Chapter 3
Author: Starlight
last update2026-06-19 01:26:19

Jacob’s brows pulled together in anger as he turned to Harrison who had burst inside his home. “Who are you?” He yelled, spittle flying. “How dare you barge into my home and try to take what’s mine? Get lost if you don’t want to die!”

Harrison’s gaze flickered to Mia who lay half unconscious on the floor, her clothes torn and her body trembling. White-hot anger coursed through his veins like molten lava. His pale blue eyes turned dark and sinister as they locked back onto Jacob. The man continued ranting, completely unaware of the storm he had provoked.

“I am someone with great power and influence in this city.” Jacob sneered arrogantly, puffing out his chest. “This woman is not yours. I have already bought her.”

Bought her? The words ignited rage in Harrison. In truth, Jacob had only taken money from Janet. Janet was jealous of Mia who in the family was prettier and smarter than her. So she instructed Jacob to get rid of Mia. After it was done, Janet would give him ten million dollars, although he didn’t need the money, who could refuse both a beautiful woman to enjoy and cash to take?

Harrison moved like lightening. He seized Jacob’s wrist and twisted it viciously. “You said you bought her with money?” he growled, his voice venomously.

Jacob groaned in agony, his face contorting. “Let go! My hand is breaking!” he begged, tears of pain welling in his eyes, realizing his strength was no match for Harrison’s.

“Who sold her to you?” Harrison demanded, refusing to loosen his iron grip.

 “I don’t know anything about her family drama!” Jacob cried, his voice hoarse. “I just bought the marriage rights from her stepmother. Take her if you want. Just let me go!”

A cold, merciless glint flashed in Harrison’s eyes. With a powerful shove, he released the man. Jacob staggered back, gripping his limp hand. The tendons had been completely severed.

Jacob cried out in despair. “Who are you? I won’t let you off for this. You took my woman and crippled my hands. Who gave you the nerve?!”

Harrison ignored the threats. In a few swift moves, he kicked Jacob aside like trash. The man crashed on his back, gasping.

“Security!” Jacob shrieked, his voice cracking with terror summoning the security guards and household servants. “Get in here!”

A group of guards and servants rushed into the courtyard. Seeing the numbers on his side, Jacob’s confidence flickered back. He chuckled darkly, though fear still lingered in his eyes.

“You are finished now. Let’s see how you run, you bastard.”

Harrison fought ten men single-handedly without losing ground. Having faced assassination attempts since childhood, his martial arts skills were already highly refined. One by one, the guards fell unconscious around him.

When the last man dropped, Jacob’s bravado shattered. He fell to his knees, trembling. “Have mercy… please…” he whimpered, all arrogance gone.

Harrison loomed over him, eyes icy. He grabbed Jacob’s other wrist and severed those tendons as well. “Since you can’t control your own hands, you might as well not have them from now on.” He said coldly.

Jacob screamed in agony as Harrison turned away without a second glance. He shrugged off his suit jacket and gently draped it over Mia’s torn clothes, covering her with care. He lifted her into his strong arms and carried her out to the waiting car.

Back at the quiet ordinary neighborhood where he deliberately lived to conceal his identity, he asked the kind landlady to help change Mia into clean clothes. He had always taken busses and subways, never flaunting the luxury cars or wealth he truly possessed.

When Mia was finally awake, she walked into the living room, and found Harrison sitting on a sofa, staring at her. Her heart skipped a beat. Before she lost consciousness, she had heard his voice, fierce and protective, telling Jacob to let her go.

She knew this man had saved her life.

“Thank… you.” She whispered, voice still shaky. Gratitude flooded her chest, but fear for him quickly followed. “But… do you even know who Jacob Bryan is?” Her large eyes searched his face anxiously.

Harrison raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, letting her speak.

“Jacob Bryan is a notorious local power broker,” Mia continued, her voice trembling with worry. “His family runs dangerous underground operations. They kill without shedding blood.” She bit her lips desperately hoping to see fear in his eyes so he would understand the danger he had walked into.

“I’m not afraid.” Harrison said simply, his voice calm, but Mia was even more concerned.

She thought Harrison was putting up a brave front for her sake. Guilt twisted in her stomach, she had dragged this kind stranger into a nightmare.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Because of me, you’ve offended someone dangerous…”

 “It’s okay.” Harrison interrupted gently. She looked up at him with wide, vulnerable eyes. “It’s really okay.” His voice softened with reassurance.

Harrison studied her for a moment and leaned forward. “Tell me everything from beginning,” he asked, his tone curious yet kind. “How did you end up in that monster’s house?”

Mia hesitated, fingers twisting together. She owed him her life, so after a deep breath, she opened up. “My father’s business had failed badly. We’re facing a severe cash flow crisis. My stepmother… she decided to sell me to Mr. Bryan in exchange for obtaining a contract that would supposedly save the company.”

Mia lowered her gaze, shame coloring her cheek. “I was trying to find my own way to save Torres Enterprise.” She met Harrison’s gaze. “I heard Diamond Global is seeking new strategic partners. If I could secure even one of those contracts, I could resolve the crisis. With Diamond Global’s backing, Jacob wouldn’t dare act openly, and Torres Enterprise wouldn’t go bankrupt.” She sighed heavily, determination in her expression.

Before Harrison could respond, Mia’s phone buzzed. Seeing her stepmother’s name, she answered with visible tension. “Mom…”

“Come home immediately and apologize to Mr. Bryan.” Her stepmother snarled through the speaker, loud enough for Harrison to hear. “If you don’t come right now, Torres Enterprise would be lost without a contract, is that what you want?”

Mia’s jaw clenched, her brows snapping together in defiance. She remembered being drug by her stepmother and she knew how evil Mr. Bryan was. “I refuse to apologize to him,” She said firmly. “I’ll get the contract myself.”

“You have only two days,” her stepmother hissed. “If you don’t get the contract, I would personally drag you back and give you to Mr. Bryan again.”

Mia hung up angrily, her hand shaking. She forced a brave face, though she didn’t know how she would get the contract.

Harrison had watched the exchanged in silence. He had caught enough to understand her struggle, and a quiet empathy stirred in his chest

 “What was the call all about?” He asked softly.

 Mia turned to him, suddenly remembering she wasn’t alone. She briefly explained her situation. Harrison listened, admiring the bravery shining through her fear.

“Thank you very much.” Mia said softly, deeply moved, “for everything.” She stood, offering a grateful smile. I should go now. I need to finish preparing my proposal for Diamond Global. They’re holding a banquet soon to announce their partners. I’ll try to meet with management and compete fairly.” 

Harrison walked her to the door. “I wish you luck.” He said softly.

Mia nodded, thanking him once again before leaving. She had no idea of the true power and identity of the man who had just saved her.

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