Winifred Dawson never expected that Leland Burns’ death would be connected to Liam Burkhart. No wonder he was so certain on the phone that night, saying Leland Burns was already dead.
How did he die?
Liam Burkhart seemed to understand Winifred Dawson’s thoughts. He said, “After he went in, I bribed people inside. Every day, inmates would give him trouble, and an ‘accident’ was arranged. He died of food poisoning. Curious why the police didn’t bother me? Because I bribed them too…”
“Money is a wonderful thing. Leland Burns could have done the same back then, but he didn’t. Maybe it was because of you. He loved you so much, and you hated him so much. To fulfill your wish, he willingly went to prison. There’s no greater sorrow than a broken heart.”
Liam Burkhart asked Winifred Dawson, “Do you feel any sadness over Leland Burns’ death?” He searched her face for something, but found nothing.
At that moment, Winifred Dawson only thought about why everyone kept asking if she felt sad about Leland Burns’ death.
She had sacrificed too much to bring down Leland Burns, things most people couldn’t endure. From a proud heiress to his plaything-who understood that humiliation?
Being forced to extract her eggs was another painful memory. Even thinking about it now hurt.
She had paid every price for revenge against Leland Burns. She gave up her dignity; her hands, once capable of drawing and playing piano, were ruined. Now that Leland Burns was dead… perhaps for a moment she felt empty, like something was missing, but mostly she felt a cruel satisfaction.
Winifred Dawson answered, “No.”
“Heartless… I like it.”
Liking a ruthless woman-he must be crazy.
Liam Burkhart emphasized again, “I won’t make the same mistakes as Leland Burns did. Don’t try any tricks on me.” Learning from others’ mistakes was wise.
Winifred Dawson wasn’t like other women; she had the means to be dangerous even while sharing a room with him. She could strangle someone in the middle of the night.
So Liam Burkhart didn’t plan to play with Winifred Dawson for long. Just tasting her once was enough; not tasting at all would be regrettable.
Winifred Dawson had no energy left to talk to him. She knew escape today was unlikely. Instead of wasting time talking, she’d rather save her strength.
She closed her eyes, and Leland Burns’ image resurfaced in her mind. Liam Burkhart’s words echoed around her ears. She wondered why Leland Burns willingly gave up everything to go to prison. Was it just to seek death? Did he foresee this day?
She couldn’t understand it at all; someone so powerful had turned into a handful of ashes.
Liam Burkhart took her to an old place-the club where they first met. He was a regular there.
This place used to belong to Leland Burns. Now that he was gone, his assets were being liquidated and reclaimed. Many wanted to take over.
The Burns Group was a coveted prize; even a small share meant huge profits.
You could criticize Leland Burns’ character but not his ability to make money. Every asset under his name, whether self-developed or co-invested, was profitable.
This club had become a playground for the wealthy, earning seven figures nightly-a highly lucrative business anyone would want.
Liam Burkhart wanted it too. The thought of earning big money here and being with Leland Burns’ woman on his turf thrilled him immensely.
He could barely contain himself. However… others also eyed this club, and it was currently held by higher-ups who hadn’t yet announced its transfer.
Upon arrival, Liam Burkhart didn’t think much more. The driver got out and opened the door for him; he pulled Winifred Dawson out from inside.
Winifred didn’t want his touch but lacked the strength to resist and was easily dragged out.
Liam Burkhart picked her up effortlessly and carried her inside.
Bodyguards followed him in; only one person was allowed inside with him for convenience-having someone familiar nearby made things easier than relying on staff.
He had his exclusive room as a regular customer known by both security at the entrance and receptionists inside.
“Mr. Whitlock, how many people today?”
Most visitors came in groups for business or pleasure.
“Two.”
The receptionist glanced at the woman in his arms and understood instantly.
Winifred’s face pressed against Liam’s chest, turned away from the receptionist who didn’t think much-it wasn’t unusual for men to bring women here for fun.
“Anything you need?”
“The usual… but,” Liam smirked playfully, “do you have any toys?”
“Toys? What kind?” This puzzled the receptionist.
“Adult ones.”
She froze momentarily but quickly understood despite feeling disgusted-years of work experience kept her professional smile intact as she replied, “Mr. Whitlock, you’re joking! We’re a respectable place; we don’t have those things.”
“I’m not joking-buy them if you don’t have any; I have money.”
“This isn’t possible…” She stiffly refused but softened her tone not wanting trouble, “Mr. Whitlock please don’t make it difficult for me.”
“Alright.” Was he giving up? Of course not-he ordered his bodyguard right there to buy what he wanted since such items could always be found somewhere nearby.
After giving instructions he looked back at the receptionist saying calmly “I won’t trouble you-I’ll have my own man buy them-is that okay?”
“No problem… what’s your relationship with this lady?”
“A legitimate one-she’s my lover-isn’t this normal between lovers?”
“Normal.” Indeed they couldn’t interfere with that matter even if they wanted to.
Hearing voices Winifred tried lifting her head but Liam forcefully pressed it back down silencing anything she might say against his chest.