Chapter 270: The Fatal Blow

[Chapter 270: The Fatal Blow]

Ryan and Karlie met Beatrice at a cafe in Monaco.

"I heard Charlotte mention you two were leaving tomorrow?" Beatrice smiled at them, cradling her coffee cup.

"Before we go, there's something I want you to see," Ryan said, glancing at Karlie, who placed two phones on the table.

After watching the recorded video and listening to the audio, Beatrice's expression turned somber.

"This is outrageous! How could something like this happen in Monaco?" Beatrice said, filled with indignation.

"I was hoping you could reach out to reporters in France or Italy," Ryan replied.

With no connections in European media, Ryan could only find local reporters. Beatrice, being a noble and, as Ivanka had said, a journalist, seemed like the perfect collaborator.

"That's doable," Beatrice agreed. "But if that's all we do, it won't be enough to unveil the puppet master behind this."

"You don't need to worry about that; I have my methods," Ryan stated.

...

The next afternoon, Ryan and Karlie drove back to the park entrance, and of course they did not leave.

The same man from yesterday was still there, diligently performing his duties.

Ryan exchanged a glance with Karlie.

"I'll see you later," Ryan said.

Karlie nodded, took a deep breath, and stepped out of the car.

Ryan then turned the car around, heading to a nearby hotel.

...

Bergman stood at the park entrance, scanning the passing women, looking for potential collaborators. As Karlie Kloss approached from a distance, he immediately recognized her as the woman he had tried to hit on two days earlier.

Bergman couldn't help but think that she was the most beautiful woman he had seen during his stay in Monaco, if not in his entire life, especially those long legs that screamed allure.

He stepped forward to greet her.

"Ma'am, have you thought about my offer? If possible, I'd like to give you a detailed second introduction, just a few minutes," Bergman smiled.

Unlike their previous brief interaction, Karlie stood firm this time.

Almost before she could respond, he dove into talk about payment, more bluntly this time since it was a second introduction.

"Very soon, an extravagant nightclub will open here that will be even grander than Ibiza. The minimum clientele requirement will be millionaires or their direct descendants. You wouldn't even need to do much -- just chatting and enjoying drinks could earn you over 100,000 euros each night, maybe even more," Bergman grinned widely.

Karlie recalled Ryan's instructions from last night, her curiosity piqued, and she continued to size him up.

"Going to a place like that alone sounds dangerous, doesn't it?" Karlie smiled as she kept her conversation light.

"Not at all; I assure you, no one will force you to do anything you don't want to," Bergman replied, confidently patting his chest.

Karlie looked around. "I'd prefer a more private place; somewhere we can talk comfortably."

"Absolutely, there's a cafe nearby."

"Lead the way," Karlie said, turning and walking away.

Watching her graceful figure, Bergman hurried to catch up.

...

"This is..." Bergman noticed they had arrived at a hotel.

"I'm actually staying here. Aren't you curious to come up?" Karlie winked at him.

He felt a mix of anticipation and wariness; he suspected it could be a trap.

"Are you coming or not?" Karlie asked, noticing he hesitated, her brow furrowing in impatience.

"This spot seems private enough," Bergman pointed to a nearby sofa.

"Are you scared or just not up for it?" Karlie teased, with a hint of mockery in her tone.

Bergman glanced around nervously. "You'll see."

...

The two entered the elevator, heading upstairs. They walked down the hallway to her room.

"Come on in." Karlie opened the door.

Bergman's smile froze, his mind going blank as reality sank in; standing at the door was none other than Ryan Rivers!

The man was infamous among local circles, and no one in Bergman's position wouldn't recognize him.

He realized he had been played!

As the thought crossed his mind, his body jerked as if electrified, and he stumbled backward uncontrollably.

Ryan pulled him into the room, while Karlie brandished a stun gun, pressing the button to release arcs of electricity with a crackling sound. She had kept it hidden just in case this man proved untrustworthy.

Karlie followed Ryan inside and shut the door behind her.

"You scumbag!" Karlie gritted her teeth, thinking the punishment might be too lenient, as she shockingly jabbed the stun gun towards him.

Bergman twitched with each jolt, making muffled noises as he neared unconsciousness.

...

When Ryan returned with some rope, he caught a whiff of a foul odor and decided to set the rope aside.

"Go fetch a basin of water," Ryan took the stun gun from Karlie.

Karlie turned and walked away, her silhouette fading from view.

With a splash of cold water, Bergman jolted awake. Looking up, he saw Ryan and Karlie towering above him, panic flashing in his eyes as his legs instinctively kicked out, trying to escape them.

"Sir, I'm just a low-level worker. I don't know anything! I can help gather evidence against Hugo Urgell; please, let me go!" Bergman pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation.

Ryan slowly crouched down, patting his cheek. "I need your help with something small. Do you want to cooperate?"

