Disbelief and a cold fear gripped Rena. "He's fled? But how could he betray us like this?" she stammered, the reality of their plight settling in."Yes, he's vanished. I went to Mr. Hamel's estate, but it's deserted. Rumors are rife that he's fled the country," Emily confirmed, the disappointment unmistakable in her tone.Tears welled up in Rena's eyes as she fought to stay composed. "He's taken so much from Cloud Group's capital," she murmured, her voice faltering with emotion."I never thought Mr. Hamel would turn out to be such a deceiver," Emily said, echoing Rena's sense of betrayal."We must act," Emily urged. "Perhaps it's time to consider reaching out to the Miranda family, maybe even the Frederico family for assistance."Rena's heart was torn, knowing too well the personal complexities involved. "But the Miranda family... I know Miranda is actually David's girlfriend. I can't bear the thought of asking them for help," she thought, the embarrassment clear in her mind.Rena hes
51Huxley's smile faded, replaced by a look of mock offense. "Now, Rena, I'm just trying to find a way to make this situation beneficial for both of us. It's not every day a woman as beautiful as you walks into my office with such a... tempting offer."Rena stood up, her hands trembling with barely contained rage. "My presence here is not an offer, and I am not a commodity to be traded. I would rather see my company crumble than stoop to your level of depravity."Huxley sighed theatrically, moving closer with an air of false sympathy. "That's a very emotional response, Rena. Surely, you can see I'm offering you a practical solution. Your beauty is undeniable—any man would want you. Why not use what you've been given to save what you've built?"Rena's voice shook as she spat back, "My body is not currency, Mr. Huxley. I'm seeking a legitimate business loan, not a backroom deal steeped in corruption and misogyny."Huxley shrugged, his eyes never leaving Rena's form. "Well, the offer sta
52Rena, free from the vile man's grip, didn't waste a moment and walked away from him.The look of shock and humiliation on Huxley's face was a stark contrast to his previous arrogance.Huxley, wiping blood from his mouth, glared at David with venomous rage. "Y-- You insolent fool! How dare you lay hands on me? Do you know who I am?"David met Huxley's furious gaze with a cold, unwavering stare. "I know exactly who you are, Huxley. A bully who preys on others with his power."Huxley's face twisted in a mix of anger and disbelief. "You think you can get away with this? I have influential backers, the Van Der Linde family. You're digging your own grave, you bastard."David scoffed, undeterred. "I don't care about your backers or your threats. No one should treat a person like a commodity, especially not someone like you."Bystanders watched in shocked silence when Huxley the manager of Harmony Bank was sent flying by David's unexpected viciousness, some whispering among themselves abou
53The bystanders held their breath as Jordan Orlando's gaze locked onto David. The man who had struck down Huxley now stood in the eye of the storm.Jordan's mind raced, the sudden recognition of David igniting a wildfire of fear. "Mr. Martinez... no, it can't be. Not here, not now," Jordan thought, his heart thundering in his chest. Memories of David's wrath, the destruction of the Van Der Linde Villa, and the mysterious disappearances of Jacob and Miguel Van Der Linde cascaded through his mind, each one a chilling reminder of the man's capabilities.Meanwhile, Huxley, oblivious to the silent battle waging in Jordan's mind, sneered at David, his voice dripping with scorn. "Look at you, the hero! Let's see how brave you are when Sir Orlando here is done with you!"David stood firm, his eyes never leaving Jordan's. "It's not about bravery, Huxley. It's about doing what's right."The crowd gasped as Jordan, caught in the grip of his internal conflict, barely suppressed his rising panic
54 As Huxley scurried away, Jordan turned his attention back to David and Rena. His demeanor shifted once again, the icy mask of authority softening into something more congenial, though the underlying tension remained palpable. "Forgive the spectacle, my dear," Jordan said, his voice smooth as velvet. "Sometimes, even within our own ranks, discipline must be enforced." Rena nodded, though her eyes betrayed her wariness. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Jordan's actions than met the eye. David, ever observant, kept his silence, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew he had caught Jordan off guard, but to what end remained unclear. With a gracious nod, Rena acknowledged Jordan's apology, though her guard remained firmly in place. "Thank you, Sir Orlando. We appreciate your intervention." Jordan inclined his head in response, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Think nothing of it, my dear. It's my duty to ensure the safety and well-being of
55Miranda's frustration reached its peak, her voice tinged with exasperation as she spoke. "This isn't just about business, Mr. Harrington. Mr. Martinez's integrity is on the line, and I won't stand by and watch you undermine his expertise."Mr. Harrington's eyes flashed with annoyance, his patience wearing thin. "Enough with this nonsense, Miranda. You're letting sentiment cloud your judgment. I refuse to entertain any more of Martinez's wild theories."Miranda took a deep breath, her resolve unwavering despite Mr. Harrington's skepticism. "I stand by Mr. Martinez's assessment, Mr. Harrington. Just because you haven't experienced any symptoms yet doesn't mean you're out of danger. Sometimes, the effects of stress can manifest later, when it's least expected."Mr. Harrington scoffed, rolling his eyes in disbelief. "And I suppose you're an expert on stress-related health issues now, miss Frederico? Spare me the amateur psychology. I know my body better than anyone, and I'm perfectly f
56But the pain only intensified, spreading to his arm and jaw. Mr. Harrington's face paled as he struggled to comprehend the situation.He clenched his fists, panic rising, 'No, no, this can't be happening. I refuse to believe... Martinez, that swindler was right? But that's impossible... I'm... I'm strong, healthy... I can't be having a heart attack.'It felt like a knife was stabbed into his chest and twisted around continuously. As tough as he was, the pain caused him to gasp.Despite his denial, Mr. Harrington's body betrayed him, the pain relentless in its grip. He sank to his knees, the weight of his arrogance crashing down around him.Mr. Harrington's voice strained, eyes wide with fear. "Someone... help... call an ambulance... it's... it's serious. Martinez... could he have been right all along? Oh God, what have I done?"Mr. Harrington's bodyguards quickly noticed his distress as he stumbled outside the restaurant. Concern etched on their faces, they rushed to his side, one
57David's voice tightened with worry. "I'm at Saint Patrick's hospital. Tell him I'll meet him there."Upon learning Martinez's location, Mr. Harrington's urgency heightened. He knew time was of the essence, and they needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible."Miranda, we need to leave immediately," he said, his voice strained with urgency. "Get the car ready. We can't waste any time."Miranda nodded, her own concern mirrored in her eyes. "Of course, sir. I'll arrange transportation right away."As they swiftly departed for the hospital, Mr. Harrington's frustration simmered beneath the surface. He couldn't shake the feeling of regret for not heeding Martinez's warnings sooner. But as they raced through the streets, disregarding traffic rules to expedite their journey, he knew that now wasn't the time for dwelling on past mistakes.The urgency in Mr. Harrington's voice was palpable as he rushed through the hospital corridors, sweat dripping down his forehead, his chest still