Chapter 90: Chapter 90

Eland grinned slightly. The cigarette between his fingers was already halfway burned. Occasionally, he took a puff, but more often it served as a decoration in his hand. It wasn't that he didn't want to experience the nicotine sensation, he just found it too little. Unlike Sam's cigars, which were never far from the storage dashboard. His boss was a rather acute cigar addict. There was always a supply in every corner of the storage, and if not, anything near the ruler could incur his wrath.

However, this afternoon, Eland didn't feel like enjoying the cigars he could easily obtain. He preferred to observe the two people engaged in an interesting conversation that ended with a warm embrace. Then, a brief wave of the hand after the black SUV, driven by someone Eland knew, zoomed away.

Soon, one of them leisurely approached him. With a wide smile, as if she knew she was being waited for. Eland didn't waste this moment. He quickly discarded the remaining cigarette, stomping it with the tip of his shoe to leave no dangerous traces, and then greeted the arrival of the girl.

"Ready?" he asked while adjusting the bucket hat worn by the shoulder-length-haired girl named Anne. Although Eland had asked her to grow her hair a bit, the reason given was quite reasonable. It bothered him when he had to struggle with screens full of data strings he didn't understand.

"Hopefully, Mr. Alfred won't be angry," she replied, accompanied by a chuckle.

"No chance." Eland chose to embrace the girl, which was never refused, only bringing them closer. "Where do you want to go this afternoon?"

"Um... I promised to cook for you, right? What's in your apartment?"

Eland laughed. "Since when does I have food stocked up?"

Anne's laughter infected him. "Let's go shopping then."

"Don't you want to eat out? Enjoy the new Flown?"

The girl's steps slowed down a bit. "Hugo said it's not a hundred percent ready."

"That's true." Eland opened the door for Anne. "Would you like to?"

He offered before making sure Anne was sitting comfortably and wearing her seatbelt. Several Quassano's typical guards were wandering around as if just realizing something was happening. Eland grinned slightly. He half-ran towards the driver's door and quickly sped away.

Anne, observing Eland's behavior this time, could only chuckle. She glanced at the man who was focused on the steering wheel. Navigating through winding roads adorned with pine forests and steep descents. Truly a place suitable for resting without the disturbance of other vehicles passing by. Leaving behind the grand two-story building now occupied by Beatrice.

"Have you heard that Boss Sam rejected Mr. Alfred's request?" Anne broke the silence between them. For some reason, every time Anne was picked up by Eland in his beloved car, she felt that Eland's presence was much more thrilling.

Anne could say that because the muscles in Eland's arms were clearly visible. His black shirt rolled up to his elbows, fully focused on the steering wheel. Occasionally, his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, not to mention his calm yet intimidating demeanor.

"He has." Eland opened the car's sunroof. Sometimes it's necessary to feel the fresh air around the pine forest, right? Anne wouldn't object to that. "Sam wouldn't do that," Eland said, resting his right elbow on the door.

"I'm sure Boss Sam wouldn't, but Beatrice feels pressured because it's something Alfred really wants."

"Without the Quassanos, the Twin Dragons will continue to operate as usual. Sam's power shouldn't be underestimated. Unless Mr. Alfred chooses to stand beside Sam and accompany him in whatever he does." Eland reached for one of his sunglasses from his collection and handed it to Anne, just to shield her eyes from the glaring sunlight. "Are you sure you don't want to go to Flown?"

Anne firmly shook her head. "You always remind me of that promise. Even though it's you don’t want me to visit the apartment. Why is that? Is there a secret?"

Eland chuckled. Annoyed, he ruffled Anne's head while adjusting her hat, letting her beautiful face scrunch up in annoyance. And her complaints, according to Eland, sounded rather spoiled.

"You should know about the security in my apartment, right? What am I hiding there?"

Although still pouting in annoyance, Eland's words warmed her heart. It wasn't difficult for Anne to trace anything about the whereabouts of the person who suddenly captured her heart.

The security system in the Southern region was beyond her comprehension. She just needed to input a special code to access everything related to the surveillance cameras in every corner of the city. It was even easy for Anne to disable the system in one of the government buildings.

