door lightly. “Are you awake, Ms. Garland?”

“I’m awake!” replied Rayna quickly when she heard Gabriel’s voice. When she saw a dress placed on the couch, she quickly changed into it and washed up in the bathroom.

Gabriel was still standing outside when she opened the bedroom door.

Curtis was also in the living room. Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, he seemed to be taking a call. Rayna moved her gaze from his broad back to his butt, and her heart skipped a beat.

Wow! Uncle Curtis’ butt is quite perky.

“What are you looking at, Ms. Garland?” asked Gabriel deliberately when he noticed it.

“Ahem! N-Nothing.” Rayna quickly averted her gaze, the tips of her ears turning red. “Mr. Tylinski, I thought I was sleeping in my room last night. Why…”

Gabriel adjusted his glasses and said, “Have you forgotten, Ms. Garland? After Mr. Julian sent you a message last night, Mr. Faymon found it odd and asked you to stay here. I personally invited you over.”

“R-Really?” Rayna was still quite hesitant.

I remember that after my call, I gave Cillian, who was guarding the door, two chairs and some snacks. After that, I went back in and slept!

“Of course! Don’t forget my job, Ms. Garland.” There were no changes in Gabriel’s expression. “The hotel sent breakfast over. Have some food first, Ms. Garland.”

Rayna mumbled an acknowledgment and sat down at the dining table.

Although she had eaten supper before sleeping the previous night, she felt extremely famished, as if she had skipped a few meals. She picked up a sandwich and took a huge bite.

Curtis soon finished his call and sat down at the dining table too.

“How was your sleep last night, Ms. Garland?”

Rayna felt like Curtis’ deep and alluring voice was just caressing her ear. An inappropriate scene surfaced in her mind, causing her ears to blush.

Am I out of my mind? What was I thinking?

“Not bad,” replied Rayna vaguely. Pretending to be calm, she drank a mouthful of orange juice. When she noticed from the corners of her eyes that Curtis was staring at her broodingly, she immediately choked.

The orange juice dripped down her lips and dirtied her skirt.

Curtis passed two pieces of tissue paper to her with a slight smile. Laughing awkwardly, Rayna took it. However, a gloomy feeling surfaced within her.

For some reason, ever since she woke up and saw Curtis, their interaction was not as natural as before and even became slightly awkward. Furthermore, she kept thinking about weird things.

Is it a problem with me?

Gabriel, who had gone outside to grab something, returned at that moment. “Mr. Faymon, when Cillian searched Ms. Garland’s room, he found this.”

As he spoke, he placed a pink children’s ring on the table.

“What’s the problem with this?” Rayna recognized the ring. A boy had insistently shoved it into her hands when she returned from the swimming pool. She had placed it on the mini-bar casually when she got back.

Rayna glanced at Curtis.

She still remembered that the little boy called Curtis “mister” and reminded her not to remarry someone so old. Thinking about it, Uncle Curtis is barely thirty. He isn’t that old.

“There’s a slight problem,” replied Gabriel as he took out a screwdriver and skillfully opened the children’s ring. A small black object fell out of it.

“What’s that?” Rayna picked it up and inspected it. Despite being very small, it was filled with circuit components.

“A listening device.”

“No way!” Rayna’s expression changed in disbelief. “I thought that it was just a plastic ring. If it’s really a listening device, then…”

She turned her head around and looked at Curtis.

“It’s not Ms. Sienna. She’s not that bold.” Curtis took a sip of coffee calmly.

“Who is it, then?”

“Jefferson.”

Stunned, Rayna instinctively tightened her grip on that device.

Ever since Jefferson let go of her and left the airport, she had never seen him again. She thought that he had given up as she was helping Curtis, and there was no way for him to win.

Gabriel added, “I’ve got the same thought as Mr. Faymon. Recently, there have been more guests in the hotel. They’re all from Yartran, so I deduced Mr. Hamilton has planted his men in the hotel.”

“I won’t be surprised if it’s really him. After all, he owns a business that’s worth billions.” Annoyed by the listening device, Rayna broke it with the screwdriver’s handle and tossed it into the rubbish bin. “He can be quite extreme sometimes.”

A grim look crossed Curtis’ eyes as he asked coldly, “You seem to know him very well, Ms. Garland.”

Rayna laughed. “We’ve dated for so long. You’d know even a cat’s habits after taking care of it for a long time.”

Gabriel nodded. “Ms. Garland is right.”

