Chapter 90

Tom Malfoy, Andrew Blackwood’s illegitimate son. Asher’s eyes darkened. “He’s in Russia, yet his reach extends quite far.”

Lucas stood nervously to the side, scarcely daring to breathe. Asher spoke coldly: “Since he’s made his move, I see no reason to be courteous. I hear of a recent project in Russia?”

Lucas responded: “Yes, sir. He finalized it recently. In recent years, Tom Malfoy has not only developed his influence in Russia but has also cultivated supporters in several smaller countries, establishing dedicated facilities…”

“Hmph.” Asher’s lips curved slightly. “Send him a welcoming gift. That project cannot be allowed to proceed.”

Lucas responded promptly: “Yes, sir.”

Asher continued: “Were Malfoy’s people also responsible for killing Vanessa?”

“Yes,” Lucas replied gravely. “It seems once she outlived her usefulness, he eliminated her to remove all traces…”

Asher narrowed his eyes, a cold fury emanating from him. “That’s certainly consistent with his usual methods.” Contempt for the law, casual murder, utterly devoid of humanity.

Asher’s expression hardened. “Since he’s evidently bored, let’s give him something to occupy himself with. Contact Alistair Talbot in Russia and have him assist in dealing with Malfoy. That project must be taken from him at all costs; he cannot be allowed to proceed.”

“Understood!”

Russia, Tom Malfoy’s private estate. The phone on the bedside table had been ringing incessantly. After automatically disconnecting, it immediately rang again, like a death knell.

“Tom… your phone’s been ringing for ages… aren’t you going to answer it?” the woman asked between shallow breaths.

13:39

Tom remained silent, his entrancing eyes glinting with amusement, a sheen of sweat forming on his brow. He was already handsome with an air of wickedness, but desire had made him even more captivating. The woman caught her breath at the sight, becoming lost in his gaze, surrendering completely to the moment.

Grace Bennett had made numerous unanswered calls. Her heart grew increasingly cold. As time ticked by, her tension and unease intensified.

“Miss Bennett, has Mr. Malfoy still not answered his phone?” her bodyguard inquired.

Grace’s face turned deathly pale, her voice trembling: “He’s likely abandoning me. I’m nothing but a disposable pawn now…”

Two days before the engagement ceremony, Arno Jones, Tom Malfoy’s operative in England, had approached her, instructing her to assist Vanessa in disrupting the event. She had hoped to use Vanessa to eliminate Thalia, but through a twist of fate, Asher had been injured instead. Fortunately, Tom Malfoy’s influence was considerable, and Arno Jones was shrewd. The Blackwood family had not traced the engagement ceremony incident back to them. She had thought the matter was over, but then the Blackwoods had somehow found Vanessa. Vanessa’s silencing was undoubtedly on Tom Malfoy’s orders. Would she be next? Would Tom Malfoy silence her first, or would the Blackwood family discover her involvement?

Russia. Tom Malfoy had just satisfied himself and was now reclining against the headboard, smoking contentedly. The woman lay naked against him, her slender, pale hand tracing across his tanned chest.

“Tom, was that one of your little girlfriends calling? I thought once you had me, you’d forget about her. Didn’t expect you’d call her back.” Emboldened by how well she’d pleased Tom, the woman playfully expressed her jealousy.

13:39

Tom took a drag of his cigarette, exhaling smoke rings with satisfaction. The white smoke swirled, partially obscuring his features. He smirked, lifting the woman’s chin with his hand, gazing deeply into her eyes with his captivating expression, his smile rakish and unrestrained.

“What lover could satisfy me as well as you do? She’s merely a pawn. She still has some use, so I’ll keep her afloat for now. Once she loses her value, she’ll be worth less than your Bella.”

The woman, Valeria Petrov, was one of Tom’s mistresses. Bella was her dog, a snowy Samoyed. Hearing Tom’s explanation, Valeria’s red lips curved into a smile, a sweet feeling spreading through her heart like honey.

The woman coyly chided him: “Tom, how can you talk about another girl like that?” Valeria’s coquettishness was alluring, her eyes inviting, thoroughly enticing.

Tom smiled, lifting Valeria’s chin and leaning down to kiss her. His desire was intense; though he had just found release, Valeria’s flirtation had aroused him again. They entangled themselves in passionate abandon, the sensual atmosphere lingering long afterward.

After speaking with Tom, Grace’s suspended anxiety finally eased. It seemed she still held value for him. Since Tom had personally assured her that Vanessa’s situation wouldn’t affect her, he must be confident the Blackwoods wouldn’t trace anything back to her. At last, she could sleep peacefully.

In the Blackwood family study. Asher had reported everything about Tom Malfoy’s actions to his grandfather and father, Andrew Blackwood. Andrew’s expression was grim. On the desk sat a laptop, its screen showing the livid face of the Blackwood patriarch.

The elder Mr. Blackwood was on a video call with Andrew, his voice filled with authority: “Andrew, I told you from the beginning that illegitimate son should never have been spared. You shouldn’t have been so soft-hearted; Asher alone is sufficient as the Blackwood heir.”

Andrew looked both guilty and regretful, his expression troubled. “Father, I was wrong in this matter. I shouldn’t have been so sentimental. I only considered that he carried our Blackwood blood…”

The elder Mr. Blackwood’s face reddened with anger as he berated his son: “Because of your momentary compassion, we now face disaster! Look at what he’s done! Killing people without a second thought! That’s three human lives!”

Asher stood quietly to the side, not speaking. Andrew lowered his head as he listened to his father’s reprimand, not daring to offer a single word of defense. “You’re right,” Andrew kept his head bowed as his father continued to castigate him. The patriarch was thoroughly enraged, venting his considerable fury through the computer screen. He held a significant position in government in London, and leaving the capital required official approval, so he couldn’t return immediately. He could only discipline his inept son via video call.

After berating Andrew at length, the elder Blackwood finally calmed himself. He spoke in a measured tone: “Let me speak with Asher.”

“Yes.” Andrew turned the laptop toward Asher, who stood nearby.

“Grandfather,” Asher greeted respectfully.

The patriarch raised his gaze to look at Asher, his expression serious. “What do you intend to do next?”

Asher replied: “Tom has recently secured a major project. I plan to make him suffer for it. He’s invested considerable time and resources in this project; its failure would be devastating for him.”

“Good.” The patriarch responded grimly. “Teach him that the Blackwood family is not to be trifled with.”

“However…” the patriarch continued, his expression grave, his tone weighty: “Judging by his methods, he’s a complete psychopath. Now that you’re engaged in conflict with him, you must be thoroughly prepared.”

Asher lowered his eyes, his tone neutral: “I understand. It was only due to a lack of preparedness that he succeeded previously.”

The patriarch nodded slightly. “You’ve always been reliable, far more so than your father.” He cast a displeased glance at Andrew, who stood with his head bowed nearby.

Andrew dared not offer a single word in his defense.

After a moment, the patriarch addressed Asher: “Asher, you’re quite grown now. It’s time for you to take over the family affairs. I know that previously, with your limited authority, many investigations and actions were difficult to pursue. Given recent events, transferring the family’s power and business to you will aid you in dealing with Tom. I understand he’s done quite well abroad in recent years; his influence is not to be underestimated. Don’t be careless.”

Asher responded calmly: “Yes, Grandfather. Rest assured, I know what to do.”

The patriarch nodded. “I’ve always trusted your judgment, except for that impulsive moment when you took a knife for Thalia.”