Chapter 531

Deep into the night, Erica had just returned from outside when a cluster of expressionless figures in black surrounded her porch. In eerie silence, they cloaked her head in dark fabric and forcefully hurled her into a waiting vehicle, transporting her to an isolated and exclusive establishment.

The fabric was yanked off violently.

Drenched in dread, Erica realized she was kneeling in a suffocating chamber, eyes locking with a chillingly composed young man seated in authority. This man was Brixton Ward, the underground boss overseeing the illegal deals across the district. He had been expanding his operations abroad but had returned recently.

Erica trembled, her thoughts scrambling wildly.

Brixton twisted a razor-sharp blade between his fingers, his voice smooth but threatening. "You've changed your appearance quite thoroughly, but why has your brain become stupid? What gave you the nerve to sell off my operations?"

Terror overtaking her, Erica sobbed out broken pleas, "Mr. Ward! Please forgive me! I truly know my mistake!Allow me another opportunity! I swear! I'll push the remaining plants to higher profits. And I'll repay the losses tenfold, a hundredfold! Just let me prove myself!"

"Prove yourself?" Brixton echoed darkly, like someone hearing a joke too absurd to comprehend. He flicked his wrist, letting the blade's flat edge graze her cheek coldly, his words frozen. "I picked you back then because you showed brains, boldness, and managerial instinct. That's why I left you in charge. But while I have been abroad these two years, what have you accomplished? Which project turned a gain? Hmm?The cosmetic overhaul you went through drained the blood, sweat, and tears from those factory crews!"

Erica reeled in disbelief-how could he know these details? Weren't those plant supervisors her handpicked loyalists?

Brixton's smirk deepened, cruelty twinkling at the corners of his mouth, as if he'd plucked the thought from her skull. "Shocked? You believed managing the factories made the crew your men? That you have their loyalty? How naïve. From the day you took over, youur every move has been under my watch!"

A wave of despair drowned Erica. She collapsed forward, begging with her head low, "Mr. Ward, I was wrong! I won't repeat it! I swear! Please-give me just thirty days! I'll revive the remaining factories! Please,I'm begging you!"

But Brixton's glare stayed razor-edged, steeped in frost and murderous silence. He slowly rose to his feet,looming above her like judgment personified. "Regrettably for you, no more chances remain."

His fingers waved once, and the men nearby-who had watched Erica like predators waiting to pounce-stepped forward with wicked, lecherous laughter.

"She's all yours," Brixton said with chilling detachment.′′When you're done, ensure she learns regret like it's carved in bone."

"Understood!" came their enthusiastic chorus, as restless hands stretched forward and tore at Erica's clothing.

"No! Please, stop!" Erica shrieked, thrashing wildly, consumed by raw terror.

And then, just before her clothes were ripped, she wailed with all the strength in her lungs, "Vincent Jones!Mr.Ward! I swear I'm Vincent's aunt! Vincent, the CEO of the Jones Group! He'll give you money! Lots and lots of it! Enough to fix everything!"

She desperately clung to this, hoping it could save her from this nightmare.

Brixton, who was already moving toward the exit, halted mid-step. He lifted his arm, signaling those men to stop.

Silence took over the room-except for Erica's heavy breathing and sobbing.

Brixton retraced his steps, stopped in front of her, crouched down, and nudged her tear-soaked face upward with the butt of his blade, a sliver of mocking curiosity flickering in his stare. "So? You finally mention Vincent?"

He had known long ago-but had waited for her to bring it up, hoping she'd toss it out when she was desperate enough.

Erica shuddered once more; he knew that too? She no longer dared to conceal a thing, desperately trying to increase her worth in his eyes. "Yes! I'm his aunt! You've heard of the Jones Group, right? They're richer than some nations! Let me go, and I'll make sure he pays an enormous amount! Enough to cover all the losses and even more! Money that never stops flowing!"

Brixton let out a low laugh, but his eyes stayed skeptical. "Sure, the Jones Group is a giant-but you? Just an aunt in name, no real blood, not even included in the family inner circle. Do you think your influence is worth anything? You think he'd cough up real cash because of you?"

Erica's chest thudded with dread; she knew this was the most critical moment. And she had to throw out the most weighty bargaining chip. She looked up, her expression turning fierce with raw urgency. "He has a weakness, Mr. Ward! One that could destroy him!"