Chapter 4

Leo’s speed was astonishing.

Soon, the storeroom door was violently shoved open from the outside.

Leo, accompanied by two bodyguards, strode in quickly.

He was shocked to see the blood on my mouth, my disheveled clothes, and my pathetic posture, propped up on the floor.

He rushed over to help me up.

I shook my head, subtly signaling him to stay silent, then took the bank card he handed me (with the PIN attached) and tossed it to the man.

The man took the card and didn't bother me further, waving his hand.

“If that’s a fake card, I have countless ways to find you. Get lost.”

Enduring the excruciating pain throughout my body, I limped out of that sickening place, leaning on Leo’s arm.

When we reached the entrance, I thanked Leo: “Thanks, buddy. I’ll get this sorted and pay you back quickly.”

He looked at me worriedly. “Don’t worry about the money, it’s nothing. But what happened to you?”

I sneered. “My sister found herself a fine boyfriend. I guess I have a score to settle with her.”

I pulled out my phone and found the number for the restaurant’s Assistant General Manager, Mr. Peterson.

Mr. Peterson was the restaurant’s actual manager, someone I had personally recruited, and he was quite loyal to me.

The call connected. I wasted no words, my voice devoid of emotion.

“You have ten minutes to fire a manager named Brendon Miller.”

“Otherwise, Hayes Enterprises will withdraw all investment from the restaurant, every last cent.”

Mr. Peterson on the other end was scared shitless the moment he heard my voice.

He must have heard the weakness and the unusual edge in my voice, as he agreed in quick, terrified succession, not even daring to ask why.

I hung up the phone and, without a moment’s pause, told Leo to take me straight to the police station.

With the clearest, calmest logic, I recounted everything that had just happened to the officer who assisted me.

After giving a detailed statement at the police station, I went to the hospital for an injury assessment.

I held that thin report in my hand, and the fury of betrayal, as if fueled by hot oil, burned hotter and fiercer within me.

I needed an explanation.

I needed Serena Hayes, to give me an explanation herself.

My assistant found out Serena was at her villa. My driver and bodyguards arrived, and we headed straight for Serena’s place.

That villa was also a gift from me.

However, when I arrived, I was greeted by blaring heavy metal music.

And the raucous sounds of men and women echoing through the doors and windows.

She was throwing a party. No wonder she hadn't answered my calls.

The villa's main door was ajar, and on a strange impulse, I didn't push it open immediately.

Soon, I heard a familiar male voice.

It was Brendon Miller.

He was pouring out his story to everyone, painting himself as a poor, helpless victim, bullied by an arrogant third party – me – who then had the audacity to turn the tables and accuse him.

“...I just asked him to pay the bill, and he threw two million dollars in my face, then found people to get me fired…”

“Serena, he’s gone too far. He doesn’t respect you at all!”

“He just wants to humiliate me, he just wants us to break up!”

Inside, Serena’s circle of 'friends' — mostly hangers-on and troublemakers — echoed his outrage.

Serena, in turn, was loudly comforting Brendon in her arms, her voice full of tenderness and indulgence.

“Brendon, don’t worry, I won’t let you suffer this injustice!”

Then, as if to prove her resolve, she promised everyone confidently:

“When I get my hands on my brother, I’ll make him beg for your forgiveness on his knees!”

Inside, those spoiled brats were still backing Brendon, shouting about how they would make me pay.

“Serena, just say the word, and we’ll go drag that bastard out right now!”

“Yeah! Let him know who truly owns this place!”

I couldn’t listen anymore. I raised a hand, and my bodyguard kicked open the villa’s front door.

The booming music screeched to a halt, the noisy laughter instantly vanishing.

Dozens of stunned eyes, all at once, turned towards the doorway.

“No need to drag me out. I’m right here. Who wants to teach me a lesson?”