I couldn't help but shake my head, marveling at how quickly he could change his tune.But the more he acted this way, the angrier Ava got. She turned back to me and demanded coldly, "Kian Shaw, what did Gavin do to you? Why did you have to get physical with him?"I held up my hands innocently. "Mr. Price was the one who charged at me. I just put a hand up to block him. How did that turn into me getting physical with him?""You just blocked him? If you hadn't pushed him, how would he have fallen?"Just as I was about to retort, Gavin stepped in front of Ava. "Ava, it's not his fault. I was being reckless just now, trying to rush in. Kian just pushed me. It was an instinctive reaction. It's really not his fault."Hearing this, I couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up. "Mr. Price, you're not as weak as you look. That performance was worthy of an Oscar.""Kian Shaw!" Ava's brows shot up. "Gavin is defending you, why do you have to be so sarcastic?""I'm not being sarcastic. He really is a

Beside her, Gavin Price frowned, a barely perceptible shadow crossing his eyes."Heh, as long as you don't go back on your word, Ms. Barlow. I won't disturb you two any longer."With that, I led Wendy back to our original table.The only reason I had gone over to talk to Ava was to annoy her, to pop up in front of her every now and then like a bad smell, and to constantly remind her that she still had to spend the night with me.As soon as we sat down, Wendy hissed in a low voice, "You tricked me, Kian Shaw! You already knew them. You made me look like a fool.""Don't you like a little excitement?""Well... it was exciting. And hey, what's this agreement you have with that Ava? Why did she look so upset, and why did she react so strongly?"I looked at this curious girl and couldn't help but smile. "Are you part cat? Don't you know curiosity killed the cat?""I'm not afraid. Hehe, do you know what I do for a living?""No, you never said. A reporter?""Nope, I'm a novelist. I love gossi

The thing is, I didn't have a weapon. Not even a key or a pen. Just my hotel key card, wallet, and phone.Wait, my phone. The corner of my screen protector was shattered.At this point, I had to use whatever I could to try and fight my way out of this.With that thought, I pulled out my phone. I slid a fingernail under the edge of the shattered screen protector and flashed the phone at Bansa."Mr. Bansa, the videos are on this phone. I can give it to you. I can also delete all the copies, including the one with Avara. But on one point, I'm sorry. I have to keep my leg."Bansa's voice was cold. "You don't have a choice. I took the money, so I have to do the job. I have to break your leg.""If that's how it's going to be, then I'm sorry. If you so much as touch my leg, I'll hand the videos to the police tomorrow. If I go down, I'm taking you with me.""You dare? I'll make sure you don't leave Ayara alive. I could finish you right now," Bansa threatened, his face twisting with menace.I

Her words broke the awkwardness, and I managed a smile. "Don't worry. We can talk about that when you decide you want a boyfriend."She let out a satisfied "hmph" and went back to drying her hair, her head still bowed.I found something else to do, pulling out my phone to book her a flight for the next day. It wasn't easy, but I found one.After that, there was nothing left for me to do. I probably shouldn't be lingering in a young woman's room.It was time to go. She was just too pure, too flawless.So, I stood up to leave. At the door, I checked the lock again to make sure it was secure, then couldn't help but turn back. "Remember, don't open the door for anyone until I come get you tomorrow morning to take you to the airport.""Okay," Wendy's voice was soft.I couldn't think of any other excuses to stay, so I just smiled at her and turned to leave."Be careful," she called out from behind me.I took the opportunity to glance back at her one more time. "Don't worry. I'm a good fight

"Kian…""No more talk. Just listen to me."Rocco sounded deflated. "Alright. But don't send the money just yet. Let me find out how much it'll cost first. If it's not too much, I can probably cover it. By the way, where did you get three thousand dollars?""Break-up money from my ex-girlfriend.""Whoa, seriously? Which ex? Introduce me, maybe I can make three grand too.""Get lost.""Heh heh. Alright, I gotta get back to work. Kian, if anything happens, call me. You hear me? Make sure you call.""Yeah, yeah. Go on."After hanging up with Rocco, I took a shower, then lit a smoke and thought quietly about how to deal with Gavin Price.Before I'd even finished my smoke, I suddenly thought of Wendy. I found her number and gave her a call.It rang for a while before she answered, her voice sleepy. "Kian? What's up?""Uh… nothing. Nothing. Just wanted to see if you were asleep."Wendy was quiet for a moment, then asked, "Are you calling to check if I'm okay because you're worried, or are you