Chapter 14

A few of Stanley's close friends, unable to watch any longer, forcibly dragged him out of the villa and brought him to the most exclusive private club in Nasterdam. "Stan, get a grip! Is she really worth it?" In the top-tier private room, one of his well-connected friends handed him a glass of strong liquor, his tone equal parts concern and reproach. "She's dead. Good riddance! Alexis can finally rest in peace!" Stanley's hollow gaze stayed fixed on the amber liquid swirling in the glass, as if he hadn't heard a word. He had grown thinner, his jawline sharper, and his eyes held an impenetrable exhaustion mixed with near-obsessive madness. At that moment, the door to the room opened. A friend who had just returned from overseas walked in and froze when he saw Stanley, then hurried over with concern. "Stanley? Are you okay? I've been trying to reach you. "Five years ago, when I was abroad, I almost ran into Tessa on the road. She looked pale as a ghost, suddenly vomited blood, and c