In the luminous light of dawn, Andrew, taken care of carefully, made a swift recovery, and in just a few days, he was discharged from the hospital. Barely setting foot in his hotel, he was met with unsettling news from a subordinate over the phone: there was trouble with the contracts they’d recently signed.
He gently placed the phone on the table, pacing thoughtfully.
“How is it possible that so many contracts have been signed with the same individual in such a short span?” he mused. “There must be something amiss.”
He ordered his subordinates to investigate the matter immediately, but he would covertly pursue his methods of inquiry. He had been a part of society’s underbelly for years, making as many enemies as allies. If someone was plotting against him, their schemes were far from simplistic. His mind raced with unease, aware they needed to uncover the truth before it was too late.
Before departing on his quest, he relayed his plans to Mary, advising her to stay put in the hotel and minimize any outings until his return. There was a hint of awkwardness between them since she had rebuffed him again the previous day. “I’ll just be out for a bit. Please stay safe,” he told her with earnest concern.
Noticing his urgency, Mary’s suspicions arose. Yet she responded coldly, “Your business has nothing to do with me. You don’t need an explanation.”
A hint of disappointment passed over Andrew’s face, but he left without another word.
Following the city’s arterial roads, he drove straight to a luxurious apartment, home to a friend and business associate of many years. This man, a partner in legitimate ventures, was now past fifty, with streaks of silver in his hair. A solitary figure, when Andrew arrived, the other occupants discreetly excused themselves.
The apartment was elegantly sparse, revealing a man of simple tastes. Yet, intriguingly, he had many bodyguards. Was he involved in complex ventures?
The two settled at a grand table in the center of the room, sipping tea and exchanging words. In contrast to Andrew’s evident urgency, the older man spoke with calm deliberation, sharing what he knew.
“Recently, Mr. Jonathan welcomed back his wife and child, and who should his daughter be but your former lover? I wager you hadn’t expected that. I’m quite curious. How will you deal with this revelation?” he inquired with a knowing smirk.
In a fleeting moment, Andrew was shocked, realizing the depth of the support Agnes had to lay such a trap ensnaring Bryan and himself. After a moment of reflection, his voice broke the silence.
“Life never ceases to surprise me with its twists and turns. Yet, I never imagined my downfall might be at the hands of a woman.”
Andrew was taken aback by the insinuating remark the older man made and queried,
“What do you mean by that?”
“Aren’t you constantly consumed by worries about someone these days?”
Andrew paused, realizing the intent behind the words, yet he managed to retain his composure, not hinting at his inner turmoil.
“Do you perceive me as weak in your eyes?”
“No, it’s just that even heroes can’t resist the allure of beauty. You’re no exception. But rest assured, our bond and the favors we owe each other, and I have never forgotten.”
He erupted into hearty laughter, remarking, “You may not fall to this woman, but from what I gather, there’s another lady you’re quite vulnerable to.”
Andrew, taken aback by the old man’s cryptic words, pressed further, “What do you mean?”
With a sly smile, the old man continued, “If that Mr. Jonathan is a power in Vietnam, consider me the reigning force of this island. What you’re pondering now mirrors my thoughts. Don’t underestimate me due to my age.”
His laughter rang out again, filled with triumphant amusement. Andrew realized that he had perhaps underestimated this man.
Based on the older adult’s insights, it seemed Mr. Jonathan planned to dispose of Andrew once his utility waned. Thus his position was precariously dangerous, and a slight misstep might cost him dearly.
Historically, Andrew had always been wary of trusting anyone save for Bryan. However, with this man, he held a level of respect and trust. Reflecting on their shared endeavors and the subtle hints Mr. Jonathan had dropped regarding their collaboration, coupled with Agnes’s grudges, Andrew realized the worst-case scenarios could happen.
Yet, what haunted him the most was not his predicament but that of Mary. As his ventures were closely tied with Bryan, any failure on Andrew’s part would undoubtedly spill onto Bryan, and what then would become of Mary?
He had weathered countless storms before but never felt this level of anguish and concern. He refrained from revealing the dire circumstances to Mary, fearing disbelief, and recognizing her helplessness even with the knowledge.
In the coming days, he planned to have covert protection for her while he would personally seek out Agnes for negotiations. After all, the one who ties the knot should be the one to untangle it.
Day by day, Mary’s phone buzzed with calls from Bryan, his voice filled with deep concern, wondering when she might return. He chastised himself for not being by her side during these trying times. Though the recent events remained unspoken between them, out of fear of overburdening him, Mary would constantly reassure him, attributing her prolonged absence to unexpected work complications, promising a more detailed explanation upon her return.
The prolonged absence of Mary made Bryan grow anxious, suspecting something amiss but hesitant to pry. He feared she’d misconstrue his concerns as distrust, but bottling these worries was torturous. To whom could he confide these burgeoning feelings?