"I'll cooperate!" Bergman exclaimed.

"Easy, just tell me how many young girls you've recruited. You know which type I'm talking about."

"None! Not a single one! I don't know who was recruited either. I swear there isn't anyone!" Bergman hurriedly denied.

"Really?" Ryan raised the stun gun, feeling he needed more intimidation.

"Karlie, bring me the pliers; he seems tight-lipped, let's help him with some oral surgery," Ryan said.

"Wait, I'll tell you everything! There are a few girls; I heard my colleagues mention it, but I don't know the specifics!" Bergman stammered.

"What's your name?"

"B-Bergman."

"Listen, Bergman, you'll never return to work for Hugo Urgell again. Your career and even your life are now in my hands. If you play nice, I might consider letting you work in my nightclub. Do you understand what to do?" Ryan warned.

"My phone."

"What?"

"My phone is in my pocket."

Ryan pulled out the phone, used his guidance to unlock it, and found numerous pictures -- more than a hundred -- and some videos as well.

"You see, these girls will eventually face some big shots, so for safety reasons, we leave a few secrets to prevent threats," Bergman explained, grinning.

Karlie's breathing grew rapid, her fists clenched, knuckles turning white.

Ryan activated the recording once more. "Now tell me everything you know."

"You've already got what you wanted," Bergman hesitated.

"This is how you demonstrate your loyalty. I won't use someone I can't trust," Ryan insisted.

"Fine," Bergman gulped, struggling to speak.

---

"What a bunch of scumbags!" Beatrice slammed her hands on the table, her voice loud enough to attract the attention of other patrons.

Karlie, sitting next to Ryan, felt mentally contaminated, her fingers nervously gnawing on her straw.

"I will personally report on this. The world needs to know the true colors of Monaco's royal collaborators!" Beatrice took a deep breath.

"Are you sure you want to get involved?" Ryan asked.

If Beatrice dared to report on this, she might never set foot in Monaco again, and Charlotte would cut all ties with her.

"This entangles the Monaco royal family. Other reporters will likely shy away and refrain from revealing certain details, maybe even exclude the royal family entirely. I'm the only one who can accurately portray the truth," Beatrice answered slowly.

Ryan couldn't help but have a newfound respect for her after hearing that.

"I thought you were getting close to Charlotte to become a princess," Ryan shrugged.

"Don't joke; everyone knows that's a disaster. I didn't expect you to think I was that type," Beatrice shot Ryan a glare.

"I'll take you out for dinner one of these days, to make it up to you."

"Ahem." Karlie interrupted.

Beatrice grabbed the USB drive from the table.

"Til we meet again," Beatrice said as she stood up.

---

Three days later.

"Albert, I'm so disappointed in you!" Princess Hanover slammed a newspaper on the table, her anger evident.

The headline screamed: "Shocking Collaboration Between the Monaco Royal Family and the Pacha Group -- Over Thirty Women Fall Victim!"

"Damn Hugo Urgell! I did not authorize this; he's so reckless! Doesn't he understand to lay low?" Prince Albert glanced at the article and burst into laughter.

"I'm not talking about being low-key!" Princess Hanover felt a wave of newfound despair. Her brother seemed like a devil in disguise.

"Whatever; do what you want. I'm leaving here, and I'm done with any responsibility towards Monaco," she said, feeling ready to walk away.

"Don't be so dramatic." Prince Albert initially didn't care, but when he saw Princess Hanover starting to turn away, he quickly stood up to follow her.

"I was wrong; I really did make a mistake. I won't associate with Hugo Urgell again," he pleaded. For years, his sister had taken care of business, allowing Albert to maintain a carefree life, but he didn't want to be tangled in politics.

Princess Hanover sighed, stopping in her tracks.

Just as Albert thought his sister might forgive him again, Princess Hanover spoke up:

"You've said that countless times. It's my indulgence that has brought you to this point; you should take responsibility."

"I'll listen to you from now on! Will that work?" Prince Albert was forced to relent.

With that, Princess Hanover finally turned back to face her brother.

"You should reflect on yourself in the royal palace for now."

...

After leaving the royal palace, Princess Hanover headed straight to the Monte Carlo Casino, where she met Ryan once again.

Alongside Ryan were the nightclub manager Sean from Bad Room and security chief Berwick.

At Ryan's nod, Sean presented the detailed layout of Bad Room's Monaco location to Princess Hanover.

With the Pacha Group in such huge trouble, the royal family needed to sever ties, leaving only one remaining collaborator.

Princess Hanover examined the plans before looking up, and Ryan signaled for his men to leave them alone.

...

"Have you figured out where to place the nightclub?" Princess Hanover asked with a cold smile.

Ryan tapped on the table. "This spot is perfect; the top floor of the casino is entirely vacant. Why not use it?"

