Chapter 253

Three days earlier, Cynthia had asked Simon to help find Luke because Simon, having worked in Roncrity, had connections on both sides of the law. She hadn't asked Jonathan because she didn't want to reveal her past to him again, despite knowing he wouldn't mind.

Simon revealed that Luke was hiding in a Roperty nightclub. Someone else had booked his room, controlling all his information. Unsurprisingly, that person was Shirley.

Luke had been spending his days enjoying the nightclub's amenities and his nights gambling in the underground casino. He had amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, all under Shirley's name.

Cynthia frowned. "Shirley again?" she thought.

That evening, Cynthia went to the "Night Whisper" nightclub, using Simon's address. She easily entered and went straight to the underground casino. Simon's intel indicated Luke would be there, placing reckless bets. Cynthia quickly spotted him—it had been three days since she last saw him. His face was still bruised, his eyes bloodshot from gambling. Instead of approaching him immediately, she observed from a distance. Within minutes, Luke lost thousands of chips.

When he tried to obtain more credit, the casino staff refused, restraining him and demanding immediate payment. Luke broke free, saying, "Let's talk. It's only $30,000. I can call and sort it out." He left the casino and headed for the parking lot to make a call. Cynthia followed, hiding behind a large SUV.

She overheard Luke's call: "Hurry up! Quit talking. If you're not here in ten minutes, don't blame me for what happens next." He hung up impatiently.

Luke continued smoking. A red Porsche arrived, and Shirley emerged, visibly angry, slamming the car door. "Are you out of your mind? Where am I supposed to find two million dollars? I got you a room, food, drinks, and you still gambled! What does your losing so much money have to do with me? I don't have the money; pay it back yourself!"

Luke smirked. "Ms. Jones, everyone knows you're the real daughter of the Jones family, a big name in Roncrity. Two million is pocket change for you. You got six million overnight before; this should be nothing."

Shirley was furious. Two million wasn't pocket change; she couldn't even gather $20,000 currently.

Shirley exploded. "Don't threaten me! I've done everything for you. You got the six million, and we're even. Don't treat me like your cash cow!"

Shirley felt she was losing her mind because of Luke. After joining the Jones family, she received a $6,000 monthly allowance, plus jewelry and designer bags from Selena. She'd saved a considerable amount over the years, but that changed after meeting Luke. He had compromising information on her and constantly threatened her. She sold her savings, jewelry, and designer bags. He was a bottomless pit, always returning for more.

Finally, he'd promised to disappear if she gave him six million dollars. Desperately wanting to be free of him, she sold her company shares—worth $300 million—for just six million. She knew it was a terrible loss, disappointing Justin and Selena. She craved an end to the nightmare.

But Luke quickly returned to his old ways, breaking his promise. She realized she'd been deceived, wasting $300 million for virtually nothing. Deep regret filled her.

Luke, hearing this, became enraged. "Oh yeah? You want to ditch me? No way! I'll spill that secret and see how you act like Cynthia from the Jones family. I saw it, and I filmed it. I'll post it online…"

"Luke, don't you dare!"

"Why wouldn't I? I've got nothing to lose! If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!"

Shirley's grip tightened. She felt trapped.

Luke, seeing her anger, coaxed her. "This is the last time, I promise! The last time you'll help me. I swear I won't bother you again. If you help me this once, I'll disappear, and that thing will vanish."

Shirley knew he was lying. Even with two million, he'd return.

She was helpless, though. The thought of the video online terrified her.

Shirley’s shoulders shook. "I'll help you this once, but keep your promise. If you threaten me again, we both go down."

Luke grinned. "No way. You're so decisive. When will I get the money?" He wanted it immediately.

"I don't have it now. Give me a week."

"A week?! That's too long!"

"My parents stopped my allowance. I sold everything. I'm broke."

"If you can't wait, expose me. Then wait to get your arms and legs broken by the casino guys."

Shirley knew Luke wouldn't easily give up his chips.

"A week. Two million in a week, and we're even."

Shirley drove away, while Luke swaggered back into the nightclub.

Cynthia emerged from behind the SUV. The moonlight illuminated one side of her face. A smile touched her lips. She changed her plan. "Let the storm hit even harder," she thought.