Chapter 1138:
Rylie, blindfolded, was shoved into a smoke-filled underground casino. When the blindfold was removed, unfamiliar faces surrounded her, but she met their eager stares with unshaken calm.
The only familiar face—the researcher—leaned back on a nearby couch and explained smoothly to the man in charge, “She’s an Eshea student. I planned to let her go, but she discovered we’re diverting Costa Syndicate funds and threatened to tell their new leader. You know how ruthless he is. Bringing her here seemed safer.”
David Harding examined Rylie in silence before speaking. “Kane wants her eliminated? How does he plan to explain that to Eshea authorities?”
The researcher answered casually, “We’ll say she wandered off and disappeared. What happens after that is up to you.”
David commented thoughtfully, “She’s not just attractive—she’s clearly intelligent and well-trained. Putting her on the casino floor would be a waste. Women like her are far more valuable to childless clients; children with her genes would be in high demand.”
Rylie understood instantly—the dark reality of the underground surrogacy and trafficking ring.
The next second, hands reached for her, ready to drag her away. David lifted a hand slightly. “Hold on.” His eyes lingered on her face, desire flickering in his gaze. “She’s too rare to discard. Take her to my room first.”
𝗥𝘰𝗺а𝘯𝗰𝖾 𝗻o𝘃elѕ 𝗈𝘯 𝘨а𝘭𝗻𝘰𝘷е𝗹𝘴.cоm
He handed the researcher a thick stack of cash. “Consider this a bonus. Tell Kane I’ll handle the rest.”
Rylie was thrown onto David’s bed without ceremony.
He reached out, lifting her chin. “You’re a clever girl,” he said, his voice low. “Do you understand how things work in Marinth?”
Rylie met his gaze directly and chose silence.
Rylie’s defiance didn’t push David away—it only fueled his curiosity. He’d always had a weakness for women who refused to be controlled.
The moment his hand lifted toward her face, Rylie shot her leg upward, targeting his groin without hesitation. David moved on instinct, stopping the kick just in time before letting out a quiet, amused laugh. “That’s all you’ve got? You really think that slow move could end my bloodline?”
Rylie answered smoothly, “Untie me, and I promise you’ll feel better than you ever imagined.”
She drew out the final words deliberately, her voice dripping with challenge and calculated temptation.
The bait worked, and David fell for it completely. He’d grown bored of submissive toys; this sharp, dangerous spark was what truly excited him.
Without much thought, he turned her over and leaned down to loosen the ropes binding her wrists.
While fumbling with the knots, he spoke slowly, his voice relaxed and overly familiar. “Not sure why, but you seem familiar. Guess fate wanted us to cross paths, huh, sweetheart?”
The instant the ropes slackened, Rylie tilted her head and smiled at him—a smile full of quiet menace. “Sir,” she said, “I was the one who nearly wiped out your gang before. We’ve got a blood debt to settle.”
David’s pupils contracted sharply as memories flooded back—of the merciless sniper who had gunned down over a dozen of his men from afar with a single rifle.
.
.
.