I didn't say anything, just stared at him.Gavin shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. All locked up tight in that chair. You look so pathetic. By the way, don't you like hitting people? Go on, try hitting me again.""How much did it cost you?" I asked suddenly.He froze for a second, then burst out laughing. "I was just about to tell you. Not much, just two million dollars. Isn't that ironic? I offered you two million, and you turned it down. Now I've used that same amount to put you in prison. Don't you feel pathetic?""Heh." I chuckled but said nothing more."Kian, do you know what Ava said after she saw you get taken away? She said she suspected you were colluding with Bansa to threaten BTT from the start. She said she started to believe you, but she can't believe you lied to her. She said she never should have trusted a lowlife like you."I even tried to comfort her, telling her you might have been framed. But she said she trusts the police wouldn't arrest someone for no reason, especi

These few days in the police station made me realize one thing: money is power.But this wasn't a decision to be made lightly. I had to be sure that Don was really sticking to the straight and narrow, so I wouldn't get dragged into something messy.I knew he was a very sharp guy, sometimes too sharp. He was ruthless with people and problems, and he would do anything to achieve his goals.To be honest, I wasn't keen on working with someone so shrewd and ruthless. It felt like dancing with a wolf.On top of that, Don had a huge, complicated family network spread across Southeast Asia, all involved in various high-risk businesses.He seemed to be on bad terms with some of his relatives. I heard the reason he spent five years in prison was because he was set up by them.I wanted no part in the power struggles of a criminal organization. One wrong step and you could lose your life."Kian, there's no rush. Think about it, and you can call me anytime. If you really don't want to join me, tha

Bansa stood in the doorway, a group of men behind him.He didn't say anything, just gave me a blank look, then sized up Don, Rocco, and the others."Mr. Bansa, you're finally out," I said, leaning back in my chair.Bansa slowly walked into the room, his men following one by one. There were about a dozen of them. Luckily, the room was big enough not to feel too crowded.Rocco and Don's three men stood up and positioned themselves behind me and Don.Bansa pulled out a chair and sat down, studying Don carefully. "Kian, who is this?""A friend.""I hear he drives a Mercedes. Is he rich?""What's it to you?"Bansa's expression suddenly changed, and a sinister smile spread across his face. "Of course it's my business. You trashed my place and hurt my men. I need to see if you have enough money to pay for it."Hearing this, Don couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle. He took out his phone and started typing.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw he was sending a text with the restaurant's

"You..."I cut her off. "Don't always act so smug and self-righteous. I need to take a leak right now, I don't have time to explain things to you. Come to my room in a bit, and we can talk it over. Same room as before."Without another word to her, I walked briskly into the hotel.I'd had a bit too much beer earlier and really couldn't hold it anymore."Greetings, sister-in-law. Farewell, sister-in-law."Rocco gave Ava a proper bow, then followed me with a mischievous grin. As he passed by Gavin, he sneakily poked his swollen mouth.Gavin let out a pained yelp.Rocco laughed. "Kian, his mouth really is fat."I playfully smacked him on the head and ran for the elevator.The reason I wanted to clear things up with Ava was because I was planning to make her mine.Gavin wanted her, so I was going to get in his way and ruin his plans. The best outcome would be to have Ava in my arms, standing right in front of him, watching his face contort with fury and helplessness.Whatever he wanted, I

"Okay, then I..." Wendy's cheerful voice replied, but she seemed to realize something, and her words trailed off.I felt helpless, guilty, and a sudden, indescribable pain in my heart.This girl, whom I had only known for two days, this girl who was like a brilliant butterfly, had also touched my heart.I wanted to tell her I was lying, that I would be back in Astoria soon, and that I would come find her.But I couldn't say the words.The silence on the line was brief. Wendy's bright, sweet voice returned. "Kian, then I won't bother you for a while. When you have time, and you think of me, you can find me. I still want to write a story about you, Ms. Barlow, and what happened in Ayara.""Yeah," I replied softly."Okay, I'm going back to sleep then. You woke me up, and I'm still so sleepy.""Go to sleep. Have a good dream.""You should get some rest too. Good night."The call ended. I put down my phone and stared blankly into space.After a long time, I couldn't take it anymore. I stoo