Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 244 Action

The rain suddenly picked up. I grabbed the umbrella with one hand and opened the car door with the other. But just as I was about to step out, I hesitated. Did I really have the right to approach Emily?

I watched her run through the rain with her backpack, and I couldn't help but give a bitter smile. I closed the car door again and set the umbrella down gently. Lighting a cigarette, I waited until her figure disappeared into the downpour before starting the car again.

When I got home, the rain was still coming down hard. I parked, got out, and stood there with one hand in my pocket, tilting my head slightly as if I was enjoying the rain. Seeing Emily had stirred something in me, like the thrill of first love back on the basketball court.

I got soaked, my hair and shirt drenched, before finally heading inside. After a hot shower, I stood in front of the mirror, watching the water droplets slide down my chest.

That year of training had been intense, with daily physical workouts that transformed me from a skinny kid into the muscular guy in the mirror. The psychological training taught me to stay calm and collected, to be patient and steady. Business was a whole other beast. I learned the art of sophistication through my battles in the corporate world.

I could play the part of a carefree playboy, but I never let any woman get too close because of my special circumstances.

I had to be the perfect businessman, wearing a flawless mask to complete my mission.

As for Emily, I hoped she'd find her own happiness. Our paths had diverged, and we were never meant to cross again.

In the years that followed, I kept myself insanely busy, avoiding any idle moments that might make me think beyond my mission. I kept up with the training while expanding Skyline International Corporation.

To everyone else, I was a hardworking, ambitious businessman. That was my role, my responsibility.

Over those seven years, I wore the mask of a businessman, talking about money and profit every day. I mingled with shrewd, mercenary businessmen and unknowingly became one of them.

At social gatherings, we toasted and laughed, all wearing our fake smiles. No one ever truly opened up. I'd often come home drunk and pass out, only to wake up the next day, put on a suit, and do it all over again.

As I neared thirty, a lot of people with ulterior motives started pushing women my way. They'd come on strong, and I'd play along-wrapping my arm around their waists, dancing, taking their wine glasses, drinking what they offered but no one was getting me into bed that easily.

I knew these women, and the people behind them, weren't interested in me. They were after Skyline International Corporation.

To me, these women were just walking billboards of materialism and schemes, not worth a second thought. But sometimes, to keep things smooth, I had to act the part of the playboy. I learned to play the game, but I never let anyone get to me. I didn't have the luxury of being moved.

I rarely got genuinely drunk at these social events. Sometimes I'd pretend to be tipsy, but the only time I actually got drunk was when some business friends really tried to get me wasted. Even then, I was still somewhat aware.

I remembered being helped into a hotel room by a woman and collapsing on the bed. I could hear the shower running. I knew exactly what she wanted.

was naked, with the scent and steam of the bath clinging to her. She seemed

indifferently. Her freshly bathed body had a

hand on my chest, drawing circles, occasionally glancing up at my face. Seeing that I didn't push her away, she got bolder and climbed on

wrapped her arm around my neck, and brought her lips to mine, passionate and eager. When I didn't

direct attraction, it was natural

because she smiled brightly and used her hands and mouth, trying to arouse my interest. But I gently pushed her away, bit by

pouted, clearly unhappy, and said, "Mr.

fire in my heart, and calmly said, "Put on

The woman pouted and refused to

the woman a cold, warning look,

and put my phone

up my body again. I didn't give her another chance. I pushed her away, got out of bed, straightened my clothes, and walked

she called after me,

straight out of the hotel,

letting the cold wind cool me down until the fire inside finally

I finished the

drove us

parked near the plaza but stayed in the car to

the phone that Lonehawk had sent reliable intel about

in contact with. I didn't know his real identity, just

started to empty out, and most of the shops closed. The only places still buzzing

AM, the target finally showed up. A van pulled up not far ahead, and a group of young men

me to recognize one of them-Richard. Dennis must have spotted him too

squinted at Richard, who was walking to the internet cafe with another guy, arms around each other's shoulders. They looked relaxed but were clearly keeping an eye on their surroundings. Once they were all inside the internet cafe, I narrowed my eyes and said, "Proceed

in wait around

operation ended with everyone getting

stayed in the car the whole time. I watched as they were handcuffed one by

sirens blaring, the police

cafes spilled out to watch the commotion. After the police cars left, they chatted

the car windows down, Dennis lit