Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“Keep pretending. I’ll see how calm you can still be in a moment.”Behind him was a group of men in black, all of whom looked vicious and strong. As soon as the man raised his hand, one of them came over immediately and asked,
“Sir, what should we do with the two people in front of us?””Except for the two people sitting at the table, you can deal with the others as you like.”
The masked man let out a grin.Soon, the rest of his men immediately became excited when they heard this. Since the masked man had said to let them handle the other people as they liked, they would be able to enjoy the women here however they liked. Some women in the room began trembling with fear; others fell to the ground and dared not speak. They were so frightened that they were about to cry. As the men saw this scene, their strong desires were aroused. Just when they were about to step forward to do something to the women, Elspeth suddenly let out a snort, which stopped them in their tracks. At once, all eyes were on her.”What are you laughing at? You’re going to die soon. How do you still have the nerve to laugh?”
The masked man didn’t understand Elspeth’s reaction. Why was this woman different from other women? Wasn’t she afraid at all when encountering such a situation?Elspeth sneered as she stared straight into the other’s eyes.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of here. You’re just a pitiful man.”The man stepped forward and grabbed Elspeth’s arm.
“Who are you calling pitiful? Let me tell you-today, you will meet your maker!””There’s nothing certain about that yet. We don’t even know which one of us will die and which one of us will live. You may not be able to beat me, so don’t waste your efforts.”After the man heard her words, he laughed.
“Everyone here knows that you were rescued from the ocean. After being unconscious for so many days, you don’t have much strength, right? How will you have the strength to beat me?”The masked man didn’t want to talk nonsense anymore. He stepped forward a few steps and was about to grab Elspeth’s hand when he found that his wrist was locked tight and he couldn’t move at all. At that moment, his face immediately became extremely ugly. Her strength was so great that he couldn’t resist at all! No, it was not just strength, but force instead! Her brute force was so mighty that even a man like him who had practiced martial arts for many years had to admit he was weaker than her!”You-“”Can you beat me?”
Elspeth smiled lightly.If that group of people came up to fight her together, she might not be able to beat them. But if they came at her one by one, she could definitely wipe them out easily. The masked man was still trying hard to keep his smile, but his smile was particularly forced.
“I’ll admit you’re pretty good… but there are so many people on our side. Do you really think we can’t beat you?””Let’s leave the matter of fighting aside. Just tell me why you’re making trouble on this ship today.”Elspeth’s question seemed to bring back the masked man’s memories, and he immediately showed resentment.
“Three years ago, I boarded this ship for the first time, and I originally wanted to do well and earn lots of money so that I could marry a woman and start a family. But his father, Irving Cole, broke one of my fingers just because of a small mistake.”
After speaking, he stretched out his hand and showed it in front of them. Sure enough, the little finger of his right hand was indeed missing.”It’s hard for a disabled man like me to find a wife, let alone have a great career. That’s why I’ve been doing odd jobs on the ship, and no one thinks highly of me.”His face was full of desolation.”How is it possible for me not to hate him? So, I swore that I will make your father pay the price. This so-called son of his is here to supervise the work on the ship, and I will kill his son and make him regret it for the rest of his life.”He cast his eyes on Elias who was at the side before smiling cruelly.Irving Cole…Isn’t that my godfather that I accidentally acknowledged back then?Irving Cole and Elias Cole…One was like a mobster, while the other was bright and handsome. She really hadn’t connected them together. The man thought that if he told Elspeth, she would think about it and stand on his side. After all, if such a mysterious and special woman could help him, it would be of great benefit to him.However, after hearing his story, Elspeth not only didn’t empathize with him but just rolled her eyes.
“You said it was just a small mistake, so do you dare to tell me about this small mistake? Also, you want revenge, but you allow your men to bully the women on the ship. This proves that you are not a good person!””You don’t even know what happened, so why do you say that about me?”
The masked man’s expression became twisted.
“Okay, if that’s the case, then don’t blame me for attacking you!”Not only was Elspeth not afraid, but she stepped forward and stood in front of everyone.”Other than your grievances with the Cole Family, what about the men behind you? Have all of them been treated badly?”The dozen or so people behind who were holding weapons in their hands were all stunned.Elspeth picked a person at random who appeared to be more honest. She smiled at him and asked,
“Why did you follow him?””I… He promised me that he will give me a lot of money after the matter is completed.”Elspeth nodded thoughtfully and changed her target.
“What about you?””He also promised me that he will give me money after the matter is completed.”Hearing these answers, Elspeth couldn’t help laughing.
“He is just a poor man now. Do you really think that he will have money if he kills the captain’s son?””Besides, it’s unlawful for you to follow him. When the time comes, you won’t have lots of wealth, but instead, you’ll be hunted down endlessly! Don’t forget the might of the one who owns this ship. When the time comes, not only you but even your wives and children will suffer together!”Elspeth spoke harshly, and everyone around her was shocked. Immediately, they began whispering to each other.”Yeah, although he did promise us money, where will the money come from?””He doesn’t have any money, yet he wants to get justice for himself.””Why do I feel like we’re believing in the wrong person?”The men behind turned their gazes to the masked man in front of them.Right now, the face of the masked man turned red.
“You must not listen to this woman’s instigation. She just wants to sow discord among us and then take us down!”But no matter what he said, the men behind him still didn’t dare to move.At this time, Elspeth smiled slowly and said,
“I’ll give you another offer. You can work for me and take down this masked man who is being insolent toward us. After the matter is completed, I will give each of you one million.”One million?The eyes of all the people present widened, and their gazes began sizing up the masked man greedily.