In the next second, Curtis shot a cold glance at him. It’s none of your business.

Gabriel scratched his nose and fell silent.

Chapter 77 Precious Darling

At that moment, someone banged on the room door loudly, scaring Rayna. There must be something wrong with the person outside. There’s a doorbell, but the person isn’t pressing it!

Kristie stomped in angrily in a red dress. If it were someone else, Rayna would have thought that the person was crazy. However, it was understandable if it was Kristie.

When she went to Curtis’ mansion the previous time, she also ignored the doorbell and insisted on knocking on the door.

What a spoilt princess!

“Curt, why are you chasing me to Moranta to study?” Without a care in the world, Kristie walked in and sat on Curtis’ lap indignantly. “I don’t want to go!”

When she stormed over to Tyrandas to teach Rayna a lesson, Rayna ended up turning the tables on her. After she had spent so much effort untying the ropes around her hands, a man rushed in and knocked her out.

She regained consciousness that morning in Gray Wolf’s room. He said that she had taken some medicine and her body was fine. After eating breakfast, she was supposed to board a plane and leave.

Curtis had instructed that she would be sent to Moranta to study for half a year.

“You must go.” Without even cracking a smile, Curtis said coldly, “I’ve terminated all the previous films that you were part of. After you come back, I’ll appoint another manager for you.”

“Curt, you’re bullying me!” protested Kristie as she threw a tantrum. “You’re just annoyed with me and want to send me far away!”

“If you continue kicking up a fuss, I’ll make you study there for a longer time.”

“You don’t pamper me anymore, Curt!” With her eyes turning red, Kristie sounded like she was on the verge of tears. “No one does that to their precious darling!”

“Ahem!” When Rayna heard the term “precious darling,” she could not hold herself back anymore. She choked on her sandwich and had to take a huge gulp of orange juice to swallow it.

Kristie immediately spun her head around and frowned upon spotting Rayna. “You foul vixen!”

That woman sabotaged me so badly!

“It looks like I’m quite a beautiful lady to be called a vixen by you, Ms. Winton.” Not angry at all, Rayna said with a smile, “Let me correct you. Vixens are alluring but not foul.”

“I say what I like. It’s none of your business!” Kristie widened her eyes and cursed, “You’re just pretending to be an innocent b*tch. All you do is sabotage others. If it weren’t for you—”

“Shut up,” stated Curtis in a deep and commanding voice.

Kristie pouted with an indignant expression, looking like she was on the verge of tears.

It’s all that woman’s fault for sabotaging me! She pushed me to the brink of desperation, and now I’m being sent away to study!

“Curt, I don’t want to study!” Kristie only dared to speak after holding herself back for a while. “Curt, you can change my manager if you want. I just don’t want to study!”

Curtis ignored her and called, “Gabriel?”

“Got it, Mr. Faymon.”

Rayna and Kristie were both puzzled. Even though Curtis did not say much, it was like Gabriel could read his mind.

After a while, Rayna saw Gabriel reappear with a transparent and long ruler. When Kristie, who was sitting on Curtis’ lap, spotted the ruler, her face turned pale.

“Curt, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have snuck here. I just missed you too much! I didn’t neglect my work either,” exclaimed Kristie in a cute tone. “I’ll go back and write ten apology letters. No, fifty!”

Curtis lifted her away from him, revealing no signs of emotions on his face.

“The usual rules.”

“It’s too embarrassing, Curt! Don’t do this!” Kristie’s head dropped as she pointed at Rayna. “That old woman keeps bullying me! I…”

However, when she saw the stern and cold look in Curtis’ eyes, she pouted and walked toward Gabriel.

Gabriel took a cushion and placed it on the floor.

Rayna, on the other hand, was pleased. She initially thought that Curtis would just punish Kristie by making her stand and write apology letters. With a grunt, Kristie knelt on the cushion reluctantly.

Curtis sat there with his legs crossed and instructed calmly, “Fifty slaps on the palm.”

“Fifty?” Kristie placed her hands down immediately, her cheeks completely pale. “My hands are so soft, Curt. Can you bear to hit me fifty times? It used to be only ten times in the past! You’ve increased it by five times, Curt! You’re a villain!”

Curtis was so annoyed by her loud protests that he frowned.

Massaging his temples, he glanced at Rayna. “Ms. Garland, how many times do you think is appropriate?”

Rayna was at a loss for words.

