Killing Her Is Not Enough

"Anton, why are you holding my hand?" Rebecca asked, her clear eyes reflecting her innocence. She looked at him expectantly as she waited for his reply. 

Anton smiled awkwardly. Ultimately, he couldn't express what was in his heart. It's a good thing he was able to control himself. He almost proposes marriage to Rebecca.

'Not yet,' he told himself inwardly. 

Anton knew that revealing what he felt would not help at all. Even though Rebecca is divorced now, love isn't part of her plans but revenge.

"I'm sorry. I was overwhelmed thinking that from here on, we will work together and see each other every day." He apologized with a sincere smile, masking the desire in his eyes. A quiet contentment settled over him; having Rebecca nearby was all he needed for now.

Rebecca chuckled at his answer. She honestly wondered why Anton suddenly acted weird. He did not need to hold her hand just because he was happy after she accepted his offer to manage the Park Hyatt Hotel in Dream City.

Why would she miss such an opportunity? Making connections is her aim in competing with the Ferrero empire. Nothing will happen if she remains idle and lets Lina control her life.

It's about time for her to step into upper-class society once again.

"Alright. I promise to manage your hotel to the best of my ability, using the knowledge I learned from Rosetta Academy," she assures Anton. I appreciate the opportunity, Anton, so thank you."

Anton sized her up with one brow lifted upward. 

"Who the hell are you?" He shook his head and then chuckled. "You don't need to mention Rebecca. No one other than you is qualified. When news reached me that Davies Corporation was looking for a profitable company they could invest in and establish a branch headquarters in Dream City, you came to mind immediately. But knowing your situation, I don't know how to convince you to come with me to Australia. I am actually planning to abduct you."

Hearing that, Rebecca's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you saying you will climb the attic like in the Rapunzel scene?"

That was a jest, and Anton was willing to buy it. He drooped his head, reached his chin, and hummed. 

"That is not a bad idea. Actually, I plan to bring a SWAT TEAM… I will drop them on your roof, take you out from the windows, and then tie you with a harness, and a helicopter will pull you away."

Rebecca laughs out at his wild plans. She knew that Anton just wanted to brighten up the atmosphere.

"Thank you for trusting me, Anton. I'll be honest with you... I'm skeptical that your people would disapprove of me as their director. Though I am confident I can handle the job, I've only worked remotely for years. Someone among your employees will doubt my ability and question my leadership."

Anton stretched his arm and patted her head like she was a little girl. He comforted her, saying, "Don't worry. If someone questions your diploma, we can slap them with all of your achievements while you were attending Rosetta Academy. Those are internationally recognized. And who dares to question a graduate from Rosetta Academy? You can punch them then."

Rebecca giggled at what he said. 

"Then I should not waver to kick their asses," she jest. It was perfect for her to start a new life. At that moment, she felt like a phoenix soaring in the sky after she had been resurrected from ashes. Thus, she will work hard not to disappoint Anton.

"Of course. If they don't listen, you have my permission to go berserk. Besides, that position has belonged to you since I plan to put up another hotel."

"Oh, what an honor to be in your thoughts, Chef Anton."

Anton smiled at her tease.

"The hotel will be completed in three months. Princess Hailee has a grand plan to celebrate Christmas and New Year, so she wants the hotel and restaurant to be open for her guests by then. The interior design team is finalizing the selection of furniture and decor items. I'll let you pick out the best proposals," he informed her.

"Hm… Where on the exciting part, then? Well, leave it to me," she said confidently.

Rebecca looked outside the window and realized that they would soon reach Australia. 

'Lina must be still looking for my whereabouts like crazy. Hah. This torture is not enough for her to pay for her sins. Killing her is not enough. She must experience having nothing to eat and nowhere to go.'

Aleksandr promised her that, even if Aleckin insisted on divorcing her in the future, she would always be a granddaughter of the Ferrero family.

This promise made Lina complacent that she would be her retirement funds. Without the woman's knowledge, she will retaliate when the time is right.

She will inform Aleksandr of all Lina's crimes over the years. However, she didn't know where Aleksandr Ferrero had been hiding.

*****

DREAM CITY, Australia

Aleckin cast his eyes over the vast expanse of land before him.

Dream City was a vast grassland where Hailee Davies ambitiously built her empire. 

Construction is currently at forty percent of its initial map plan. The exclusive estate is erected in the northern part of the city, and only the wealthiest people in the world are qualified to reside there.

Although he lived like a prince, he was still amazed that his grandfather owned a mansion on this exclusive estate.

"We've arrived, Mr. Aleckin," the chauffeur announced. 

"So my grandfather has been hiding in here?" he mumbled that no one could hear but himself.

Aleckin got out of the car and walked directly to the door. It was wide open as if his grandfather had indeed anticipated his arrival. However, he was aware that he did not.

"Grandpa…" he greeted the patriarch.

Aleksandr Ferrero snorted upon seeing that he was alone. Aleckin ignored the displeasure written on his grandfather's face but strolled around the living room.

"How come you live in a bare house?" he asked with a tone laced with mockery. The house was empty and had a complete lack of decorations.

Hearing his evaluation, Aleksandr becomes livid. "I told you to bring your wife over! It is just right that she who must decorate this house!"

Aleckin darkened his face. He asked, "What's the connection with Yelena and this house?" 

Aleksandr reached for his heart to calm himself. However, his grandson pissed him off greatly.

He shot Aleckin a searing glare, his voice booming as he bellowed, "Of course! This mansion was named under your wife!"

The revelation surprised Aleckin, who unknowingly clenched both palms and hollered, "You did not, Grandpa!"

"Haha! Yes, I did!"

Aleksandr lifted his chin as if telling his grandson he had a say in this family and no one could contest that.

"You dare not, Grandfather…" Aleckin challenges the patriarch. He could not accept that an outsider inherited a house that cost half a billion dollars! 'This is absurd!'