Amid her busy schedule of overseeing every detail of the city, Sam intentionally didn't lower his guard because he didn't want a terrifying incident to happen again. The security system at the headquarters was also upgraded, which Anne believed was sophisticated enough to thwart any intrusion attempts.

Sometimes, in the midst of her busyness, she deliberately monitored Eland's activities in her apartment. Blaming herself for being too curious, even though she was sure that Eland's words were not just empty promises. Including when the man himself was in the apartment. No, Anne didn't think about another woman accompanying Eland. She just wanted to gaze at him a little longer, even without realizing it.

Sometimes Eland was with Hugo, but Jack visited more often. Anne knew that Eland's relationship with Jack was much closer than with Hugo. That was because Hugo was often with Sam, taking care of many things. The apartment was often left unoccupied. Eland still hadn't let go of his responsibilities at the Border. He also said that Mr. Yamada liked having Eland there.

"There's nothing, actually," Anne replied softly. Feeling the gentle breeze that refreshed her, she took off her hat, letting the wind tousle her hair, which she didn't want to change the style of yet. "Two days ago, I learned to cook with Beatrice."

Eland chuckled. "Showing off, huh?"

"Talking to you can be annoying sometimes." Anne pouted again. "Alright, fine. I'll go wherever you wants to go."

"Okay." Eland pressed the accelerator slightly. "A wise decision."

With Eland, Anne was never forced to do anything beyond her capabilities. She truly became herself, free and unfiltered. Perhaps because everyone at the headquarters knew about the relationship between them, Anne felt much more valued. The respect of Sam's other subordinates towards Eland was high. Eland's position in the Twin Dragons couldn't be underestimated either.

Although sometimes Anne worried about the safety of the man who casually said, "Actually, it's you who Eland should worry about. You should practice your archery more, An. I’m rarely at the headquarters. It's to protect yourself in case something bad happens."

Leaving the pine forest area, the car, which was supposed to take the left lane, was steered in a different direction by Eland, making Anne wonder, "Where are we going?"

"I think... we need to visit someone before going to Flown."

Anne furrowed her brow. Eland's unexpected visits often caught her off guard. Once she was asked to accompany Eland to meet someone. Anne thought that person might be one of Eland's family members, even though she realized he was truly alone among his small group. From the beginning of their acquaintance, Eland only had a few members. Unfortunately... that was just Anne's speculation.

They met Bella. Yes, Anabella Jovanka. The woman who used to be close to Anne. The one who held power at the headquarters simply because she was always by Sam's side, even though the ruler could easily get rid of Bella. Forgetting one fact that Sam was a man who had the freedom to choose. Including making Beatrice the only woman by his side.

If Anne reviewed her past, she wished she could curse the part where she got involved with Bella. It immediately drew Sam's attention because it was connected to Beatrice. Luckily, Anne quickly realized her mistake. That's why she willingly sought redemption and directly apologized to Sam. Not hoping for mercy, Anne would accept any punishment. But it was more about her loyalty to Sam that mattered most.

The woman's condition was far different from the last time they met. The sharp gaze and disdain towards Anne were no longer there. They were replaced by melancholy and an indescribable regret. And one more thing: fear.

"What do you want here?" Bella whispered, looking around. Her eyes darted wildly. Guests she never expected to see had arrived. Eland, the bastard who ruined her grand plans. Damn it! Bella herself, even though she wanted to retaliate against all her pain, no longer had the ability.

Gerald left her exactly one day after being warmly welcomed in Savannah. Unfortunately, what she thought was good turned out to be a complete upheaval in her life. Even just having a meal, Bella had to work extra. The ruler of Savannah watched her every move closely. The only place she could rely on for her livelihood was here.

Menwai Discotheque. Owned by Mrs. Bella, the true ruler of Savannah.

"Visiting an old friend," Eland replied casually. He enjoyed the tequila served in front of him with gusto. Occasionally, the man's eyes closed to savor the sensation of Menwai's blend, which was undoubtedly different from Flown. "Not bad. You should try it, An."

"I don't like tequila," Anne declined. That was her honest response before her gaze shifted to Bella. The woman's body was thin, her once beautiful wavy blonde hair was no longer there. Her face was much gaunter, as if she hadn't had enough rest.