Uncle Curtis, you can just teach her a lesson if you want. Why are you dragging me into this?

Kristie glared at Rayna with a murderous look in her eyes, as if she would kill Rayna if she dared to say anything wrong.

“I think fifty’s pretty good,” replied Rayna coolly, ignoring Kristie’s glare. She had not forgotten how Kristie had hit her knee with the golf club.

“Rayna!” Kristie fumed with rage, wishing for nothing more than to skin Rayna alive. “Just wait!”

Curtis said calmly, “Go to Moranta and study or get hit fifty times on your palms. It’s your choice.”

Studying is so boring. I won’t go!

Kristie stared at Curtis pitifully. When she saw that he was not planning on defending her, she pouted and raised her hands over her head. Gabriel swung the ruler down harshly.

“Ouch! It hurts!” Kristie blew on her palms which had turned red from the beating.

However, under Curtis’ intimidating gaze, she raised her hands again.

The crisp slaps resounded across the silent living room once every two seconds. After twenty-four slaps, Kristie’s palms became completely red, and she could barely raise them.

“Mr. Faymon, Ms. Winton still needs to act. We can call it a day after a few more hits,” interrupted Rayna. After all, showing Kristie a bit of mercy would make life easier in the future. She did not want to

be enemies with Kristie forever. “That’s enough.”

Kristie did not put up a stubborn front either and exclaimed through tears, “Yeah! I still need to act after going back. If you continue hitting me, my hands will be paralyzed. How can I continue acting then?”

Smirking coldly, Curtis said, “It’ll be good if they’re paralyzed. That’ll make your memory better.”

Kristie cowered, her shoulders slumping down.

“Go back in the evening and stay with the film crew. We’ll continue after you’re done with the filming. You aren’t allowed to go anywhere else,” commanded Curtis. “If this happens another time, I’ll break your legs, understand?”

“Understood.” Kristie nodded obediently.

“Get lost!”

Since Kristie had been kneeling for a long while, her knees ached, and she could not stand. Gabriel had to help her up and walk her to the door.

“Ms. Kristie, this is the medicine. Apply it thrice daily.” Gabriel shoved the medicine into Kristie’s pockets and urged, “Ms. Garland is very important to Mr. Faymon. Stop targeting her, or you’ll just be inviting trouble to yourself.”

“She just knows a few foreign languages. It’s not like no one else does!” protested Kristie unhappily. “Can’t Curt discuss business matters with me? I’m witty and learn fast! Why must he look for a f*cking vixen like her?”

Gabriel smiled.

Although it was true that Kristie was a fast learner, he did not agree that she was witty.

“Mr. Tylinski.” James had just arrived with a bag in his hands. He did not spare Kristie a single glance as if he did not see her. “Is Mr. Faymon inside?”

“He’s eating breakfast.”

“What a coincidence! I have something for Mr. Faymon.”

Seeing how both of them were chatting and ignoring her, Kristie shoved Gabriel aside and demanded furiously, “Gray Wolf! Didn’t you see that I’m here too? Are you purposely ignoring me?”

 

Chapter 78 You Are Mistaken

Only then did James lower his head and glance at her. “Oh, you’re here too, Ms. Winton?”

Kristie stomped angrily.

“I’ll just take this inside.” Gabriel grabbed the bag in James’ hands, hoping that he would just bring Kristie away. “You can take Ms. Kristie away to rest.”

With that, he entered the room and shut the door. Everything was done within ten seconds.

“What are you looking at? Mr. Tylinski has already entered,” said Kristie with a pout. “Carry me back now.”

The veins on James’ forehead throbbed. “Are your legs paralyzed?”

“I’ve been kneeling for so long that my knees hurt!” Kristie felt angry just thinking about it. “It’s that old woman’s fault! Why can’t I ever win her? This is cursed!”

“Ms. Winton, she’s only a few years older than you.” James heard that the interpreter by Curtis’ side was barely twenty-five years old, yet Kristie kept calling her an old woman.

Kristie glared at him. “She bullied me! How can you defend her? Did she send you as a spy?”

“You disrespected her, Ms. Winton.”

“Regardless, I will definitely take revenge!” Kristie stomped angrily and extended her arms. “Carry me now!”

“Walk on your own.”

“Fine! Are you disobeying me? I’ll tell Curt!” shouted Kristie as she turned around, about to enter the room.

Remembering that he had not received his seven-figure salary yet, James bent over and carried her.

