Chapter 265

Chapter 265

A sudden rush of shock seized Sarah. Her knees buckled, and she stumbled backward, only to be caught in Elon’s quick reflexes, grounding her back to the unsettling reality.

Tears welled in her eyes, shimmering like a wounded doc’s as she choked out, “What’s so extraordinary about her? Wake up! How does she exceed me in family, attraction, and intellect? We’re the perfect union, a perfect pair!” Sarah wailed, the echoes of her heartbreak pulsating through the room.

“Even if every other woman on this earth ceased to exist, I still wouldn’t dream of marrying you!”

Patrick’s gaze iced over, a frigid look of scorn painted across his features. “Did you hear me? Gather your people and leave! Your presence sullies my place!”

Sarah’s chest convulsed with suppressed s obs, tear-streaked cheeks glistening under the harsh light as she glared resentfully at Abigail standing beside Grace.

“Because of this… this wrench you would break our engagement once more?” She scoffed, a chilling promise in her voice. “You’ll regret this day!” With teeth gritted in resolute anger, Sarah flounced out of the villa, her entourage tailing her.

Once the residual waves of Sarah’s departure receded, Grace approached Patrick, her voice laced with incredulity. “Were you serious? Do you really like Abigail? Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Tou abrupt was the news! “Is my best friend really going to be my future sister-in law? What sort of mad script is this? This is worse than any soap opera!”

Patrick’s response lacked a direct answer. “It’s getting late. You should head first. I have matters to discuss privately with Miss Green.”

“All right then,” Grace responded, shooting a look of concern toward Abigail, who appeared lost in confusion and uncertainty.

As soon as they were alone in the spa cious living room, Patrick sat on a plush sofa, his deep-set eyes fixed on Abigail. “Please, Miss Green, make yourself comfortable.

“All right.” Abigail complied, choosing a small sofa, ensuring there was a safe distance between them.

Her hands nervously fiddled in her lap, her eyes darting about, unsure where to land.

Noticing her discomfort, Patrick decided to break the tension. He slid open a drawer, lit a cigar, and took a long drag. The drifting tendrils of smoke surrounding him seemed to enhance his aura, his voice resonating deeper and more enticing.

“Please, don’t be unnerved by the previous commotion, Miss Green. I just wanted to discuss a potential collaboration.”

Abigail’s confusion deepened. “Collaboration?”

“I trust you’re aware of my disdain for Sarah. I’d like you to play the part of my lover to facilitate the dissolution of my engagement with the Grammer family. In return, I’d assist in establishing your foothold in the entertainment industry. I’ll aid you in reaching the apex of stardom, and 1 could also handle Peter on your behalf or even bring him to you if you wish to deal with him personally.”

A heavy silence followed.

Unfazed, Patrick continued, “Grace might have promised you many benefits, but I understand you don’t like to be in debt. You feel indebted for her assistance and guilt-ridden for accepting it. I’m already at the top, compared to her who’s still climbing the industry ladder. Don’t worry. Our partnership would be mutually beneficial and free from obligations.”

H A wave of relief washed over Abigail as Patrick’s words sunk in, easing the strain knotting within

The Mllisnaire and is tellinaire Ex wile

Chapter 265

her.

Upon noticing the tension casing off her shoulders, Patrick’s brows knitted together in subtle intrigue.

“Is something bothering you?”

Abigail met his inquiry with a soft smile and a shake of her head. “Not at all. It’s just that… well, I’m relieved that your feelings for me are strictly professional and that you only desire a business partnership. It felt relieved, actually.”

If it were otherwise, a sense of guilt would have encroached on her conscience, making her feel like a trespasser meddling in another person’s feelings.

Maintaining his stoic demeanor, Patrick pondered. “So, judging by Miss Green’s reaction, does that imply you agree to my proposal?

Resolute determination flared within Abigail’s gaze as she nodded. “Indeed, it would be an honor to collaborate with you, Mr. Smith!”

“Excellent. I’ll instruct Alex to engage a lawyer to prepare the agreement promptly. All you need to do when required is act following our plan.”

“Certainly, Mr. Smith.”

As Sarah sat in the descending car, her thoughts replayed the preceding scene, fueling her anger until it felt like her heart would explode in a fiery burst.

“Despicable! They’re all utterly despicable!”

Elon attempted to console her, “Miss, please calm down. Let’s return and contemplate our next steps.

