Chapter 88
Hera’s face drained of color as fear gripped her. She shrank back, her voice trembling. “Who… Who are you? How much did my uncle pay you?”
The memory of the last time she had been at the Lewis estate flashed in her mind. Her uncle’s surprised expression had told her everything she needed to know. Those assassins must have been hired by him. And now, this kidnapping? It had to be connected to him, especially after she’d won 1.5 million from them earlier that day. This had to be his family’s revenge.
Crow tossed the belt aside with a laugh. “What uncle? I have no idea who you’re talking about.”
Skadi, her anger rising, glared at Crow. “My grandfather is the head of the Martial Arts Association. If you touch me, he won’t let you get away with this.”
Crow’s laugh deepened. “Those with nothing to lose aren’t afraid of those in power. If your grandfather knew we were from the Green Bamboo Association, he’d turn a blind eye. After all, we have his granddaughter now.”
Skadi froze. “You… You’re from the Green Bamboo Association?”
Her mind raced. The Green Bamboo Association had enormous influence, with 18 branches across the country and over 30,000 members. On the surface, it was a business association, but in reality, it was deeply entangled in illegal activities.
And then it hit her. “Are the Lanes behind this?” she asked sharply.
Her grandfather had once mentioned that the Green Bamboo Association had a branch in Jonford, with the former head of the Lane family as its president.
Crow smirked, walking casually toward the sofa. “If I want to have fun with two women, do I need anyone else to arrange it for me?”
Skadi’s face paled, and she stood in front of Hera, her arms protectively spread out. “Come at me instead. Leave her alone…”
Crow glanced at Hera and grinned. “That depends on whether you can satisfy me…”
He wasn’t interested in harming Hera. She was important to Hunter, and the Hills had promised him 15 million just to dispose of Skadi. He had bigger plans for her.
He pointed toward the bed, his voice dripping with malice. “You know what to do, don’t you?”
Skadi’s body trembled with fear. She stood motionless for a moment, her heart sinking. Hera’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Please don’t hurt Skadi. We’ll give you whatever you want… We have 1.5 million…”
The amount wasn’t insignificant. Under normal circumstances, Crow might have been tempted. But the Hills’ 15 million was ten times that, and his greed was insatiable.
He turned to Skadi with a cold, sinister gaze. “Will you undress yourself, or should I have my men help you? They’d be happy to assist…”
Skadi’s eyes darted toward the men lingering outside the room. Her fragile body shook, her mind racing for a way out. Gritting her teeth, she stepped forward, walking toward the bed.
With trembling hands, she slowly unzipped her dress from behind.
Crow’s eyes gleamed with unmasked desire as he watched her, his voice a low murmur. “Tsk tsk. I’ve been with so many women, but none of them have been as exquisite as you.”
Skadi was now down to her undergarments. Her face was pale, and Hera’s heart ached for her.
Then, something caught Hera’s eye—a small fruit knife on the coffee table. Desperation surged through her as she reached for it, her grip tightening around the handle. She lunged at Crow, aiming for his chest.
Crow’s reflexes were fast. With a swift movement, he kicked Hera, sending her crashing into the wall. She slumped unconscious to the floor, her body limp from the force of the impact.
Crow sneered. “Stupid bitch. If it weren’t for you being Hunter’s woman, I’d have my men take turns with you tonight…”
Skadi’s eyes widened in horror as she saw Hera’s unconscious form. Without thinking, she rushed to her side, but Crow was faster. He grabbed Skadi by the shoulder, his grip like iron. She twisted her body, her hand slapping him hard across the face.
The slap lacked the strength it would have had if she were fully alert—still, it landed with a satisfying crack. Crow didn’t flinch. Instead, he seemed to grow even more excited. He laughed darkly, his hands tightening around her.
With one swift movement, he picked her up and tossed her onto the bed.
“You beast… Let me go!” Skadi screamed, but her voice was drowned out by Crow’s cold laughter.