Chapter 88
Alice’s
tone was
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return cold.“No.” She wouldn’t
the to
team or
that life.
Luke looked pale, unable to speak. Noah was right. He’d had chances to make amends but had failed.
Alice entered the complex but didn’t go upstairs; she took a walk. She thought of the past injustices she’d suffered on the team, and the revenge felt sweet. She wouldn’t compete in the finals! Luke had stolen her chance to win in her past life; this time, she’d deny him victory. Looking up at the sky, she vowed never to repeat the “Beautiful lady, feeling down?” A middle–aged man approached, his eyes leering.“Come to my place for a drink?”
past.
“No.” Alice refused, moving towards a more populated area.
“Don’t go, sweetheart. I know where
you double what they do.”
you live. You’re being kept by those two men, right? I’ll pay
Alice ran, surprised to encounter a pervert on a simple walk. A hand grabbed her, making her
scream.
“Alice!”
Jack pulled her into his arms.“What’s wrong?”
She looked back down the path; it was dark, and the man was gone. She said calmly, “Someone harassed me.”
Where?”
“Over there, but he didn’t follow.” He’d probably been scared off Jack saw her pale face.“I told you not to come down alone.”
by Jack.
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“How was I supposed to know?” She realized she was in his arms and awkwardly stepped back. Jack retracted his hand.“Should we call the police?”
“Yes.”
An elderly woman nearby said, “That path has blind spots. People have reported incidents there, but no one was ever caught. Young lady, don’t walk alone at night in deserted areas. It’s dangerous.”
Alice nodded; she hadn’t expected this. A cold glint flashed in Jack’s eyes, quickly masked.“Let’s go back.”
Alice didn’t want to stay; she felt watched.
Back in the apartment, the incident replayed in her mind.
“Drink some hot water.” A pair of hands appeared. “Thank you.”
Seeing her pale face, Jack said gently, “I’ll investigate. Everyone leaves a trace. There’s no such thing as a blind spot.” If Alice continued living here, the threat had to be eliminated. Alice looked up.“You mean hacking into the security system?”
“Child, don’t bring TV tropes into reality. It’s illegal.” He said seriously, “Rest.”
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Chapter 88
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Alice hesitated.“But he knows where I live, and he knows you’re here.” She didn’t mention the man saying she was being kept; it wasn’t true.
Jack’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected someone to be so bold.“Stay here tonight.”
Alice nodded. “I’ll sleep on the sofa.”
Jack frowned.“You sleep in my room. I’ll sleep on the sofa.”
Her heart skipped a beat.“Isn’t Andrew Yates coming back?” The apartment was a two–bedroom; there was no extra room.
“His room is a pigsty. Don’t even try.”
Alice gave up.“I can sleep on the sofa. It’s fine.”
“Sleep in my room. I have things to do tonight; I might not sleep.” His expression was slightly unnatural, but well–hidden.
Alice went to get her pajamas; he waited at the door. Seeing him, she felt safe. She went into his bedroom; it was simple and clean. He brought a new blanket.“Use this.”
“Thank you.”
He left, it being just the two of them. She glanced at the door; Jack stood there, his silhouette elongated by the living room light. His gaze was deep.“Sleep. Call me if you need anything.” He closed the door.
Alice looked around. His things were minimal. He was cleaner than the messy men she’d heard about.
After showering, she lay in bed, noticing his scent on the bedding. A subtle, indescribable feeling. It smelled like him; it was like he was holding her. Her face flushed.
She expected insomnia but fell asleep quickly; she felt safe.
Outside, Jack went to his study, accessing his system. His tone was cold.“Still no word on the pervert?”
“Found him. He lives in our building!” Andrew Yates said.“The creep steals people’s laundry and has a telescope on his balcony!”
Jack’s face turned dark.“Which floor?”
“I sent you the location. Kick his ass for me!”
Jack shut down his computer, sent a message, then went to the bedroom. He stood for a moment before leaving the apartment. A line of men in black suits, white gloves, baseball caps, and masks stood silently.
Jack’s features were lost in the shadows. They took the elevator upstairs. A man used an electronic keycard to open the door.
Jack heard moans from the study. He found the middle–aged man watching pornography. Startled, the man cried out, “Who… who are you?”
Jack raised his hand; his men entered and closed the door.
Jack stood on the balcony, looking at the stars, his lips cold. After a while, the study door opened. Jack entered; the man was kneeling, bruised and battered, begging.“Sir, did I offend you? If you want money, I can give you everything in my safe.”
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Chapter 88
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Jack stood over him, his eyes icy. The man shivered, speechless.
Jack tapped the man’s cheek with his glove.“You said I was keeping a student. Poor memory.” He’d found out what Alice hadn’t finished saying.
