Third Person's POV
"Who is Richard? Who can contend with him?" Jessica's ignorance of the business world piqued her curiosity.
"Richard is Blake's uncle. He was imprisoned five years ago for his crimes. Now that he's out, he's unwilling to let Blake solely control the Royal Wolf Pack. Lately, he's been orchestrating quite a few schemes. I'm unsure why Blake has been tolerating him," Cedrick explained, somewhat informed about these matters.
"It's truly sorrowful when family turns on each other," Jessica sighed.
"Yes, I suspect Blake hasn't confronted Richard directly due to the Royal Wolf Pack's former Lycan King and Lycan Luna. This stalemate is undoubtedly unfavorable to him," Cedrick concurred, finding the situation quite vexing.
Jessica whispered, "If the two elders knew their son and grandson were locked in a power struggle, they'd be heartbroken too."
Cedrick suddenly reached out and gently stroked her long hair. "When do you plan to meet my parents?"
"Ah..." Jessica shuddered slightly, meeting his gaze. "When do you want to introduce me to them?"
"Why didn't you acknowledge our relationship at today's press conference?" A hint of dejection flickered in Cedrick's handsome eyes.
"I was worried about the backlash. When our relationship was last exposed, we faced a storm of criticism."
Jessica furrowed her brows in distress. "If we go public, what will happen?"
"Hard to say. I might still face criticism," Cedrick shrugged, feigning nonchalance.
"I don't want you to be the target of insults. It was me who pursued you. I should bear the brunt of any backlash," Jessica said, pained.
"Who said you pursued me? If I weren't interested, you wouldn't have gotten close no matter how hard you tried!" Cedrick affectionately tweaked her little nose.
"True," Jessica conceded with a smile. "The ravioli's ready. I'll dish it up—go eat!"
At a resort on the city outskirts, Bianca, clutching the money Richard had given her, was hosting a celebration with her street gang.
Freshly trouble-laden, they dared not draw attention and chose this inconspicuous spot over downtown luxury.
Bianca raised her glass, stood on a chair, and sneered triumphantly, "I promised my late boyfriend I'd give my buddies a taste of the good life! Today, that promise is finally fulfilled! Eat and drink to your heart's content—tomorrow morning, we're sailing away to freedom!"
"Bianca rocks!" the men cheered.
Bianca leaped off the chair and splashed her drink on the ground, a flash of agony crossing her eyes.
She traced the scar on her face, memories of the fire resurfacing—her boyfriend had pushed her out the window with his last breath, sparing her life while he perished.
"Keep drinking, I'm stepping out for some air," Bianca muttered, eager to shake off the memories. As she reached the door, several black sedans pulled up outside.
Over a dozen black-clad men wielding iron rods charged out, attacking without warning.
"Look out!" Bianca bellowed, but it was too late.
Her inebriated gang was no match for the assailants. The resort echoed with screams of agony.
"Who are you? Who sent you?!" Bianca roared through gritted teeth, her leg shattered and blood soaking her clothes.
"You know too much. My boss sends a warning: watch your tongue, or next time, it'll be more than a broken leg," the ringleader sneered before leaving with his men.
"Damn Richard!" Bianca punched the ground in fury.
"Are these Richard's men? Here to send us a message?"
"How could that old bastard betray us like this?!" Bianca trembled with rage.
"What now? We're all hurt—should we head to the hospital?"
Amidst the wails of pain, the usually tough gang members were reduced to whining.
"Hospital? With your records? If you value your lives, find another way!" Bianca barked, seething with resentment. She grabbed her phone and dialed Richard.
Richard answered with an irritated tone, "Bianca, I told you not to contact me. Are you courting death?"
"Richard, you son of a bitch! You sent those goons to rough us up! Mark my words, you'll regret this!" Bianca screamed uncontrollably.
"What are you talking about? I don't understand," Richard's face paled, sensing something was wrong.
"Cut the act! Besides you, who else knows our whereabouts? My men are beaten to a pulp, and you think you can just deny it? I can expose you anytime!"
"Calm down! I didn't send anyone! You've been set up," Richard said coldly.
"Hah, who else could it be?"
"You underestimate Blake! His people aren't pushovers! I warned you to flee the country, and now that trouble's found you, you blame me?"
Richard panicked too—Bianca's fury signaled the situation was more complex than he'd imagined.
Bianca froze.
It was true—Richard had urged them to leave the States, but she'd delayed for personal reasons, leading to this disaster.