Chapter 7
I quietly investigated the name.
The findings chilled me: Michael, sole heir to “Blackstone,” the international arms empire of the Thompson family.
wwww
He’d vanished mysteriously three years ago during his own engagement banquet. The Thompsons had posted a hefty reward for any leads.
The brooding youth in the photo merged with the frail yet still arrogant ungrateful wretch before me.
“Contact the Thompson family.” I slammed the note with the number onto Michael’s bedside. “I’ve had enough of tending to your skeleton.”
The Thompsons surged in like a dark tide that very afternoon.
Without hesitation, I withdrew and returned to New Zealand where my parents lived.
Yet three days later, several armored SUVs silently encircled the villa.
Michael stepped out in a tailored black suit, leaning on his cane. His face remained pale, but his posture was erect, his eyes as sharp as an eagle’s- not a trace of illness remained.
“Sarah. Leaving without saying goodbye is rude.” His voice was icy.
My mother looked at me with confusion.
“Documents for mining rights to three major underground diamond veins in Canada.” Michael tossed a thick dossier onto the table.
0.00%
00-24
Chapter 7
The butler immediately stepped forward to spread it open.
288 Vouchers
“Sign here, and they belong to the Millers. Condition: be my ‘girlfriend‘ for one year, accompany me mountain climbing. After one year, whether I live or die, the agreement becomes permanent.”
―
the Millers needed this
I watched hope ignite in my mother’s eyes blood–stained foundation to establish themselves overseas.
“Fine. I’ll sign.” I agreed without hesitation.
Deep in the primal jungle, I stumbled along behind Michael, cursing myself for walking into a trap.
“Hurry up. Signed the indenture contract? Now accept your fate.” Michael didn’t turn, his voice laced with cynical mockery. “Raw diamonds are already in your family vault.”
“You’re such a bastard!” I spat through gritted teeth.
Crisis struck!
A lurking king cobra struck like lightning, its fangs sinking into us simultaneously. Venom spread rapidly as our vision blurred.
We slumped weakly against the giant banyan tree, awaiting death.
The cold touch of death hadn’t yet arrived when the roar of a helicopter echoed overhead.
The Thompson family landed precisely, bringing targeted antivenom.
“You knew the antivenom existed?!” I “accidentally” missed the vein several times while administering Michael’s injection.
“Sarah! Do you have a death wish?!” Michael gasped through clenched
teeth.
00:24
288 (Vouchers
Chapter 7
Snap!
The syringe “slipped” in my hand, breaking in half with a segment left embedded in Michael’s leg.
I
spun to flee, but my ponytail was seized in his grip, yanking me back violently!
Caught off guard, I tumbled into his arms, my elbow accidentally hitting an awkward spot. Michael’s pale face instantly flushed pink.
“Michael!” The butler rushed over in panic, “Are you poisoned? Doctor! Quick!”
After the chaos subsided, Michael, weakened by snake venom and exhaustion, was forced back to the city to recuperate.
T
I was “escorted” to a heavily fortified castle in southern France owned by the Thompson family.
A cocktail party gathering global underworld giants was about to commence here.
Robert’s name stood out prominently on the guest list.
“Sarah?!” Robert appeared in the glittering hall, escorting the pregnant Emily.
The instant he saw me, his pupils contracted violently. He roared hoarsely, “You dare fake your death?!”
My heart elenched painfully at the sight of that rounded belly.
They truly… ended up together after all.
Robert instinctively moved to grab me. A cold, hard boxwood cane whistled through the air, cracking sharply against his outstretched wrist!
61.56%
00:24
Chapter 7
288 Vouchers
Michael stood beside me, his hand resting casually behind my waist. Dressed in a matching brocade tuxedo, his face retained a sickly pallor, yet his eyes held a contemptuous glare.
An icy, keep–away aura radiated from him.
“Robert.” Michael’s voice, though not loud, cut clearly through the clamor.
“Control your dirty hands. She belongs to the Thompson family now.”
www
90 85%%