“That’s right!” sneered Kristie. Having changed dozens of bodyguards, she had no impression of any of them. James was the only one whom she liked more than the rest, though he was always rude to her.

Lying in his arms, Kristie swung her legs arrogantly. “After we go back, you must help me apply the medicine to my hands. Also, change the flight to tomorrow morning. Cook for me today and send me to the airport the next morning.”

“Miss, this is Tyrandas, not Chanaea. How am I supposed to cook for you?”

“I don’t care! Think of a solution yourself.”

Kristie continued, “Have you been in the underground circles in the past? Do you have those types of friends? Introduce some to me! They can quote as much as they want as long as they help me with something.”

James had the urge to toss her out of the window. “Ms. Winton, that lady is here to help Mr. Faymon. She isn’t much of a threat to you, so stop thinking of how to sabotage her.”

“Who says that she’s not a threat?” Kristie raised her voice. “She’s a f*cking vixen who’s pretending to be innocent! She only knows how to seduce Curt. What’s so impressive about knowing an uncommon foreign language?”

James remained silent.

After a short pause, Kristie yelled angrily, “You’re my subordinate! Even if I’m at fault, you must protect me. Yet, you keep defending that old woman! Are you her younger brother? I’m mortal enemies with

that woman. If you’re her brother, you’ll be the first I kill. I’ll show that woman how impressive I am!”

James rolled his eyes and chose to stay quiet.

Just bear with it. After I get my seven-figure salary, I won’t have to serve this spoilt princess anymore! I can’t deal with her.

The coffee grinder in the hotel was extremely exquisite and was allegedly an artifact from the nineteenth century. Unable to control herself, Rayna personally brewed two cups of coffee, one of which she passed to Curtis.

“Uncle… Mr. Faymon, have a taste.” She almost bit her tongue.

For some reason, although she wanted to call him “Mr. Faymon,” she ended up saying “Uncle Curtis.”

“When there’s no one around, there’s no need to be so formal when addressing me,” said Curtis. It was his third time seeing her bite her tongue, and it was amusing.

“It’s fine. I can adjust.” Rayna’s expression looked unnatural. “Have a taste of the coffee, Mr. Faymon.”

Right after Curtis took a sip, Rayna asked, “Does it taste good?”

“It’s okay.” Considering the poor taste, she had probably mixed up the steps when brewing the coffee. However, Curtis did not point that out to her since it was only her second time grinding coffee beans. There was always room for improvement for newbies, after all.

It was after saying it that he realized that he seemed to be overly generous with her.

Except for Kristie, he was very strict with everyone. If Gabriel brewed coffee poorly, his pay would get deducted. However, Curtis lowered his standards for Rayna today.

“Really?” Rayna felt proud after hearing Curtis’ affirmation.

She had not forgotten how repulsed Curtis was with the first coffee she made.

However, after she picked up the coffee cup and took a sip, her face scrunched with a look of disgust.

What the f*ck? It’s so bitter and acidic!

Smiling, Curtis said, “If you don’t like brewing coffee, it won’t taste good to you, Ms. Garland.”

Rayna remained silent.

Although she had drunk quite some coffee when she attended business meetings at restaurants, none of them was as disgusting and acidic as this. But since Uncle Curtis has always been so picky, he can’t possibly say that it’s delicious on purpose, right?

Rayna stopped drinking the coffee and grabbed her phone.

“Huh? It’s Thursday?” Rayna was stunned when she saw the date displayed on the screen. She had not noticed it when she had switched on her phone a few times earlier. “Wasn’t it Tuesday yesterday?”

Narrowing his eyes, Curtis crossed his legs and said calmly, “You got it wrong. It was Wednesday yesterday.”

“But I remember that it was Tuesday!”

Rayna scratched her head, thinking that something was wrong.

I remember that I was sleeping in my room yesterday night. When I woke up, I was in Uncle Curtis’ room. I recall that it was Tuesday, but somehow, I skipped a day, and it’s Thursday now. Is my memory messed up?

“It was Wednesday yesterday. I even remember bringing you to eat at the restaurant at night,” said Curtis before discreetly changing the topic. “Did Julian say anything else when he called?”

Rayna’s thoughts were immediately distracted. Jogging her memory, she shook her head. “No. However, I’m curious about why he’s investigating my whereabouts. Is he working for Ms. Sienna?”

“With Shawn as her adopted son, Ms. Sienna can’t be bothered with Julian,” Curtis rejected her guess. “Furthermore, she thinks that Julian is too timid to accomplish anything significant.”

