Chapter 1044: Chapter 1044

Chapter 1044:

Eugenia’s expression darkened.

Eugenia recalled the toxins she had put into Rhys’ system, confident that he was under their control since he needed the special painkillers to relieve his agonizing pain that tortured him monthly. Though puzzled by Anika’s anxiety about losing Rhys, Eugenia decided not to question her.

Ever since Anika developed feelings toward Rhys, she had refused to acknowledge the fact that his obedient demeanor around her, and his lack of any romantic feelings beneath the facade, was a performance for the sake of the unique anodyne. In her mind, his affection for her matched her feelings toward him, free from coercion.

Meanwhile, in Uwhor, in a dimly lit and stifling basement, Matteo lay sprawled like a defeated animal. Suddenly, a sharp, unfamiliar female voice echoed above him.

“Matteo, you were once the ruler of half of Uwhor’s underworld. Yet, here you are, reduced to this—a pathetic existence in a filthy, forgotten corner.

How amusing!”

“Who are you?” Matteo’s eyes flew open in the darkness.

He was certain this voice was unfamiliar.

“You don’t need my name.

All you need to know is that I’m here to offer you help,” the woman responded deliberately.

Matteo raised an eyebrow. Offer him help? In his current state, who could possibly be willing to help him? But the fact that this person had managed to subdue both his captors and guards suggested a remarkable skill set. Still imagining that she alone could help him reclaim his position with a few tricks was laughable.

Sensing his skepticism, the woman interrupted before he could speak.

“Matteo, don’t rush to dismiss me. The fact that I’ve made it through all the obstacles to stand here means I’m not alone. I’ll be upfront—the people I work with have a score to settle with Harlee, and teaming up with you strengthens our chances against her.”

At the mention of vengeance against Harlee, Matteo was tempted to agree immediately, but his recent suffering had taught him caution.

“I’m nothing but a broken man now. What use am I to you?”

“Because your knowledge of Harlee surpasses ours,” she replied without hesitation.

Matteo’s gaze darkened.

“Do you think I’m a fool? You don’t even know Harlee—how can you harbor such hatred for her?”

The woman remained calm, her voice emotionless.

“Sometimes, it’s not necessary to know someone to despise them.”

She crouched down to help Matteo to his feet, meeting his gaze with what seemed like genuine sincerity.

“So, what do you say? Will you cooperate with us?”

Matteo paused to consider. The worst-case scenario of aligning with this woman was death, but refusing to cooperate meant enduring endless suffering in this place, a fate worse than death.

His decision had been made the moment she appeared with the offer.

“Fine, let’s cooperate! But I have conditions. I want to reclaim everything that’s mine!” Ambition was in everyone.

Given a second chance at life, Matteo, aside from seeking revenge, longed to regain his former status.

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