New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 424 Reckless Andrea

Andrea's heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of one of Eligos's men approaching him. His eyes widened in surprise and instinctively, his body stiffened, the blood draining from his face. This was bad-really bad.

He fumbled for words, trying to gather his thoughts, but the panic setting in made it hard to think straight. "W-what's this about? Who are you?" he stammered, taking a step back, hoping to create some space between himself and the approaching figure. The man didn't seem to care much for Andrea's attempt at evasion. His stride was deliberate, almost predatory, as he closed the gap between them. "Eligos wants to see you," the man said flatly, not even bothering to disguise the force behind his words. Andrea's throat went dry, his mind racing as he tried to think of an excuse anything to avoid going wherever Eligos wanted him to. "Eligos? How did he know I am here?"

The men stared at Andrea with a stoic expression. "You think you can do anything without Eligos knowing?"

"I thought that maybe-"

"You don't need to explain to me. Eligos is the one that needed to hear it."

"But I-I don't need to see him. I was just... just passing through," he blurted, hoping it might work. But the lie felt weak even as he said it, and judging by the man's unimpressed expression, it didn't. "No," the man said, his voice low and firm. "You're coming with me. Now."

Andrea's eyes darted to the side, his heart pounding in his chest. He could bolt, and try to run, but where would he go? He wasn't stupid enough to think he could outrun Eligos's people, especially not in a city like this. And if he resisted, he knew exactly what would happen next. "Listen," Andrea said quickly, trying to stall. "I don't know what Eligos wants with me, but I swear, I didn't do anything wrong. I haven't... I haven't made any moves, okay? I'm just trying to get some help. Please, I just need="

The man's eyes hardened, cutting off Andrea's rambling. "You don't get to ask questions. You don't get to stall. You're coming with me."

Andrea could feel the sweat forming on his palms, his breath growing shallower as the man closed in on him. "I... I didn't mean anything by it. Please, just let me explain-"

The man took a firm step toward him, reaching out with a hand that was meant to stop any more excuses. "There's no explaining. Eligos wants to see you, and he doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Before Andrea could say another word, the man grabbed him by the arm with surprising strength and began pulling him toward a waiting car. Panic surged through Andrea, and he fought to stay calm, but his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

the last. Andrea didn't say anything more, knowing it was pointless. His thoughts swirled, but one thing was clear: Eligos

floor of his office, agitated. He had so many questions-so many things that didn't add up. Why had Andrea been at Metacortex?

dragging Andrea behind him. He could feel his frustration boiling over. "What is this?" he demanded, his voice low and

stiff nod. "Here

stumbled into the

shock as he looked around, taking in

trying to

He'd never been in a place like this before, and the weight of Eligos's stare made him feel small and

you there?" Eligos's voice sliced through the silence,

thoughts running in circles. "I... I wasn't doing anything wrong. I swear," he said quickly, his

"You didn't think I'd notice? Tell me what you were doing at Metacortex? Are you trying to see Claire? Don't

under Eligos's gaze. "I thought... maybe she could help me. I need money, okay? For my mom's surgery. I thought she might be able to... I don't know, lend me some. Cause I called you but you didn't answer and I don't have any other

let out a low,

thought you'd just waltz into Metacortex and ask one of the most powerful people in the city for a handout? Are you insane, or just stupid? And I didn't answer your call because I was busy, if you can be patient, I

thickly, trying not to shrink under Eligos's scrutiny. "I'm sorry....... I didn't know what

"Desperation doesn't excuse stupidity. Do you have any idea what you've

force. He had no idea what he was getting into, and now it seemed like there was

mean any harm. I just... I

a step