Filed to story: The Regretful Billionaire: An Unpredicted Reunion >>
When Danika arrived at Paul’s villa, she saw Stephanie waiting at the door and was relieved to see her standing upright.
She approached Stephanie and asked warily, “Where’s Paul?”
Stephanie glanced toward the villa, indicating someone was inside. When Danika pulled her to her car, Stephanie said, “It’s fine, Danika. This Is my business.”
“It’s my business too, Steph. Am I not your friend?”
Stephanie smiled wryly. Because Danika was her friend, she didn’t want to trouble her with her own problems.
However, Danika pressed on. “No matter how powerful he is, he’s not omnipotent, trust me. Let’s go. If anything goes wrong, I’ll take care of it for you.”
She pulled Stephanie toward the car, but Stephanie resisted, saying, “Danika, my family can’t beat him. It’s an undeniable fact.”
Danika disagreed with her. “Even if your family can’t, my brothers and I are still here for you. I don’t believe that we can’t do anything about him.” Danika knew that Paul was a force to be reckoned with, a capable man in his own right.
Stephanie understood that Danika had her best interests at heart, but the more Danika insisted on helping, the more Stephanie didn’t want to involve her. After spending so much time with Paul, she realized how unpredictable and dangerous he was, and she couldn’t risk Danika getting hurt.
Stephanie pulled Danika aside and said earnestly, “Actually, I’ve been thinking…maybe Paul isn’t that bad. He doesn’t have a girlfriend now, and I still have a chance with him.”
Danika’s response was harsh. “Stephanie, do you think of yourself as his lapdog? Paul is an asshole, don’t waste your time with him.”
Stephanie’s face turned pale, and she looked pained.
Danika continued, “Think about it; if your family finds out, would they agree? They care about you and wouldn’t want you to suffer like this. Your parents would rather lose their business than have this happen to you.”
Danika knew just how much Stephanie’s parents doted on her. If they knew how many wrongs Paul had done against her, they might even murder him.
Stephanie knew Danika was right, but she couldn’t give up on her family.
Danika sighed and asked, “If I can resolve the issues your family is facing, will you leave him?”
“If it wasn’t for my family, why would I put myself in this situation?” Stephanie asked, finally admitting it to Danika.
Danika nodded in understanding. “I’ll figure out a way to help you. In the meantime, protect yourself, and don’t let that bastard bully you.”
Stephanie was worried. “What are you planning to do? Go head-to-head with Paul?”
Knowing about Danika and Eustace’s breakup, Stephanie felt it would be difficult for Danika to handle the situation alone. She was afraid that Danika might put herself in danger without Eustace’s help.
Danika didn’t answer Stephanie’s question, saying, “Don’t worry, there’s always a way.”
Stephanie tried to stop her, “Danika, you don’t have to-”
“Okay, if you’re going to keep me in the dark like this, it’s clear you don’t see me as a friend,” Danika cut her off angrily. Stephanie hadn’t even told her about the crisis the Zelliots were facing. Did she not consider her a friend anymore?
Stephanie was silent, not wanting to upset Danika further. She did see Danika as a friend but didn’t want to burden her with her problems..
Unbeknownst to them, Paul stood on the second floor of the villa, watching them through the window with a menacing expression. Someone was behind him, and he promised they wouldn’t be able to leave if Stephanie left with Danika.
After giving Stephanie some instructions, Danika left the villa alone. She glanced up at the window where Paul was and knew he was watching her. “If you hurt Stephanie, I won’t let you get away with it,” she warned silently. With that, she drove off.
Paul laughed as he watched her leave, unsure if it was Danika’s threat or Stephanie’s decision to stay that amused him.
“He knows about you and Miss Zelliot, sir. Please pay him a visit,” the bodyguard behind him said, very worried.
Paul’s face darkened when he heard him, “Tell him to get lost!”
With that, the bodyguard turned to leave. When he opened the door, Stephanie was just about to knock.
“Miss Zelliot,” he greeted her.
Stephanie nodded at him and asked, “Is he inside?”
“Yes, I am,” Paul called from inside the room.
The bodyguard left, and Stephanie took a deep breath before entering the room.
When Paul saw her, his gloomy face twisted into a pervading smile. “What’s the matter? Can’t bear to leave me alone?” he sneered.
Stephanie responded firmly, “Don’t hurt Danika.”
“Why would I? Your friend is quite cunning. She may use her tricks to threaten me to let you go,” Paul retorted disdainfully.
Stephanie replied, “You didn’t force me to stay. I made that choice myself, and it’s different.”
“Heh,” Paul said coldly, mocking her. Seeing her stand so far away from him as if he were monster, he felt upset. Hence, he beckoned her to come closer. “Come here and give me a shoulder massage,” he demanded.
Stephanie reluctantly approached him.
When Christopher received Danika’s call, he couldn’t believe it. It was the first time Danika had ever called him.
“Danika…”
“Where are you? I need to tell you something,” Danika cut him off.
Christopher was taken aback but replied, “I’m at Perry Residence. Did you forget I moved here?”
“Which floor?”
“I’ll meet you at your apartment,” Christopher offered. Looking around his empty house, he thought it would be better not to let Danika visit him.
Danika was kinder to Christopher than before. Instead of belittling him, she treated him with respect. Although flattered, Christopher knew that Danika’s sudden change of attitude was unlikely. She must have a hidden motive.
“It seems you need my help,” he guessed.
Without beating around the bush, Danika poured him a glass of water and asked, “Do you know who Paul Wagner is?”
Christopher drank some water and remained silent for a moment before nodding. “I know him a little. What’s the matter? Did he provoke you?”
Danika nodded. “You could say that. The Wagners are difficult to deal with, and I am no match for them alone. I want to ask for your help.”
Christopher was surprised. “I didn’t expect you to ask me for help.”
Danika continued, “The Wagners’ influence in Parrington is not to be underestimated, and Paul has always been unscrupulous. He’s a difficult person to deal with. Of course, you’ll benefit from it. I don’t want anything. You can take all of their property if you can bring them down.”
Danika knew that getting rid of the Wagners was the only way to ensure Stephanie’s safety in the future.
Christopher was tempted. He had been in Parrington for a while and had nothing else to do besides meddling in Eustace’s project. However, he hesitated.
Sensing his hesitation, Danika said, “If you find it difficult, forget it. I won’t force you to do it.”
“Danika, don’t say that. I promise you I’ll do it.” Christopher nodded, eager to try.
Danika smiled. Just as she was about to speak, Christopher added, “Of course, you have to give me some time first. I’ll go and investigate the Wagners first. If we think we have a chance of winning, we can find a way to take them down. If there is no chance of winning, there’s no point in risking the Spades, right?”
Danika agreed, feeling that the Spades were a powerful family in Bardoff City and should be able to swallow a small family in Parrington.
Danika and Christopher discussed and divided their tasks: Danika was responsible for gathering information about the Wagners, while Christopher would investigate Paul’s situation to determine if they had a chance of taking them down.
Meanwhile, Paul was in a bar, feeling unhappy despite having Stephanie, and he couldn’t explain why. Eustace, who was sitting opposite him, seemed unhappier than him.
“What happened between you and Natalia? You seemed to have moved on so quickly.” Paul hadn’t asked him about it before. Since they had some time to kill, he decided to ask.
Eustace set his wine glass on the table and said nonchalantly, “It was all just for show.”