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.

she came out of the bathroom, she was naked, with the scent and steam of the bath clinging to

bathed body had a faint blush, with graceful

tentatively placed her hand on my chest, drawing circles, occasionally glancing up

passionate and eager.

it was natural

smiled brightly and used her hands and mouth,

unhappy,

slightly parted lips, suppressed the fire in my heart, and calmly said, "Put on your clothes and go

refused to

of it. I picked it up-it was Dennis. I shot the woman a cold, warning look, and she reluctantly climbed off. Lowering the receiver volume, I answered the call. Dennis only

put my phone

woman cooed, her hand crawling up my body again. I didn't give her another chance. I

she called after me,

straight out of the hotel, still feeling the

cigarette, letting the cold wind cool me down

finished the cigarette, Dennis pulled

and Dennis drove us straight to Heritage Square

parked near the plaza but stayed

on the phone that Lonehawk had sent reliable intel about an operation

didn't know his real identity, just that he went by Lonehawk, and his information was always

and most of the shops closed. The only places still buzzing were a few KTVs and internet cafes in the

up not far ahead, and a

one of them-Richard. Dennis must have spotted him too because he turned

guy, arms around each other's shoulders. They looked relaxed but were clearly keeping an eye on

lying in wait around the plaza, rushed into

operation ended with everyone getting

watched as they were handcuffed one by one and loaded into police

sirens blaring, the

KTVs and internet cafes spilled out to watch the commotion. After the police cars left, they chatted for a bit before

car windows down, Dennis lit a