“He just has a bit of toxic masculinity. Actually, he’s quite serious about work.” Since he was her ex- husband, Rayna’s heart still ached at the mention of him. Hence, she could not help but speak up on his behalf.

Curtis merely glanced at her without saying anything.

Rayna continued, “I initially thought that only you, Jefferson, and Ms. Sienna knew about this collaboration. It looks like others from the Faymon family know about it too.”

“The Faymon family has eyes all over the Faymon Group.” Curtis’ expression remained the same. “Since Ms. Sienna can’t secure this loot, she’d just divulge it to someone else as a favor.”

Ever since Sienna ordered someone to assassinate Rayna, Curtis knew all of her subsequent steps clearly. He had also expected that the Faymon family would dispatch others over, just that Jefferson’s appearance was surprising.

When Curtis crossed his arms over his chest, he looked mature and inexplicably charismatic. “After you’re done, pass the phone to Gabriel. We’ll leave at night.”

“So soon?” asked Rayna hesitantly. “Isn’t Julian coming? What if he’s being tailed?”

“You don’t have to worry so much. Gabriel’s here.”

Rayna nodded.

She had been exhausted for the past few days. If she could settle the collaboration earlier and return home, she would be extremely glad.

Rayna touched her neck and recalled the medicine which Curtis had instructed someone to send over. Just when she was about to thank him, her phone rang.

It was a call from Roxanne.

“I’m going to pick this call up, Mr. Faymon.” After informing Curtis, Rayna stood up and went to the balcony.

 

Chapter 79

Chapter 79 Initiative

Rayna answered the phone call after she closed the balcony’s glass door. “What’s up with you again, Roxanne?”

“Ah, I’m just missing you, Rayna.” Roxanne chirped, “I called you immediately right after I was done filming. I’ll meet you tonight to have dinner together, Rayna.”

“I’m not in the country at the moment.”

“What do you mean?”

Thinking it would be fine to tell her younger sister, Rayna briefly told Roxanne that she was accompanying Curtis on an overseas business trip.

Then, Roxanne hung up the phone and video-called Rayna.

The latter answered the call. The next second, Roxanne’s face, which was covered with a facial mask, appeared on the screen. “Why are you suddenly turning this into a video call?”

“Rayna, don’t move. Let me take a look at you.” Roxanne leaned closer to the phone screen as she spoke and sized up her sister. “I heard the weather at Tyrandas is scorching now, so the people there are easily down with fever.”

“I’ve been staying inside the hotel these few days, so I’m fine.”

“Rayna, move your camera around a little.”

Rayna was at a loss for words.

Yielding to Roxanne’s insistence, Rayna tilted her phone up and down. “What are you doing, Roxanne? You don’t even care about your mother, so why are you paying so much attention to me now?”

“I’ve always cared a lot about you and Mom, okay?” Roxanne muttered. She let out a sigh of relief after failing to notice any hickeys on Rayna.

Roxanne ended the video call after chatting with Rayna for a short while, prompting the latter to feel baffled.

She couldn’t shake off the feeling that Roxanne was acting slightly unusual.

At that moment, Jessica sent her a document through WhatsApp. The size of the file was quite large.

After Rayna downloaded and opened the document, she realized it was the map she had requested Jessica to draw.

The map was more detailed than she had imagined. All the buildings and road signs were labeled with their Anglandurn names, and even the alleys were identified. The design was comparable even to a satellite image.

After translating the addresses, she merely gave the plan a try by asking Jessica to assist her in drawing a map. Unexpectedly, the latter was more capable than she had anticipated. She’s indeed a specially-recruited employee of Faymon Group.

Rayna sent Jessica a text: Amazing! You can come up with such a comprehensive drawing after I provide you with just an address!

Jessica replied: I am an expert in natural sciences subjects. Drawing a map isn’t challenging for me.

Rayna: Thank you. I’ll treat you to a home-cooked meal when I’m back.

Jessica: You’re welcome. So, tell me. How are you spending your time with Mr. Faymon? Is there any spark between you two yet?

Rayna: You’re overthinking. Remember to keep this map a secret.

Jessica: Don’t worry. I used my laptop to sketch the map. Besides, I deleted my files after sending you a copy. You should seize this opportunity to win Mr. Faymon’s affection. Go for it!

Rayna was rendered speechless.

