Chapter 6

Carson let out a cold snort through his nose. "The Lancaster family still answers to me. I don't have to tiptoe around anyone! In three days, at your dad's funeral, I'll make sure you and your dad get the justice you deserve. With me around, no one will dare question whether you stay or go." After casting a long, solemn glance at Emmanuel's body, Paige left the hospital. Carson's words rang true. He was now in charge of the Lancaster Group, which explained why he had been so busy that he hadn't even known what Reagan and Quinn had done. Paige trusted that he would stand up for her if he promised to. But once he was gone, wouldn't she still fall right into the hands of Reagan and Quinn? And more importantly, it was Reagan, Quinn, and Britney who caused Emmanuel's death. Paige knew it was her responsibility to make sure justice was done. Paige's gaze gradually hardened. She hailed a cab and made her way to an imposing office building. This was none other than Britney's family company, the Meyer Group. Thanks to Reagan, Paige knew quite a bit about the tensions within the Meyer family. Britney, the most spoiled daughter of the Meyers, had been indulged to the point of recklessness. She knew nothing beyond eating, drinking, and amusement. With no one managing the sprawling family business, control had effectively fallen to the Meyer family's illegitimate son, Hunter Meyer. On the surface, Hunter appeared mild-mannered and courteous, showing flawless etiquette to everyone in the Meyer family. Wherever he went, he earned nothing but praise. However, Paige was well aware that he harbored a hidden side that few ever saw. … After the receptionist made a quick call to the CEO's office, she escorted Paige into the executive elevator. Moments later, it stopped on the 32nd floor. Paige walked into the office and found Hunter reclining on the couch, his collar loosened, casually sipping red wine. When he noticed her, a teasing smirk lifted the corner of his mouth. "Have you made up your mind?" Her thoughts were instantly pulled back two years. It was Reagan's 26th birthday, and the party was in full swing. Paige slipped out into the courtyard for some fresh air and, from a distance, saw Hunter standing by the lake, speaking on the phone. Back then, Hunter had been a pitiable figure. Though he handled a great deal of work for the Meyer Group, he hadn't earned a single cent. Not only was it done for free, but the Meyer family routinely humiliated him. Out of politeness, Paige meant to step forward and escort Hunter to the front hall. However, as she drew near, she caught his cold and ruthless words. "Just kill him outright. Make it clean. I'll double the final payment." Paige gasped in shock. Hanging up, Hunter turned slightly, fixing her with a dangerously intense gaze. Swallowing her fear, she stammered, "T-The cake… It's ready. Y-You should go quickly." … Even now, recalling that moment, Paige still shivered at the memory of his eyes, glowing with a haunting green light. Hunter gave Paige a half-smile, his gaze appraising. "You're surprisingly kind. Even after Reagan beat you until you were covered in bruises, forcing you to hide them under long sleeves and pants, you still came to check on me. So, what should we do? Want me to help you finish him off?" Paige snapped back to focus and said, "Yes, but I won't let your help go to waste. I'll give you the evidence of Britney's crimes so you can bring down the Meyer family faster." Hunter gestured for her to sit. Once she did, he rested a single hand on the couch beside her, subtly enclosing her in his space. "Do you want to feel the thrill of taking revenge with your own hands?" Paige's eyes widened, a mix of defiance and unease flickering within them, and Hunter chuckled softly. "What are you thinking? This is a society ruled by law. Even if you wanted to kill him, I might not let you." She forced a dry laugh, casting him a look that clearly said, "I can't believe you just said that." He leaned back in his seat and continued, "I'll send you abroad to study. Three years from now, come back as my assistant, and I'll help you take down that mother-and-son duo of the Lancaster family." Paige clenched her fists and, without hesitation, nodded in agreement. "Alright. But first, I need to get my dad's ashes."