Princess Hanover scoffed. "You're the one pulling strings behind this, aren't you?"

Ryan shook his head. "Not entirely; Beatrice insisted on revealing the whole truth."

"And this benefits you, right? You'll be the true master of Monaco from now on," Ryan said, smiling.

He hadn't stopped Beatrice from going public for that exact reason.

"I'm just a woman, indifferent toward the throne; the future heir can only be a male descendant of Prince Albert," Princess Hanover replied.

"However, eliminating these pests in Monaco counts as a good deed on your part," she added.

"Pleasure doing business; if you need funding, I can introduce you to a local bank that might be keen to invest," Princess Hanover said.

"That would be ideal," Ryan agreed, knowing that the bank would be backed by her.

"Also, make sure to wipe the table; Hugo Urgell was last seen here in Monaco," Princess Hanover instructed.

"Is this an extra request?"

"Consider it so." Princess Hanover didn't want the royal image to suffer any further damage; Hugo Urgell had to be dealt with. Since this all stemmed from Ryan, it should be him to tidy up everything.

Moreover, both Spanish and French police had issued warrants for Hugo Urgell, and Monaco's local police had completely surrounded the area, sealing all exits and tightening security. There was no way Hugo Urgell would escape. A significant number of his men had already been captured, and the nightclub in Ibiza had also been shut down by the Spanish authorities. Ryan needed to silence him before the police could find him.

"Consider it rent for the venue."

"I'm not in the habit of doing such things." Ryan hesitated, contemplating.

"Oh really? I've heard you don't like leaving loose ends," Princess Hanover smirked.

...

After the meeting with Princess Hanover, Ryan and his two men played a few rounds in the casino, but all three were on a terrible streak.

"This place clearly isn't for me," Ryan shook his head, leaning closer to Berwick to whisper something.

"I thought you brought me here for a holiday," Berwick joked, forced to smile.

Ryan patted him on the chest before turning to leave.

---

The next evening.

"Everything has settled down," Karlie slowly walked into the hot spring, her body submerged in warm water filled with floating flower petals. The ambiance was steamy, and there were no security personnel around.

"Yep," Ryan leaned back, his arms draped comfortably over the edges of the tub, exhaling in contentment.

"This nightclub should earn you a good amount of money each year, right?" Karlie, in her swimsuit, glided over to Ryan, her face flushed from the warmth of the water.

"It's decent." Ryan didn't disclose the exact numbers but estimated that the revenue here could easily surpass Orlando's, even exceeding the combined totals from all other locations -- an undeniable money-making machine.

More importantly, with favorable policies from the Monaco royal family, securing bank loans had gone smoothly. The amount Ryan directly invested was negligible, and they had also allocated an entire floor of the Monte Carlo Casino for the club, making it a must-visit destination in Monaco. With such a high-profile location, attracting customers wouldn't be an issue, plus the upscale expenditures made it clear how lucrative it could be.

Noticing the water ripple, Ryan realized Karlie had moved closer.

"You did well this time; what do you want as a reward?" he smiled up at her.

"You still haven't done what you promised," Karlie pouted, thinking about Ryan taking her out on a boat ride.

"Alright, tomorrow we'll take the most luxurious yacht and go for a trip," Ryan promised.

"That's more like it... ah!" Karlie suddenly screamed in surprise.

...

Ryan opened his eyes to see a man had unexpectedly appeared beside the hot spring. He yanked Karlie out of the water and pressed the muzzle of a gun against her temple.

"It's a surprise to see you again like this," Hugo Urgell smirked, licking his lips.

Ryan turned calmly, not panicking at all as his hands slipped into the water.

"Come at me if you have anything to say." Ryan lowered his voice.

"Feeling sorry for her? I have so much more at stake here! You've ruined my empire!" Hugo Urgell's eyes widened, his face contorted with fury.

"Even without me, the Monaco royal family wouldn't let you run wild."

"Stop talking! Get me a helicopter; I know you can do it! If you don't want this woman's brains splattered, do as I say!" Hugo Urgell yanked Karlie closer, using her as a human shield.

He had previously attempted to locate the prince but was thwarted by royal guards, leaving him to seek alternative opportunities. As luck would have it, he had caught wind of Ryan's successful collaboration with the Monaco royal family while Ryan had been flaunting his presence in public, taking his woman to enjoy the hot spring. Such an opportunity was too good to pass up.

Hugo Urgell had already envisioned taking Karlie with him on the helicopter, which would ascend high into the air before he tossed her overboard, ensuring Ryan experienced the agony of loss. Unfortunately, she wasn't Taylor.

"Ryan!" Karlie sobbed uncontrollably, trembling as fear consumed her.

"I'll count to three!"

"Three." Ryan swiftly raised his hand, revealing a suppressed handgun.

"Bang!"

