Chapter 170
A piercing scream echoed through the entire vacation house.
Jett clutched his groin, sweat pouring down his forehead.
Hayden had already passed out from the pain, his face twisted in agony.
Victoria was stunned by what she had just witnessed, unable to speak for a moment.
Louie seemed to relish her terrified expression, his smile both sinister and alluring. "Ms. Carter, are you satisfied now?"
Victoria's teeth chattered uncontrollably as she nodded shakily. "Yes."
She had never encountered such a ruthless man before.
Louie was terrifying.
Seeing her still in shock, Louie's interest only grew. He grabbed Victoria's right hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss, and said softly, "Don't be afraid. As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you."
He then ordered his men to drag Jett and Hayden away.
Louie's men knew what this meant. Despite his reputation for being cold and indifferent to women, it didn't mean he was completely immune to their charms.
During particularly lonely times, he would occasionally seek out female company.
He had never married and had no steady partner. The only woman who was involved with him was Matilda, the sister of his right-hand man, Alfonso.
However, Matilda had been hospitalized with a serious illness for some time, leaving Louie to suppress his desires.
Now, his intentions towards Victoria were unmistakably clear.
Louie's men, seasoned in the underworld, could read his signals perfectly. They exchanged glances, understanding that Louie had taken an interest in Victoria.
Victoria's hand was still in Louie's grip.
She bit her lip, using all her strength to pull her hand away.
Louie held her smooth, delicate fingers, his thumb caressing her soft skin. He chuckled softly, "Ms. Carter, how about you join me for dinner as an apology?"
His tone sent chills down Victoria's spine.
"Sorry, I have other plans."
Louie didn't let go, his grip firm on her slender wrist. "What, you don't want to?"
His gaze was so intense that Victoria felt suffocated, cold sweat forming on her forehead.
Just then, a cold voice interrupted, "Let her go."
Victoria turned to see William standing a short distance away, his expression dark.
Louie looked surprised for a moment, then smirked. "So, it's Ms. Carter's boyfriend. My men were out of line, and I was just inviting her to dinner to apologize. Why so angry?"
Despite his casual words, the challenge in his eyes was clear.
William quickly stepped forward, pulling Victoria into his arms.
"No need. I'll thank Mr. Hopper on her behalf." With that, William took Victoria's hand and started to leave.
Paxton and the others moved to block them, but Louie stopped them.
Louie watched William's retreating figure, a faint smile playing on his lips. "We'll meet again."
William's face was stormy as he dragged Victoria back to their room.
Once inside the elevator, he turned abruptly, glaring at her.
"You don't trust me enough? You had to go find The Raven Syndicate's leader yourself to save your father?"
Victoria was baffled by his words. "What are you talking about? I don't know anything about The Raven Syndicate's leader!"
William scoffed. "Don't know him? The man who wouldn't let go of your hand just now is Louie, the leader of The Raven Syndicate."
He turned to leave.
Victoria bit her lip and hurried after him.
"William!" she called, catching up. "I was just out buying some essentials. I happened to see him punishing the two men who harassed me yesterday. They tried to break into my room again today."
William stopped in his tracks, turning to her with a frown. "When did that happen?"
Victoria nodded quickly. "This morning, after you left."
William's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see."
His expression softened a bit as he looked at her. "When I'm not around, stay in the room. It's too dangerous outside."
Seeing his anger subside, Victoria cautiously approached. "Is that man really the leader of The Raven Syndicate? The one who took my father?"
"Yes." William glanced at her. "So when I saw you there, I was furious and worried. I just wanted to get you back and teach you a lesson."
Victoria could guess what kind of "lesson" he meant.
She bit her lip, then looked up at him. "Since he's the one responsible, can we..."
William quickly covered her mouth. "Shut up! This is his territory. Do you want to get yourself killed?"
Realizing how reckless her idea was, Victoria fell silent.
William, seeing her finally calm down, relaxed a bit and led her back to their room.
After a moment of silence, Victoria couldn't help but ask, "My father..."
William gently pulled her closer. "We'll talk in the room."
"I understand, but you don't have to hold me like this." Victoria tried to pull away, but William held her tighter, whispering in her ear, "Someone might be watching."
Victoria froze, not daring to move.
William's lips curled into a barely noticeable smile as he led her to their room.
Once inside, he still didn't let go until Victoria pushed his hand away.
The room was filled with the smell of smoke.
Daisy stood by the window, a cigarette between her fingers, the ashtray overflowing with butts.
"Why so many?" William frowned, opening the window to air out the room.
Daisy quickly asked, "How did it go?"
Victoria also looked at William anxiously.
"I found where they're holding him," William replied. "Tonight, I'll take some men and sneak in."
He paused before adding, "If all goes well, I'll have him out by tomorrow."