"Take me away from here, Eland!" Bella almost bumped into Eland. Her eyes wandered, making sure no one was watching. She knelt slightly, focusing on the man she had known for a long time. She sought the mercy that she believed Eland still possessed.

Although... in her heart, what Eland had done was unforgivable, but she could postpone the pain. She had to free herself from the clutches of Bella, the devilish woman, immediately.

"I'm not here to see you, Bella." Eland brushed off Bella's hand with ease. "It's better for you to stay here than return to Twin Dragons. Every time Sam remembers your name, a bottle of alcohol shatters in his hands. What do you think will happen to you if you appear in front of Sam?" Eland grinned thinly, leaning back comfortably, ignoring Bella, who appeared anxious.

Cunning as always, Bella approached Anne. "You have to help me, Anne. You know, I often helped you when Tony was still around." Bella still held hope. Yes, Anne was her hope. She immediately sat beside Anne, who looked surprised by her earlier behavior.

"Don't bother Anne, Bella," Eland warned firmly. He had been casually talking before, but seeing Bella insisting, Eland became annoyed as well. Ah... he should have predicted this, right? Unfortunately, he needed to meet Bella. If it weren't for Sam's orders and the need to personally verify the rumors, Eland wouldn't want to be here.

Even just meeting Bella, Eland would prefer if the tip of his sword was at Bella's throat. He hadn't forgotten what Bella had done and the impact it had on Flown and Jack.

"I have to go back to Twin Dragons, Anne," Bella ignored Eland's warning. She kept pleading with Anne, who didn't know what to do. "I'm sure Sam will forgive me. Beatrice is a good girl, Beatrice won't—"

"I said don't disturb her," Eland's grip on Bella's neck tightened. Bella's eyes widened in shock. She reached for anything on the table to free herself, but it was useless. Eland's strength held power over her. "Haven't you learned from past mistakes?"

"Don't cause a scene, Eland."

That voice made Eland turn. And Anne as well. Following the direction of the voice, they saw a woman wearing a red dress, her long wavy hair adding a unique aura to the figure Anne had just met.

Her name was Flara Frederich. The ruler of Savannah who didn't want her name known by many. She used trusted aides to appear in public, but all decisions rested with her. Even those who merely met her had to have special appointments because it was difficult to see her. She controlled the illegal sector, including human trafficking, which couldn't be touched by the law.

Eland let out a long sigh. He released his grip with a strong push. Bella coughed, not fully aware of the presence that made her hair stand on end. And when she looked up, from the tip of her shoes to their eye contact, Bella was startled.

"Aren't you expecting guests, Bella?" Flara glanced down briefly. Her hand intentionally touched her chin, quickly scanning the appearance of the woman who couldn't be separated from her watchful eyes. But she was allowed to do whatever she pleased as payment. It was Sam's command, so that's what happened. Besides, Flara had nothing to lose.

In fact, the benefits at Menwai Discotheque increased with Bella's presence. A sex machine that could be used at the customer's whim, fulfilling their desires.

"It's my break time," Bella mustered the courage. "I need time to go back there."

Flara chuckled. "Is that true?" She called one of her subordinates to come closer. "Bring what Bella needs."

Instantly, those words sent shivers down Bella's spine. "No." She shook her head anxiously. "No, not again."

"There are many guests to entertain tonight, Bella." Flara smiled very thinly. But it was clearly not a smile that could be praised casually. It was a smile that signaled terrible torment for Bella tonight. "I heard from Mia that you rarely eat? Should I feed you?"

Once again, Bella shook her head. Fearfully.

"I want you to gain a little weight. You're an asset that I will never let go, Bella." Flara still maintained her smile. She glanced briefly at the subordinate who brought her a cup of clear liquid. "Drink."

Bella shook her head vigorously. Rebelling while begging for forgiveness. Causing some of the contents of the cup to wet the tip of Flara's shoe. A soft sigh accompanied by a clear look of displeasure was clearly imprinted on Flara's face. "Force her to drink it and take her to the VIP room. The police officers need to be entertained, and tomorrow, make sure she eats everything brought by Mia."