Chapter 124
Chapter 124
Upstairs in the study.
Wyatt sat with a tablet in front of him, watching a video of Grady’s death playing on the screen.
He looked at Charles. “Did you do this?”
Charles knew he couldn’t hide anything from Wyatt–Wyatt knew him far too well.
“Grandpa, Grady was really strutting his stuff at the Crimson Gallery. He was already eyeing the boss’s chair. The Andrade family is strong enough as it is–if Grady took over the Crimson Gallery, there’d be no stopping him, and no one left who could knock him down a peg,” Charles said.
He sat in a nearby chair, looking every bit the aristocrat as he casually swirled his teacup. “Taking him out hit the Andrade family hard. Vivian’s too busy putting out fires to care about our joint projects–which leaves us with a lot more chances to line our pockets.”
Wyatt snorted and slammed the tablet shut. “You’ve got some nerve.”
Who could’ve imagined Grady would get taken out like that? Bet he didn’t even see it coming before the end.
Wyatt rubbed his temples and let out a long sigh. “Charles, I trust you. But the Andrade family isn’t just Grady -Grandpa Jonathan’s there too, along with the rest of their crew. If any of them get suspicious of you, have you really thought about your exit plan?”
Charles chuckled, his elegant fingers playing absently with his teacup. “Right now, Minister Howard’s the one hell–bent on pinning the gun on Grady. That’s got nothing to do with me–I never even showed my face. Howard’s famous for getting obsessed over tiny details, and you cannot buy this guy–he won’t even look at a bribe. If the Andrades try to grease his palms, the whole thing just blows up even worse. Grandpa, I’ve kept my head down; from beginning to end, I stayed invisible.”
He made sure the risky business was handled by someone else. If the Andrades want to take action, they’d go after Minister Howard, not me.
Right now, Minister Howard’s the key witness–he’s the only thing keeping the Andrades in check.
If Howard ends up dead, the Andrades will be the first suspects, no question.
A faint smile flickered in Charles’s eyes. “Minister Howard won’t last much longer. This whole Grady mess is only going to get bigger. As for the Crimson Gallery—I’m taking it.”
In Beloris, everyone knew the name–the Crimson Gallery.
It was the city’s underworld playground, where boxing, gambling, auctions, and assassinations were just another day’s work. Every shady deal you could imagine happened there–if you wanted it, the Crimson Gallery had it.
Still, this place was sheer chaos, with no single boss reigning over it. Every zone had its own shot–caller, and the only law they respected was brute strength.
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Chapter 124
Put them down in a fight, and they’d fall right in line to be your muscle.
Even the privileged Beloris kids who’d seen military action weren’t a match for these wild street thugs–guys who’d learned to survive by lighting their way out of a pile of corpses.
Because of the way things were run, the Crimson Gallery had a target painted on it–everyone in town wanted in.
But it was one hell of a hard case–no one’s managed to sink their teeth into it yet.
Charles had already sent in his own crew, but out of ten territories, they’d only taken four.
Snagging the whole joint was next to impossible–it’d take someone absolutely ruthless and nuts to even try.
Still, grabbing the Crimson Gallery was the ultimate prize on everyone’s wish list.
Wyatt didn’t weigh in on whether Charles’s move was right or wrong–he just let silence hang heavy for a few seconds before letting out a sigh. “As long as you’ve got a plan, that’s enough for me. I just don’t want you making reckless moves over a woman. Word is, Vivian’s been stirring up trouble with Yolanda lately?”
Charles wasn’t the type to get blindsided by a woman–not now, not ever, and especially not enough to go making this kind of play. ‘Letting feelings trip me up? That’s not my style,‘ he thought.
Even Wyatt had a hard time believing he was saying this aloud. He waved his hand, as if to clear the whole thing. “Never mind. Head out.”
“Grandpa, you know me–I’d never lose my head over a woman. But Vivian thought she could walk all over me–that’s not happening. If you’re gonna smack a dog, you better be sure you can face the owner too,” Charles replied.
Wyatt’s expression eased, satisfied. This was typical Charles: cool–headed and never swayed by personal feelings.
As the two came downstairs, Charles noticed he didn’t see Yolanda anywhere.
“Where’s Yolanda?” he asked.
May tipped her chin. “She’s helping out inside.”
Charles frowned for a moment and took a seat. “Is the Andrade family short on staff or something? If so, I can always hire a few more people.”