With a soft sound, Hugo Urgell's body uncontrollably crumpled into the hot spring, blood mingling with the steaming water, slowly spreading.

Karlie rushed toward Ryan, jumping back into the hot spring, seeking refuge behind him.

Simultaneously, hidden security personnel erupted in from all sides, led by Berwick.

Ryan exhaled the smoke from the gun's barrel, feeling that his practice shooting had finally paid off; the security team had been instructed to handle Hugo Urgell, but given the opening, Ryan had taken matters into his own hands.

...

Ryan guided Karlie out of the water, quickly wrapping her in a bathrobe; Karlie was still trembling from the intense experience. It felt like something out of a movie, leaving her legs weak with fear.

"I won't let anything happen to you," Ryan reassured her, embracing her and gently patting her back.

Karlie slowly reengaged with reality, noticing the security personnel cleaning up the scene surrounding them. Then she realized something.

"Did you use me as bait?!" Karlie finally understood why Ryan had suggested the hot spring trip; if he had come alone, Hugo Urgell might have been suspicious.

"I needed to deal with him swiftly," Ryan admitted.

"What if you shot me by accident?" Karlie protested, catching up only now.

"You're too petite to shield him. Given my extensive practice with firearms, the chance of error is minimal," Ryan explained.

Seeing Karlie still skeptical, he calmed his tone. "If you unfortunately did get shot, I'd go up to heaven to join you; would that make you feel better?"

Karlie pouted. "Just don't die; I wouldn't want Taylor and Ivanka to be heartbroken."

---

The next day, Mediterranean Sea, luxury yacht.

With only a select few necessary staff members aboard, the ship hosted only Ryan and Karlie. They lingered on the upper deck, where a large structure that combined the features of a couch and bed beckoned. Ryan, wearing swim trunks, lounged comfortably.

In a bikini, Karlie carried two glasses of iced fruit tea and wore a sun hat. As she stepped onto the deck, the wind whipped her hat away, and she didn't bother chasing after it. Sitting next to Ryan, she handed him a glass.

"This place is stunning!" Karlie exclaimed, reveling in the sea breeze with her eyes closed.

Ryan placed the drink aside, wrapping his arms around her.

Karlie leaned back against him.

"Such a beautiful view; it would be a waste not to do something," Ryan remarked, brushing his fingers across Karlie's cheek.

"Definitely; we should take some photos," Karlie replied, smiling.

"I'll just have to take pictures while doing that," Ryan grinned.

"You bad boy..." Karlie jested, her lips soon met by his.

Wrapped in each other's arms, they gradually surrendered to their affection.

"What's this?" Karlie noticed Ryan pulling out a cream-colored Hermes scarf, which he had thoughtfully laid underneath them.

"This is your purity certificate," he explained, having prepared it in advance.

"What a traditional man," Karlie laughed, knowing about those things even without personal experience.

"After we get back, let's frame it and hang it in your bedroom."

"It would be so embarrassing!"

"It's your honor; others would give anything to have one," Ryan teased.

"Ryan," Karlie whispered.

"Yes?"

"Claim me!" Karlie said softly.

...

"This is too painful! Why do those people on the video seem to be enjoying themselves?" Karlie wiped her eyes, sniffling. She had almost fainted, trying to hold in her emotions earlier.

The experience had not gone smoothly, and after several attempts, Ryan had to steel his resolve.

"It's your fault," Karlie compared with her hands and felt that Ryan was really exaggerating. She even thought about measuring it with a ruler.

"You'll gradually get used to it," Ryan kissed her shoulder reassuringly.

Karlie pulled out the white Hermes scarf to find the crimson petals nearly dried up.

"Is giving birth going to hurt even more?" Karlie asked, a thought lingering.

She was right; with her slight build, she couldn't compare to Ivanka, who had a naturally easy time giving birth.

"Already thinking about having kids?" Ryan teased.

"Well, Ivanka is already pregnant..." Karlie noted absentmindedly.

Ryan playfully flicked her nose.

"I want to stay with you; I don't want to model anymore," Karlie confessed her true feelings.

Ryan pondered; if Karlie stepped back from modeling, she'd lose out on a good amount of income.

"Never mind," seeing Ryan remain silent, Karlie shook her head.

Noticing her frustration, Ryan said, "Then let's go for it."

"Okay!" Karlie nodded fervently, burrowing into his embrace.

"By the way, are you really planning to hire that scumbag?" Karlie recalled Bergman.

"He's gone, to somewhere no one can find him; another world," Ryan gently brushed her golden locks.

...

Meanwhile, along the Mediterranean coast, a vehicle drove slowly. Berwick and his men got out, hauling a large burlap sack from the trunk. After wrapping it in stones, they tossed it into the sea...

"Bubble bubble~" the sack sank slowly, creating air pockets.

*****

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