The masked man laughed.
“A hundred and fifty grand? You’re just a woman whom we found drifting in the sea. You don’t have a hundred and fifty grand.”Elspeth said loudly,
“But I do. I am the president of Azure Corporation.”The masked men froze. Even they had heard of Azure’s fame, and rumors said that their president was a young lady named Elspeth.”That’s me. I’m Elspeth.”The masked man paled.
“Y- You’re Elspeth?””Yes. Now you know I can afford the ransom.”
Elspeth looked at the masked man with fury in her eyes.”Fine. I do. I lost.”
The masked man tossed his weapon away in dejection. His men surrendered as well and came over to Elspeth.Elspeth forgave the masked man on Elias’ behalf, though he would be locked in his room for three days and subjected to constant surveillance.The crisis was solved, but Elspeth shrugged it off easily, and she yawned.
“Here, sit with me, Elias.”Elias kept his silence the whole time, but he was staring at Elspeth with a smile.
“Of course.”
So, she’s Elspeth. No wonder Irving wants to be her godfather. I like her too.”You must know who I am at this point,”
said Elias.”That’s my line.”
Elspeth popped some meat into her mouth. It’s okay, but it needs to be cooked more.”Dad got himself an interesting goddaughter.”
Elias didn’t eat. Instead, he crossed his arms and rubbed his chin pensively.”Ah, you flatter me,”
Elspeth answered absentmindedly. Her eyes were glued to the food, deciding on what to eat next.Elias was glad that she was happy about the food. Three days later, their boat docked, and Elias hopped off first. He ordered his men to move the cargo to the port. Elspeth looked around for a moment and hopped off as well. Elias smiled at her.
“Leaving so soon?”As if.
“I don’t know this place, I have no money, and I lost my ID. I can’t leave even if I want to.”Elias rubbed his chin again.
“True. You lost all your stuff in the sea.”You really don’t have to remind me of that.”Why don’t you come to my place, then? Dad’s there.”
Okay, this is an opportunity.
“He has been dying to see you, but you didn’t have time. This is the perfect chance to see him.”Elias smiled brightly, but Elspeth felt a shudder down her spine for some reason. Yet she had no other place to go, so she agreed to the invitation.He made a call, and half an hour later, a Lincoln limousine came to pick them up. Elspeth’s lips twitched.
“This is overkill.”He ignored her comment, approached the limousine, and then got in the car.
“Get in. Don’t just stand there.”Elspeth followed him. The first thing she saw in the car was a small table filled with all kinds of wine glasses. Elias didn’t seem to be interested in the alcohol. He looked at Elspeth and got what she was thinking, so he answered,
“It’s my dad’s. I don’t drink.”She nodded.
“Mr. Irving’s hobbies are… peculiar.”
First a house made of gold, and now wine glasses of all shapes and colors.He leaned on the seat and frowned. Peculiar? She’s probably kidding.
“I thought you’re his goddaughter. Why the formal address?””I’m not his goddaughter. That was an accident. I didn’t mean it.”Elias shrugged.
“If my dad knows you didn’t mean what you said, he’s going to cry.”He’s going to cry? Why? Just then, the limousine came to a stop before a villa.”We’re here. Let’s go.”
Elias got out of the car and opened the door for Elspeth.Resplendent. Irving really does love his pretty decor.Elias led Elspeth to the villa’s front door, but before he could open the door, someone flung it open, revealing a familiar face behind it.
“Elspeth. You’re finally here. So, tell me, what brings you to my humble abode.”Wait. I didn’t come here because I wanted to. Elspeth noticed Elias trying to chuckle. Alright, you explain.
“Elias, tell Mr. Irving what really happened.”Irving’s face fell.
“Mr. Irving? Why, it’s only been days since I last saw you. Why the formality?”
He then shot Elias a glare.
“You’re a cheeky one. It’s because of you, isn’t it?”Elias rolled his eyes.
“It’s not my fault, Dad.””I bet it is. You must’ve done something to make her think I don’t like her!”Oh no. I don’t like the looks of this. I have to stop him from starting a lecture.
“Alright, fine. It’s not his fault, Uncle Irving.”Delighted by the change of address, Irving let things slide, and he led them to the living room. All of them sat on the sofa and made small talk. Eventually, they told Irving about the earlier crisis, and he frowned.
“What? You jumped into the sea, and the waves took you to the brat’s ship?”Elspeth nodded.
“Yes. Arthur sent his henchmen after me. I had no choice but to jump ship. Literally.”I think I’ve heard of that Arthur kid, Irving thought.
“The same Arthur who had a falling out with the Winthrops?””The very same.”Irving spat.
“That blasted ingrate. The Winthrops raised a fiend, I say. A fiend who’s out for his own brothers’ blood.”
Oh, wait.
“He tried to sabotage you last time, didn’t he?””Yes, that too.”
Elspeth sighed.
“You saved Callum and me back then.”He slammed the table in fury.
“That bloody b*stard tried to kill you! Well, he’s going to pay for it!”
Elspeth gulped.
“Thank you, Uncle Irving, but for now, I need to go back.”Irving didn’t like that she was going back so soon, and his face fell.
“It’s not every day you come to see me. What’s the hurry?”Elspeth smiled.
“Callum’s probably still trapped. When I jumped ship, he didn’t come with me. I need to know how he’s doing.”
She must find out if Callum was fine.If she insists. Irving sighed.