You and Patrick are tied by a business alliance. Even if he wishes to dissolve the engagement, it must go through Ethan’s consent. Breaking this marital contract isn’t going to be a simple task.”

Sarah’s fists clenched tightly, her rage teetering on the brink of insanity.

“As long as I breathe, he’ll never escape this engagement! Today’s humiliation cannot go unavenged.

I’ll devise a plan to make him pay. He’ll realize that I am not one to trifle with!”

Her gaze was transfixed on the receding silhouette of Mount Galen through the car window. Her eyes bore the icy chill of pure venom.

“As for Abigail, her life ends here! And Grace… he’s no saint either. I’ll bide my time and deal with them together. Patrick declared that he wouldn’t marry me even if all women were extinct. Then, I’ll eliminate every woman in his life. Let’s see who he ends up with. Let him suffer as a lifelong

widower!”

Elon was rendered speechless by the raw malevolence radiating from her eyes, daring not to utter a single word.

A day later.

In the mountainous outskirts bordering Freedonia.

A group of people’s faces were smeared with concealing paint and clad in camouflage uniforms.

Among them was der, whose strikingly handsome face was masked under the camo while receiving precise intelligence. They were awaiting two parties due to engage in an underground transaction at Shadow Alley, just 500 meters away from their location. They were in complete stealth, positioned for over twelve hours.

After what felt like an eternity, another group, their faces also painted with forest green camouflage, arrived swiftly. Their bodies were low, and their movements discreet.

“Mr Storm, the subjects have emerged. At their current pace, they should reach Shadow Alley within

the next ten minutes.”

Eder’s features hardened. “Understood. Notify all surveillance personnel to take their positions. Alert the sn ipers as well. If a transaction occurs or any unusual activity is detected, they will fire a warning shot. But it’s imperative no one is harmed. We need them alive for interrogation.”

“Yes, sir.”

Eder was preparing to adjust his position when a sudden wave of weakness washed over him. His legs gave out, and he swayed, tumbling toward Eric.

“Mr. Storm!” All his comrades reflexively reached out to steady him.

Hearing the commotion, Eric swiftly spun around, catching Eder’s arm. “Mr. Storm, what’s the matter?

You don’t look good.”

“I’m fine. I’ve been crouching for too long and felt a bit lightheaded.” Eder drew in a deep breath, attempting to steady himself.

“That’s impossible!”

They were all highly trained operatives, conditioned to endure extended periods of crouching or any physically demanding position without experiencing such symptoms.

Eric cautiously checked Eder’s pulse, finding it steady. But his skin was unusually cool to the touch.

“Boss, is the virus flaring up again? Should we head back to the lab for Dr. B to examine you?”

“No need. Our mission takes precedence. We deal with the task and can address complications when we return.” As he said so, he pressed his lips together, fighting off a wave of nausea.

“Understood.”

Ten minutes later.

Two groups of individuals sauntered towards Shadow Alley, each holding a black box assumed for the transaction. The alley was swarming with bodyguards donning sunglasses.

Observing the unfolding scene through his binoculars, Eder guided his team, closing in on the area, gradually tightening their encirclement.

Bang!

The sudden blast of a gunshot reverberated through the area, sending a flurry of birds fluttering from the trees in panic.

A bodyguard stationed near the pavilion took a hit, collapsing onto the ground with a dull thud. This unexpected turn of events sent the people engaged in the transaction on high alert.

Eric’s brows knitted in confusion. “Who fired prematurely?!”

Eder’s eyes honed in on a point to the left of the mountain forest.

“The shot originated from the nine o’clock position, approximately 500 meters away. Dispatch a team to apprehend them immediately. Remember, we need them alive.”

The sound of the stray bullet had inevitably given away their position, and with Eder’s team in such close proximity to the Shadow Alley, their only option was to forge ahead.

A blaze of gunfire erupted from both sides. The clamor was chaotic, with sparks of gunfire lighting up the darkness.

While in the middle of the anarchy, Eder experienced a sudden sp ike of pain in his head, his ears ringing from the din of gunfire. As his strength ebbed away, his fingers were unable to maintain their hold on the trigger.

Chapter 266

Then, his vision began to blur, and he grappled with a bout of dizziness, struggling to regulate his breathing. Next thing he knew, everything plunged into darkness.

“Mr. Storm!!” Seeing Eder collapse beside him, Eric felt like he was going crazy, a cold shiver of dread shooting down his spine.