May let out a cold snort, clearly taking Yolanda’s side. She knew exactly what Charles was getting at.
“We’re not short on staff. What gets me is how she acts like she’s got nothing to worry about. You have no clue how shattered Renee’s been lately–and all because of that baby. And don’t forget, Yolanda nearly ran her over in that car.”
At the mention of Renee, Charles clammed up.
He’d always had a soft spot for his little sister.
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Chapter 124
民国
Before long, dinner started coming out one dish after another. As usual, Dylan was nowhere to be seen–he was always off on business trips overseas.
But tonight, Renee didn’t show up either.
Charles picked up his chopsticks and put some food onto Yolanda’s plate, then asked, “Where’s Renec?”
May couldn’t be bothered to even look at Yolanda and just ordered, “Yolanda, go take something up to your grandma. How do you have the nerve to eat before the elders do? Besides, she’s been saying how much she misses your massages lately. Stop hanging around here and get going.”
Yolanda stood up and took the plate the servant handed her–it was a special medicinal dish made just for Grandma Flora.
Grandma Flora hadn’t been in great health these past years. Mostly, she stayed upstairs resting, only coming down to get some sun every now and then.
After Yolanda headed upstairs, May glared at her back, biting back a bitter snarl. “Charles, seriously–when are you finally divorcing that woman?” she muttered, not bothering to hide her contempt.
Charles ignored the jab completely and just coolly asked, “Has Renee called you lately?”
“Yeah, she seems to be in decent spirits. Must’ve found something fun to do out there. A whole lot better than her being stuck at home, blowing up at everyone whenever she feels like it,” May said.
A hint of something cold flickered in Charles’s eyes, but he just took his time finishing his meal, not letting any emotion show.
Upstairs, Yolanda set the tray aside and leaned closer. “Grandma, time to rise and have something to eat.”
Grandma Flora slowly pushed herself up from bed, sounding tired. “Yoyo, you finally came. It’s been more than half a month since your last visit.”
Yolanda helped her over to the table. The air was full of sandalwood, its soothing scent lingering and calming the mind.
Grandma Flora peered over at Yolanda. “So, did those things I gave you last time help at all?”
She’d been hoping for a grandchild, and even sent her home with five jars of herbal wine.
Yolanda just smiled. “These things happen when they’re meant to.”
Grandma Flora’s wrist still sported her familiar jade bead bracelet as she helped herself to a bite of food. “Let nature take its course? If you don’t even try, there are plenty of women out there who’d be happy to step up. Yoyo, you really are well–behaved, but you don’t know how to act cute at all. You’re just too straight–laced for your own good–and that’s why Charles doesn’t care for you.”
Honestly, Grandma Flora had nagged her with these words so many times Yolanda had lost count.
Yolanda just kept her head down and quietly pressed her hands to Grandma Flora’s shoulders.
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All Grandma Flora ever wanted was for her grandson to marry a sweet, obedient woman–and in her eyes.. Yolanda was just that.
But if you can’t give him a child, then that spot’s not guaranteed–someone else will take your place.
