Chapter 294

Shirley examined the wedding invitation. The groom was Filip, the bride Lilian. A sarcastic smile touched her lips. She hadn't expected Lilian to climb so high on the social ladder.

However, a detail caught her eye: beside the bride's name, in smaller print, was "Maid of Honor, Cynthia." This was unusual. Shirley found it strange that a bridesmaid's name would appear on the invitation.

Yet, Lilian's success was undeniable. Filip and Cynthia had been childhood sweethearts, practically engaged since they were children. Despite this, Lilian not only married Filip but also had Cynthia, the former fiancée, as her maid of honor. This was remarkable.

Shirley soon understood Lilian's strategy. While Cynthia and Filip hadn't officially registered their marriage, their lavish wedding had captivated the city, attended by Roncrity's elite. Their complicated history was notorious. Cynthia's presence as maid of honor signaled reconciliation, shielding Lilian from accusations of being a homewrecker. With even the "original fiancée" having moved on, further attacks on Lilian would seem unreasonable.

What truly impressed Shirley was Lilian's ability to secure Cynthia's participation. A plan formed in Shirley's mind. Tomorrow presented an ideal opportunity. She pocketed the invitation.

Later, Shirley met Luke in a private bar. Upon seeing her, he demanded, "Did you bring the two million?"

Shirley noticed a bandage on his pinky finger. "What happened to your hand?" she asked.

Luke's face tightened with anger. Cynthia had paid off ten million of his debt, leaving only one million. He hadn't been able to pay that, resulting in the loss of his pinky finger. The memory of the pain still made him shudder.

He couldn't mention Cynthia's involvement; Shirley was unaware of his betrayal. He blamed her entirely: "It's your fault! I couldn't pay, so they cut off my finger. You owe me another two million!"

Instead of her usual rebuke, Shirley smiled. "Four million? That's nothing. Do something for me, and I'll pay you sixteen million."

Luke's eyes lit up. "Tell me."

"I need you to kill someone," Shirley said.

Luke recoiled. "Murder is against the law."

Shirley laughed. "You talking about the law? How ironic."

His expression turned serious. "Who?"

"Cynthia Jones."

A flash of resentment crossed Luke's face at the mention of Cynthia. He'd relish seeing her dead, but she was too well-connected.

"She's the Bennett family's daughter-in-law," he said. "If I kill her, I won't survive." He knew Cynthia's connections, especially with Edmund and the Bennett family, were too powerful.

Shirley reassured him, "I won't leave you in the lurch. Use your connections to buy a gun on the black market. Go to the Yates family wedding tomorrow. Cynthia will be there. Wait for the right moment and take her out. The chaos will provide cover. Security will focus on the guests, not the killer. Then escape."

Shirley continued, "I'll provide everything: sixteen million in cash, a new ID, passport, and a plane ticket to Damianus. That money will set you up for life."

Luke was stunned, clearly tempted, not just by the money, but by the allure of Damianus and its casinos. He envisioned multiplying his wealth.

Shirley knew she had him. Gamblers like Luke never quit, even when facing ruin. She'd seen it before. He saw her as a golden goose, someone to exploit indefinitely.

But Shirley also knew how to manipulate him. Luke's gambler's nature made Damianus irresistible.

Luke hesitated. "Why should I trust you? If I kill her and you break your promise, I'll face a death sentence."

Shirley replied, "Luke, we're in this together. You have my most dangerous secret. If you're arrested, what do I gain?"

Luke thought, She's serious. I'm her only witness to murder, and she thinks I recorded it. If she betrays me and I'm caught, her crime is exposed. She won't risk that. She's using me one last time to eliminate her biggest threat.

Shirley showed him photos of the ID, passport, and suitcase full of cash. "I sold a family heirloom for this money. I've arranged a new identity. I'll book your ticket now. Tomorrow, after the job is done, you're on that plane to Damianus. Catch the 8:16 flight. Damianus is a vibrant, dazzling paradise."