I can’t fathom what’s going on in Jessica’s mind. She behaved like a charlatan previously, telling me about all his negative traits and how he’s a jinx to his wife. Yet now she’s urging me to be with him. I simply can’t keep up with her volatility.

Then, holding her phone, Rayna returned to the living room. She saw Curtis, head lowered, sitting in front of his laptop, seemingly occupied with an unknown task. She strode over and said, “Mr. Faymon, I have something to talk to you about.”

“Good timing. I have something to tell you too.” He shifted the laptop screen in her direction. “Take a look at this.”

A map was displayed on the screen.

“What a coincidence. I also asked someone to help me draw a map.” Rayna glanced at the screen and saw that it was a map of the address. Unable to stop herself from laughing, she handed her phone to him.

Comparing the maps on the phone and laptop, he realized the map on her phone was more precise and informative.

Curtis arched his brows in amusement. Even Gabriel, who has served me for so long, rarely shares my thoughts, yet this woman has tacitly done the same thing as me.

“Who drew this map for you? Is that person trustable?”

“Yes, she’s trustable. She’s also a member of Faymon Group.” Rayna relaxed after listening to his simple question, as he didn’t reprimand her. “She’s Faymon Group’s specially-recruited employee, Jessica.”

Curtis could vaguely recall Jessica’s existence as a relatively short woman who had assisted Rayna in the fight involving the mistresses. “She’s a talent. Faymon Group is blessed to be able to recruit her.”

Rayna seized that opportunity and chimed in, “Mr. Faymon, there’s no need to thank her. The more practical way to express your gratitude will be to give her a pay raise when you’re back.”

“Okay.”

Fearing that Rayna’s phone might become faulty, Curtis sent a copy of the map to his own. Then, the two began discussing the selection of routes.

A few minutes into the conversation, she felt something was off. “Mr. Faymon, I don’t think I’m suitable to participate in this discussion.”

“You’re being too courteous, Ms. Garland. Without you, this collaboration wouldn’t be a success. Besides, you’re intelligent, so I believe you’ll be able to provide me with constructive input,” he said.

At that instant, Rayna felt her effort acknowledged and her character trusted.

Since their arrival at Tyrandas, Curtis hadn’t held back any information from her. He had even allowed her to take part in the one-billion-collaboration, placing an unwavering and complete faith in her.

Suddenly, he stretched out his hand to point at her cheek. “Ms. Garland, there’s something on your face.”

“Huh? Where?” She immediately touched her face but failed to sense anything. “What is it?”

Taking in her dazed expression and failure to remove the debris, he chuckled and reached out his hand.

When his cold finger grazed across her cheek, the caress caused her to feel a little itchy on her face and prompted her heart to palpitate. Why do I think that Uncle Curtis is such an expert in the art of seduction?

“Mr. Faymon, I’ve informed all our men.” At that moment, Gabriel entered the living room and shattered the flirtatious atmosphere.

Rayna regained her senses and blushed to the tips of her ears. She muttered indistinctively before hastily returning to her room.

Gabriel placed his clenched fist near his lips and cleared his throat. “I think I should knock before I come in next time. Seeing Ms. Garland fleeing the scene every time is making me feel embarrassed.”

Curtis glanced at the closed door. He slightly curled his thin lips while rubbing the piece of glitter between his fingertips.

He had helped Rayna remove the glitter from her face earlier.

She does get red-faced easily, unlike Kristie, who has a carefree personality and acts coquettishly whenever she pleases. In contrast, Rayna only does so when she’s in bed.

Curtis’ throat felt dry when he realized the inappropriate thoughts surfacing in his mind.

After some time, he asked Gabriel, “Gabriel, what do you think of Ms. Garland?”

Gabriel took a quick look at Curtis.

After working for the latter for so long, Gabriel knew Curtis had always been focused on work. Curtis was already approaching his thirties, yet he hadn’t established a relationship with any woman. Meanwhile, everyone else around his age was happily married and blessed with multiple children.

Besides, because Mr. Faymon is reluctant to get married, he’s causing me to feel self-conscious about finding a girlfriend. This is a perfect opportunity!

Gabriel cleared his throat again and said, “Mr. Faymon, to be honest, I think Ms. Garland is great. She’s smart, competent, and skilled in cooking. Anyone who marries her can enjoy a good life.”

Curtis crossed his legs and leaned back on the couch. “Is that so? Why did Julian cheat on her then?”

