Chapter 23: I Will Return as a King

[Chapter 23: I Will Return as a King]

It was Kate Beckinsale.

She dressed beautifully that day, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a fashionable black and white checked evening gown. She was looking more radiant than ever!

From the living room came a soft, melodious voice, "Kate! Come here, sweetheart. I still want to hear about your story with Ian Carr. How's it going? Did you two sleep together yet?"

Kate laughed, "No, that's not happening. What gives? Why are the lights off?"

"Power's out. I already called the electrician. Come sit, it'll be fixed soon."

"Watch your step, don't bump into anything."

"Why don't we light some candles? Make it a candlelit dinner?"

"That sounds like a great idea."

Everyone laughed and joked.

Kate Beckinsale walked into the living room, accompanied by Ian, who wore an electrician's hat and had his head down as he moved forward. Kate casually glanced at him and didn't pay much attention. But at that moment, as they brushed past each other, Kate suddenly froze.

She turned back, puzzled, and saw Ian heading toward the electrical box, a strange feeling swirling in her chest.

...

Outside the villa, Ian quickly reconnected the circuits next to the electrical box, and instantly the villa was lit up.

"It's done," Ian said.

The bodyguard looked at him, speechless. "You should've checked this place first."

Ian smiled, "Newbie, not enough experience."

Saying that, he turned to leave. Just a short distance away, he heard footsteps behind him.

The sound of high heels tapping anxiously on the concrete floor echoed behind him. Ian continued on, unfazed, and the next moment he felt a hand grab his arm. It was Kate Beckinsale.

Her bright eyes widened as she looked at Ian. "Lift your head!"

At this point, Ian couldn't hide anymore. He reluctantly raised his head and smiled at Kate, "Hey."

Seeing that familiar face, Kate was taken aback.

She covered her mouth, "Oh my God, it's really you? Ian? What are you doing here?"

Ian shrugged, "Part-time job. The media industry isn't doing so great; I'm working to support my company."

Kate stared at him, suddenly realizing something, and exclaimed, "Lili Marlene... Oh, damn it, you used me!"

Ian rushed forward and embraced her, giving her a long kiss that silenced her cries.

Kate was instantly stunned. He kissed me? How could he do this?

"No!" Kate pushed him away, shouting, "What have you done?"

Ian looked at her with a grin, "Don't ruin my game, okay? You know I'll do anything. Just get home early!"

Kate's shouting didn't stir anyone inside the villa, but it did bring the patrol guards of Beverly Hills running over.

...

A few guards rushed in from a nearby green path. They seized Ian tightly, yanking off his fake mustache. Seeing he was just a young man, they growled, "What are you doing here, you punk?"

Ian didn't care; he simply stared coldly at Kate.

Kate felt a chill run through her.

In that moment, she understood that Ian truly would do anything! This killer, this madman, he'd go to any lengths for a story, and she couldn't say a word about it!

The guards looked at Kate simultaneously. "Ma'am, are you okay?"

Kate's gaze held on Ian, trembling inside. She shook her head lightly, "No! I'm fine."

With that, she turned and hurried out, dazed as she returned to Lili Marlene's villa.

...

The living room was bright and lively, filled with laughter and chatter.

But Kate Beckinsale felt like she was sitting on needles.

Originally, she had come over at her agent's behest, to meet some big names in the spotlight due to the buzz surrounding Charlie Mills and Blazer. Lili Marlene's party was supposed to have several notable figures.

But she never anticipated that Ian Carr would be here.

Even if she hadn't seen anything he did, Kate could easily guess what he was up to.

This made her feel exceptionally uneasy.

The flashy lights and celebratory atmosphere felt like daggers, making her restless. She didn't know which corner had a camera pointed at her...

And yet, she couldn't say a single thing.

...

Just then, Lili Marlene, reclining in the arms of two handsome men with a drink in hand, laughed and asked, "Hey, Kate, you still haven't told us your story with that Ian Carr."

Kate forced a smile, "You all saw the news; it's all there, what else is there to say?"

Lili Marlene laughed as she waved her glass, "But there are always things you didn't see. Like, how did he know about that knife?"

Kate shook her head helplessly, "He said he observed it."

"Do you like him?" another girl asked.

That question left Kate momentarily bewildered. Do I like him? Of course, there was some attraction. But he was too terrifying. Although he was a journalist, he instilled more fear in her than gangsters did.

Thinking about possible hidden cameras made her glance wander restlessly. She replied, "I have a bit of a crush, I guess."

"Then why don't you just sleep with him?"

Kate sighed, "I said I only have a little crush."

"So what? For men, as long as they have a strong body and a handsome face, they're just toys for our enjoyment!" Lili Marlene laughed heartily.

She had just met her two male companions today.

Kate finally couldn't take it anymore. She shook her head repeatedly, "Sorry, I have things to do; I'm leaving first."

She hurriedly grabbed her bag and walked out of the villa.

...

The guests exchanged looks, and Lili Marlene sighed, "Sorry, Congressman Brand, it seems you won't have a chance tonight."

Sitting across from Lili Marlene on a well-dressed, cultured middle-aged man smiled, "She doesn't seem to be fitting in well with Hollywood."

...

Outside the Beverly Hills gate, two guards quickly dragged Ian to the entrance, roughly pushing him down to the ground, showing a fierce attitude.

Ian didn't mind. After all, it had been his fault, and they were merely fulfilling their duties.

He rose slowly from the ground, tidying up his outfit. "I'll be back, but not in a sneaky way. I'll become part of this place! And when you all see me, you'll bow and call me sir. If I'm not satisfied, I'll kick all of your butts!"

The two guards laughed, "You don't have the right to say that."

Ian nodded, "Then remember my name: Ian Carr, the owner of the Los Angeles Herald. This newspaper will be the brightest in the country, a great media ship's starting point!"

Ian Carr? You're Ian Carr?

The guards were taken aback simultaneously.

Ian smiled slightly, "But don't worry; I won't take revenge on you. After all, you're just doing your jobs, and I respect all professionals!"

Saying that, he turned to leave.

...

On a nearby street, Ian saw several news vans parked not far away, as reporters scanned their surroundings with cameras in hand.

They exchanged knowing glances, a smile shared among their peers.

"Hey, did you get in, buddy? Capture anything?" a reporter called out to him.

Ian shrugged, "That's none of your business, pal."

Back in the rental van parked by the roadside, equipped with numerous instruments, Ian turned on the monitor, adjusting it. Soon, images flashed across the screen.

Watching the wild parties of the men and women in the living room, Ian squinted and let out a smug chuckle.

*****

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