The Psychotic Girl’s Revenge

Another long ten minutes passed.

“Jaden still isn’t answering the phone,” someone said weakly.

“And the Presidential Office isn’t answering either,” another added.

Enrico listened without even lifting his gaze, as if these words had no effect on him. He slid out a matchstick, struck it with one hand, and the flame hissed to life, reflecting in his dark eyes.

Someone came in briskly from outside, breathing a bit heavily. Standing before Enrico, they bowed their head. “Mr. Gustin, we can’t book any flights. The President just called, saying this financial summit is critical for our country. He insisted that you stay and attend the entire event before returning.”

Enrico glanced down at the flame burning close to his fingertips, his voice restrained. “Oh? And what if I insist on returning early?”

Hearing the coldness in his voice, the subordinate felt a chill and could only muster the courage to report, “The President said if you insist on returning early, even if the plane is mid-flight over our country, it will be turned around.”

At these words, everyone in the room widened their eyes in shock.

Is the President really going to keep Mr. Gustin abroad and prevent him from returning? What does this mean? Is the President going to clash with Mr. Gustin?

Enrico sat there, still expressionless. He curled his long fingers around the small flickering flame, letting it sear into his palm.

With a sudden motion, he slammed the matchbox onto the table, stood up, and with a bloodthirsty glare, he coldly uttered, “Tell Rafael, if he’s got the guts, he should make sure I never return.”

Everyone lowered their heads.

“Otherwise, any harm my woman suffers, I will make him pay back a hundredfold!” Enrico’s voice was filled with venom, his entire being radiating hostility.

“Yes, sir,” the person quickly retreated without delay.

The others stood frozen, too afraid to move. Enrico shot them a menacing look. “Why are you just standing there? Keep trying to reach them! Find a way to get us back home!”

“Yes, sir!” They all responded hastily.

Enrico slowly opened his palm, the burn mark stark against his skin, as if it was stained with the blackness of a swamp.

…

A large crowd of citizens had gathered in front of the Presidential Office, while inside, countless tycoons and old families were seated. Jaden had no choice but to leave with Rafael through a more secluded path.

Deep within a tree-lined avenue, a cold, towering building gradually came into view before Jaden.

Gangnam Hall.

Jaden followed Rafael into Gangnam Hall, and along the way, uniformed individuals bowed as they passed. Their footsteps echoed in the vast, empty corridor.

“Jaden, to your knowledge, does Joss have any evidence in her possession?” Rafael asked as they walked.

Jaden, feeling conflicted, didn’t reply.

“You know what I’m worried about-if she has any evidence and decides to expose it internationally, it could be disastrous for our country.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Rafael’s tone was steady, but it betrayed his concern.

The slums were previously masked under the guise of an elite system and survival of the fittest. While not entirely humane, it was somewhat justifiable. If this facade is torn away, revealing the slums as the private torture grounds of the tycoons, it would spell disaster once the evidence is leaked.

Between nations, as with tycoons, opportunities for exploitation are never missed.

Upon hearing this, Jaden finally shook his head. “I don’t know. Miss Paige has always been meticulous. Even if she had something, she wouldn’t easily let me know.”

Considering the slums’ importance to her, it was understandable that Paige might keep such things to herself.

“She only mentioned her desire to rebuild the slums. From her study of law and her entry into the Public Law Council, it’s clear she wants to build her influence, gradually change the laws, and eventually save the slums. She wouldn’t immediately reveal any secrets that could endanger the country,” Jaden added.

“Or maybe she doesn’t have any evidence.”

Rafael speculated, “Of course, it’s also possible that she does, and she’s waiting for the right moment when she’s stronger to ensure everything goes smoothly. But now that I’ve captured her, who knows if she’ll act rashly?”

“…” Jaden remained silent.

“You’ve known her longer. Try talking to her, see if you can make things easier for her,” Rafael urged as they reached their destination.

They entered the elevator, which descended straight down. A uniformed person opened a cell door, revealing a large, all-white room that was both glaring and oppressive.

In the center of the spacious cell, steel bars descended from the ceiling, forming a square cage. Paige was inside the cage.

She was leaning against a steel bar, sitting on the ground. Her long hair was loose over her shoulders, her face pale, with blood at the corner of her mouth. A dry bloodstain marked her right shoulder, and there were visible tears on her clothes and pants, with claw marks evident. Her hands and feet were shackled.

Her eyes were closed, seemingly lifeless.

“Miss Paige!”

Jaden’s eyes widened in shock, unable to believe the sight before him.

Even when Mr. Gustin had rescued her from the slums, he had never seen Paige in such a state.

For a moment, Jaden felt his blood boil. He turned and grabbed Rafael by the collar, shouting in a rage, “Rafael, is this what you meant by not hurting her?”

How was he supposed to explain this to Mr. Gustin?

“This is Gangnam Hall’s rule, you know it-break their spirit before trial,” Rafael explained.

Breaking the spirit didn’t literally mean breaking bones. It meant crushing one’s pride. No matter who you were, after experiencing the methods of Gangnam Hall, there was no way you’d refuse to talk.

“But you promised me…”

Jaden was so furious he raised his fist, but the girl in the cage suddenly opened her eyes. Her long lashes fluttered, and her dark, clear eyes gazed at them silently and calmly.

Jaden looked at her, his hand froze, and he let it drop.

Rafael was a bit surprised as he glanced at Paige. He was familiar with Gangnam Hall’s tactics. After going through all that, she still had such clear eyes.

He turned to Jaden. “Did you send someone to bribe them?”

Jaden’s face turned even darker.

A uniformed person stepped forward, bowing apologetically. “Mr. President, it’s our failure. She knows some martial arts.”

It wasn’t just the gunshot wound; they had also brought in two vicious dogs to truly break her.

Who would’ve thought that even with her hands and feet bound, this girl could still fend off two bloodthirsty dogs. In fact, one dog had its upper limbs broken, and the other had its jaw snapped open.

Just as they were about to think of other ways to torment her, Rafael and Jaden had arrived.

“You know martial arts?” Rafael asked Paige, surprised.

Jaden approached the cage, looking at Paige with concern. “Miss Paige, are you alright?”

Paige shook her head, indicating that she was fine. She gripped the bars with her slender fingers, her body trembling slightly as she stood up. Her eyes bypassed Jaden to look at Rafael, and she asked coldly, “Have you identified the informant?”