A glint flickered in her eyes. “That herbal wine really does the trick. If he hasn’t had any yet, just coax him into drinking it. If you’re lucky, you might get results on the first try,”
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
Part 1: The Discovery of BetrayalYolanda Grant’s marriage was built on patience, sacrifice, and quiet endurance — but that illusion shattered in one night. It was late when she arrived at a dark, empty alley after receiving a mysterious message with an address. At first, she thought it was a misunderstanding. After all, her husband Charles Sinclair — a man of wealth, power, and refined taste — would never lower himself to something so vulgar. But when she saw him holding a young woman in his arms, kissing and touching her like a man possessed, every ounce of denial drained from her. Charles, the proud and disciplined businessman, was cheating — and in a filthy alleyway, no less.Part 2: The Scene of HumiliationFrom the safety of her car, Yolanda watched as the scene unfolded. The woman clinging to Charles was frail, trembling, and emotional, like a flower blooming in the mud. The surroundings — the stained floor, damp walls, and suffocating darkness — mocked everything Charles had always claimed to be. This wasn’t just infidelity; it was degradation. Yolanda’s mind swirled with disbelief. Her husband, who obsessed over class and perfection, had become a man of impulse and dirt. She didn’t confront him or make a scene; she didn’t even cry. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, numb, realizing that her marriage was already over in spirit.Part 3: Two Years of DevotionAs she sat there, flashes of the past flooded her mind. Two years of marriage — two years of her trying to please him in every way. She had known from the start that Charles didn’t love her. On their wedding day, he had made it painfully clear that his heart already belonged to another woman. Still, Yolanda married him out of hope, out of love, out of the foolish belief that devotion could melt even the coldest heart. She gave up her career, her ambitions, and her independence, just to prove she was worthy of him. She cared for him like a nurse for her patient — cooking his meals, planning his wardrobe, and tending to every detail of his life. And in return, she got nothing but distance and silence.Part 4: The Breaking PointNow, watching him entwined with another woman, everything she had built inside her — the patience, the sacrifice, the illusion — collapsed. The man she had once called her husband had become unrecognizable. He had torn off his noble mask and revealed himself as nothing more than a beast driven by desire. Yolanda felt like she’d been slapped, her dignity shattered into pieces. But instead of screaming or crying, she felt an eerie calm. Her pain was too deep to express. All she could think was: This marriage must end.Part 5: Charles’s UneaseWhile Yolanda drove home, Charles suddenly sensed that something was wrong. The headlights of a passing car illuminated his face, and a chill ran down his spine. He didn’t know whose car it was, but unease stirred in his chest. The girl in his arms whimpered for his attention, but his mind was already elsewhere. Straightening his clothes, he pulled away coldly. “That’s enough for tonight,” he said flatly. “The company’s got big projects. I can’t afford divorce rumors right now.” His words revealed not love, but calculation — every move guided by image and control. The girl, blinded by her feelings, agreed softly, claiming she would wait. But to Charles, it was just another temporary indulgence.Part 6: The Return HomeWhen Yolanda returned home, the villa felt colder than ever. She had just come out of the shower when Charles entered the bedroom, carrying his jacket. He looked as immaculate as always — tall, handsome, commanding — but tonight, his arrogance seemed cruel. On his pristine white shirt, Yolanda noticed a faint smear of pink lip gloss. She had never worn lip gloss; she hated its stickiness. That small, shiny mark told her everything she needed to know. As she dried her hair, she kept her expression neutral, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain.Part 7: The Cold ConversationCharles glanced at her and asked casually, “When did you get back?”“This afternoon,” she replied.He loosened his tie, unbuttoning his shirt as if nothing had happened. “I was out playing golf tonight,” he added. The lie rolled off his tongue effortlessly. Through the reflection in the window, Yolanda saw the dirt on his back — proof that golf wasn’t the only game he’d been playing. With quiet fury, she shot back, “Then I guess you scored plenty of holes. Congrats.”Her sarcasm caught him off guard. For the first time, he frowned, slightly unsettled. He wasn’t used to this tone from her — the woman who once worshiped him now sounded indifferent, almost mocking.Part 8: His Cruel ArroganceInstead of apologizing, Charles smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you mad? I told you when we got married that I didn’t love you. If you’re that unhappy, find someone else to cheat with.” His words cut through her like a blade. It wasn’t just betrayal anymore — it was humiliation. He treated her heartbreak as an inconvenience, as if her pain were irrelevant. Inside, Yolanda’s chest felt like it was being strangled with wire, every breath searing. Yet she stayed silent. Her quietness, once a sign of love, now turned into armor.Part 9: The Memory of InnocenceIn that moment, Yolanda’s mind drifted back to when she first met Charles. She was young, freshly adopted into the Grant family, and he was already the picture of perfection — disciplined, confident, untouchable. Back then, she looked at him with admiration and love. To her, he was everything she aspired to be. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that this same man would someday make her feel worthless. All those years of love, of marriage, of giving — they now felt like a cruel joke.Part 10: A New Beginning Hidden in the Word “Fine”Charles chuckled when she finally said, “Fine.” To him, it was just another empty threat, another outburst that would fade with time. He kissed her cheek, confident that her love would keep her shackled to him forever. What he didn’t realize was that this time, “Fine” wasn’t surrender — it was goodbye. Behind her calm eyes, Yolanda had already made her decision. The love that once bound her had turned to ash, and from that ash, something new was forming — strength.Chapter 1 ends with Yolanda’s quiet determination to take back her life. She won’t cry or beg anymore. This time, she’ll walk away — not as a broken wife, but as a woman reborn through betrayal.
