New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 419 Beat Up Matthew

Matthew's head throbbed, a dull ache pulsing with each heartbeat. He tried to reach up to touch his forehead but stopped when he felt the tight restraints on his wrists, tying them firmly behind the back of his chair. His legs were bound, too. He cursed under his breath,

struggling against the ropes, when a low voice echoed in the dark, sending a chill up his spine.

"Finally awake, are we?" Eligos's smooth, taunting tone boomed through the warehouse, and Matthew flinched, scanning the shadows until the man stepped into view.

"Where am I?" Matthew's voice came out hoarse, a mix of frustration and, just maybe, a bit of fear.

Eligos grinned behind his mask. "Oh, just a cozy little hideout," he replied with mock sweetness. "An abandoned warehouse... Don't you worry, Matthew. I'm not going to keep you here forever. Maybe." He smirked, leaning closer, as if savoring Matthew's discomfort. Matthew tried to move, but the ropes just dug deeper into his skin. "You've got a real sense of humor, you know that?" he muttered, throwing Eligos a look filled with defiance.

Eligos didn't respond immediately, instead reaching into his pocket and pulling out a worn file, holding it up for Matthew to see. "I came across something interesting in your... files, let's say. It seems you and Claire enjoy a little detective work, yes?" Matthew narrowed his eyes. "Not sure where you're getting that idea."

"Oh, don't play dumb with me." Eligos leaned forward, his voice dropping to a cold whisper. "I saw the files, Matthew. I know you two have been snooping around, digging for information. Care to explain?"

Matthew kept his gaze steady, his expression calm despite the growing knot in his stomach. "Claire doesn't trust the police. She'd rather handle things herself, and I'm just along for the ride."

"Is that right?" Eligos cocked his head, as if genuinely curious. "But why doesn't she trust them?"

Matthew shrugged, his tone casual. "Who knows? Maybe she just doesn't like their fashion sense."

Eligos let out a low, humorless laugh. He stepped closer, the mask obscuring his expression, though Matthew imagined he was glaring. Matthew couldn't help but smirk, glancing at the mask and raising his eyebrows. "What's so funny?" Eligos asked, his voice laced with irritation.

"Honestly? You look like a kid trying too hard to be scary on Halloween," Matthew replied, a grin slipping onto his face. "Next, you'll be begging for candy."

be laughing if

big

took a step closer, his posture tense. "Tell me, Matthew, who's

face blank, raising an eyebrow as if

that again. Who is Allen, and why

I said,

Matthew toppled backward with a loud thud, the metal legs of the chair clanging against the cold concrete floor. Pain shot up his spine, but he bit down on a groan, refusing to give Eligos the satisfaction. "Care to answer now?" Eligos's tone was all mock sweetness as he peered

Eligos, still as stubborn as ever. "Still not ringing any bells.

face twisted, his patience clearly wearing thin. He took a deep breath, then leaned down, muttering in a voice that held a dark, ominous edge, "Loyalty is admirable, Matthew. But do

for her," Matthew replied without missing a beat. "So, good luck getting me to

"We'll see just how far that loyalty goes." He snapped his fingers, signaling to one of his men. "Seems our guest needs

one of Eligos's henchmen stepped forward, cracking his

said dryly. "This is the part where you beat

he approached. "Hey, you're the one who

his gaze steady, a slight smirk on his lips even as he braced himself. "Maybe if

him double over as much as the ropes allowed. Pain shot through him, but he managed

The henchman growled, gripping

up before delivering another punch, this time to his

taste of blood filled his mouth, but he refused to let

impressed," he muttered through

Matthew, you