Chapter 2

Hunter fiddled with the handgun he had just bought overseas, clearly amused by it. He didn't even bother to lift his head.

"Mm."

I was confused. It was clear that Christy wasn't the woman he wanted to protect, so why had he agreed to my proposal so easily?

His voice broke through my thoughts, flat and indifferent. "And then?"

I hesitated for a moment, gathering my thoughts.

"Then..." I finally said, "I'll arrange for four more maternity nannies to take care of Patricia. She's out in public with you more often, so the risk is higher. I'll also assign fifty men to stay with her. Do you think that'll work?"

He nodded, barely acknowledging my words. "Do as you see fit."

"But Christy's health isn't great," he added, his voice colder now. "Nothing can happen to her. Resources are limited. Figure out how to allocate them wisely."

"And one more thing," he continued, his tone turning sharp. "No one else can know that you are protecting her."

Hearing those words again, exactly like in my previous life, almost pushed me to the edge. So biased toward Christy, yet she still wasn't the one.

I opened my mouth, about to test the waters, maybe hint at whether he had a new woman, when his phone rang.

When he saw the caller ID, the normally stoic man's face softened unexpectedly.

He answered, and Christy's voice came through, sounding sweet but demanding. "Hunter, am I disturbing you? I've got some good news!"

Hunter smiled indulgently, but what he said next took me by surprise. "I'm busy right now. Let's talk later."

Christy immediately sounded upset, her tone turning petulant. "Hunter, how can you brush me off like this? Don't tell me you've got someone new again?"

I naturally leaned in, despite myself, to overhear. Although I rolled my eyes at her immaturity, the words still put me on edge.

What man would admit to having a new woman so openly?

Sure enough, Hunter dodged the question.

"Don't overthink it," he said calmly. "You're enough for me. Be good. I've really got something to take care of. We'll talk later. My men are calling me over."

Christy, with a woman's terrifying sixth sense, immediately sensed that something was wrong.

"No, wait. You're not at the gang's headquarters at all! It's so quiet there, how could that be?" she demanded. "Hunter, you said you'd only ever love me!"

Hunter's sigh was audible, his voice dropping into coldness. "Christy, I'm only going to say this once. You don't have the right to control me. I'm hanging up. If you need anything, talk to my men. Don't bother me again today."

Before she could say anything else, he hung up and turned his gaze to me.

"Anything else?"

'Was he serious?' I asked myself.

At a time like this, provoking him would be suicide.

My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly plastered on a smile, trying to play my part. I handed Hunter a cigarette and lit it for him.

"No, I'll make the arrangements right away."

Once Hunter left the house, I followed closely behind. If he was this cold toward Christy and so secretive, refusing to let anyone know, then he must have been going to see his new woman.

This time, I couldn't afford to make a mistake.

I followed him all the way to a private club.

His men had already cleared the place out. The main hall buzzed with quiet, efficient energy, everyone moving in perfect sync. I hid behind a pillar, watching as Hunter gave instructions.

"Remember, when I raise my hand, turn on the lights. The moment she agrees, start the music."

"The Harry Winston ring I asked you to get—has it arrived? She loves that one. Before I leave the country, I need to give her a surprise."

His subordinate nodded repeatedly, his posture respectful. "Don't worry, Boss. Everything is prepared just like you said. We're just waiting for her to arrive."

"But, Boss," the man hesitated, "you'll be overseas for more than half a year. What if she misses you?"

Hunter let out a quiet sigh.

"There's no choice. Everything's set up over there. I have to go." His voice became more serious, almost resigned. "She's pregnant right now, so I can only entrust her to Lily's care. I promised her that after this, I'd wash my hands of everything and let her live a peaceful life."