Gabriel explained, “That’s because Mr. Julian is more lustful. I heard Ms. Garland has a condition that disallows them to sleep together, so Mr. Julian…”

Curtis rubbed his chin.

I am aware of her sexual disorder. However, the last time at the hotel and this time, I didn’t detect her repulsion on both occasions. Could it be the effect of alcohol numbing her senses? Does that mean Rayna has been taking the initiative to sleep with me and take advantage of me all along?

“I believe Ms. Garland did the right thing by filing for a divorce. Aside from her slightly inadequate family background, she’s excellent in all other aspects. Mr. Julian does not deserve her…”

He continued buttering Rayna up and showering her with praises. Subsequently, he shuddered as the temperature inside the room seemed to have suddenly dropped to a chilling zero-degree.

When he shifted his gaze onto Curtis, Gabriel noticed the latter’s grimace as if someone had slapped him across his face.

 

Chapter 80 How Irritating

After a momentary hesitation, Gabriel called out to the man cautiously, “Mr. Faymon?”

“I see you’re all worked up,” Curtis remarked casually. “What’s up? Do you have a plan in mind already?”

“No, no. I was just sharing my opinion regarding the matter,” Gabriel hurriedly said as beads of cold sweat slid down his face. “Ms. Garland and I are too incompatible. There won’t be any sparks between us.”

He then handed over the folder in his hand and swiftly switched the topic. “Mr. Faymon, this is the secretarial department’s newest recruit, Naomi Gardner. She has a bachelor’s degree in law from Corleon University.”

“A high-achieving law student wants to become a secretary?” Curtis asked in puzzlement. As soon as he flipped open the folder, his gaze landed on the picture of an attractive-looking woman. “Is she Jetroinian?”

Gabriel hummed an acknowledgment. “Yes. I ran a background check on her. Her mother’s from Chanaea, and her family isn’t that well-off. Before this, she was working in Norham, and it was her previous company that recommended her to Faymon Group.”

“I’ve seen her reports thus far, and they’re all perfect. Most importantly, she’s able to handle the people from the secretarial department. Mr. Faymon, if you think she’s suited for the job, then I’ll give her the contract,” he added.

Curtis’ gaze scanned the rest of the documents. A moment later, he said, “Hire her, but only let her take care of domestic affairs. You should continue handling Norham and other important matters.”

Gabriel replied in the affirmative.

He’d run a thorough check on the new hire and only dared to report to Curtis after making sure there was nothing amiss about Naomi. Nonetheless, it was perfectly reasonable for Curtis to be wary, for the woman was originally a law student who switched career paths and also a Jetroinian.

When Rayna shut her eyes, the image of Curtis swirled through her mind, and she instantly blushed.

Why do I keep thinking about him?

After tossing and turning in the bed for a long time, she was finally able to fall asleep, but unfortunately, her slumber didn’t last long. A series of knocks sounded, followed by Gabriel’s voice. “Ms. Garland, we have to leave now. Please get ready.”

Rayna dared not waste time and quickly got herself ready before heading downstairs with Gabriel.

Two off-road vehicles were parked outside the hotel’s entrance, and each vehicle had a muscular man standing beside it. Both of the rugged-looking men were at least six feet tall and had sharp eyes, giving off the impression that they had just returned from war.

Rayna recognized them at first glance.

She had interacted with Cillian before and knew he was a bodyguard. It was just that he had a carefree personality and was easy to get along with. Looking at the two menacing men in front of her, Rayna reckoned they were in the same profession as Cillian.

She then whispered to Gabriel, “Are Silver Panther and Gray Wolf coming along as well?”

“Gray Wolf will be looking after Ms. Kristie tonight, while Silver Panther will keep watch. Tomorrow, once the people are here, they’ll take a separate road and reconvene with you and Mr. Faymon,” explained Gabriel.

Thinking of Kristie’s superiority complex, Rayna shook her head. “I suppose it’s not easy to be that pampered lady’s bodyguard.”

“This is Ms. Kristie’s thirty-third bodyguard,” he explained calmly and honestly. “I heard that Gray Wolf’s cooking is to her liking, so she’s been keeping him around.”

“Being a bodyguard is terrible. He even has to cook for her.” She snickered.

After chatting for a bit, she fished out a pen and a piece of paper from her bag and scribbled on it before passing it to Gabriel. “Help me buy these things and have them send them over tomorrow.”

The man glanced at it and kept it in his pocket. “All right. Please head to the car, Ms. Garland. Mr. Faymon has been waiting for a while now.”

“Sure. I’ll leave it to you, then.”

Rayna descended the stairs, and the man standing beside the car instantly opened the door for her. She thanked him and mustered her strength to hop into the seat next to Curtis.

The latter was clad in a black trench coat and had his legs crossed, exuding an elegant aura. When Rayna got into the car, he took a glance at her and asked, “Have you settled everything?”

“Yes. I asked Gabriel to help me buy some things.”

Curtis said nothing to that and merely instructed the driver to start driving.

The two off-road vehicles left the hotel and got onto the main road, one after another. Besides the sound of the tire screeching on the road, there was no other noise in the car.

Rayna, feeling rather bored, took out her phone and went through some of the videos she had downloaded. Halfway through the video, the car seemed to have taken a different path. The bumpy

road caused the car to sway, leaving Rayna feeling slightly drowsy.

Although she tried to resist it, her eyelids eventually fluttered shut as her phone slipped out of her hands, and when the car shook, her body began leaning toward Curtis.

He had just settled some documents when he noticed his shoulder was feeling a little heavier than usual.

The cause of that weight was none other than Rayna leaning against him.

Curtis pursed his lips and moved the woman’s head away from his shoulder, putting her back in her seat.

A moment later, the car shook again, and all of his prior efforts went to waste when she fell onto his lap.

He was left speechless while the sleeping beauty remained blissfully unaware of what was going on.

She merely adjusted her body and slipped into a comfortable position to continue her slumber.

Curtis watched as the woman slept peacefully, with her mouth slightly agape. The way she looked so unguarded swept away the frustrations in his heart, replacing them with tranquility.

He grabbed the quilt and gently placed it over Rayna. A wave of emotions glinted in his eyes as his finger grazed her face, but just as quickly, it disappeared.

What a silly woman.

The car was still shaking when Rayna woke up. From her perspective, she could see the man’s jaw and smell the faint minty scent on his body.

Coming to her senses, she hastily got up and put a wide distance between the two of them.

When she noticed the patch of saliva stain on his pants, Rayna’s face instantly flushed red, and she stammered, “M-Mr. Faymon, why didn’t you push me away?”

“I did, but you lunged at me again,” said Curtis as he casually wiped away the saliva with a piece of tissue.

Rayna’s ears turned scarlet as embarrassment surged within her. Lunge is such a suggestive phrase!

After getting past the awkwardness, she took out some food from her lunch bag, intending to fill her stomach. At that moment, the scenery outside of the window suggested they weren’t in the city center anymore. Upon asking the man, Rayna found out that they’d left the city three hours ago.

Fifteen minutes later, the two off-road vehicles stopped at an intersection.

Rayna felt stuffy after being in the car for so long, so she got out of the car for a breath of fresh air. When she scanned her surroundings, she realized that they were surrounded by parched land with no greenery in sight and only a tall mountain in the distance.

Shortly after, Rayna felt as if the ground beneath her feet was trembling. She turned around and noticed a cloud of dust, followed by multiple off-road vehicles emerging from it.

In total, there were six off-road vehicles.

Moreover, they were slightly different from the one Rayna and Curtis had taken. The exterior of the vehicles was completely covered by a silver impenetrable protective shield.

The door of the vehicle that was at the very front was pushed open, and Cillian jumped out of it.

“Ms. Garland.” When he walked up to Rayna and her entourage, he handed an aluminum box to her. “Mr. Tylinski gave me this box before I left and asked that I bring it to you.”

“Thank you.” She took the box over and glanced behind him. “Why is it just you? Is Gray Wolf not coming?”

Cillian propped his arms on his hips, explaining, “He can’t make it for now. Kristie slept in and missed her morning flight, so she had to book an afternoon one and insisted he follows her.”

The corner of Rayna’s lips twitched when she heard that.

Overbearing and selfish—two words that aptly describe Kristie’s style.

“Ms. Garland, do you like him or something?” Cillian queried, his tone suggestive.

“Of course not,” she exclaimed in amusement. “Didn’t you say he’s a good marksman? I’m curious, so I want to see what he looks like.”

“Don’t be too disappointed, Ms. Garland. He’ll be here tomorrow, and you’ll definitely be able to see him then.”

“Is that so?”

In the car, Curtis listened to the two’s exchange and couldn’t help feeling irritated, especially at Cillian’s words. Annoyed, he knitted his brows together and peeked outside.