A Beautiful Scheme

My name was Winston Shand, and I was 55 years old. I worked as an online writer.When online novels were booming about five or six years ago, I seized the opportunity and became one of the first top authors, earning a few million. Because of my short stature and unattractive appearance, I remained unmarried as I had never found a suitable partner. Thankfully, the money I earned from writing and a few million I made through investments were enough to keep me comfortable for the rest of my life.As everyone probably already knew, sitting for long periods could cause neck issues.I was no exception. The doctor advised me to go for a walk daily, so as usual, I took a stroll around downstairs in my residential complex.At that moment, I heard a commotion nearby. A group of middle-aged and elderly people had gathered around a few tall, smooth-skinned, attractive women dressed in a bodycon dress and black stockings. Each woman held a box of supplements and spoke enthusiastically, sa

When I saw those two messages, I thought I must have read them wrong.I only have two bank cards—one with the Construction Bank for receiving royalties, holding four million dollars, and the other with the Industrial and Commercial Bank for investments, holding two million dollars. The amount was the money I rarely touched unless something major happened.How could six million vanish overnight?A wave of panic surged through me, and I couldn't stop myself from trembling.Just as I was at a complete loss, Lawrence pushed the door open and came in with a gas tank on his shoulder. Taking in the disarray of my home, he couldn't help but ask, "Bro, were you trying to turn the place upside down?""Lawrence… all six million in my accounts is gone…""What? Are you kidding?"As I slowly calmed down, I explained to Lawrence what happened the previous night—the purchase of the health supplements, my passionate evening with a celebrity-level beauty, and how Nancy had given me an aromatherap

"Only five million, not as much as what was swindled from me before. Still, it's a good start. With this, I won't have to work as hard."I headed home after chatting with Lawrence a little longer. My editor had sent me a message on WhatsApp, asking me to look for the fantasy novel's contract.At home, I sifted through my files and finally found the contract. Just as I held it in my hands, there was a loud, urgent knock on the door. I put down the document and went to open the door.I had thought that it was just a delivery or water service. To my surprise, I found Nancy, the very person I despised, standing there after a month of silence.My anger boiled over when I saw her. I grabbed her by the throat and hissed, "You've got the nerve to show up here after taking all my money! I ought to kill you—""W-Winston… please… calm down… I… I'm pregnant… with your child…"My grip on her neck loosened slightly at her words. With a skeptical look, I asked, "Are you joking?""Waah… Winston

"I understand where you're coming from, Lawrence. But if I don't keep this five million in my account, where else can I put it?""Put it… Uh… Winston, if you trust me, you can transfer the five million to my account. Once the baby is born and confirmed to be yours, I'll return every penny. But if you don't trust me, just forget I mentioned it."I thought about it. Lawrence and I had known each other for over 20 years. I trusted his character, especially since I still had reservations about Nancy. If she tried to hypnotize me with essential oils again while I was asleep and siphoned off that five million, I'd truly be left with nothing."Lawrence, I trust you. I'll transfer the five million to you in a bit. Please keep it safe for me.""Sure, my friend. You can trust me." Seeing that I trusted him, Lawrence seemed overly enthusiastic—so much so that it made me feel suspicious. Nancy's scam must have made me wary. I decided to be extra careful this time.As I transferred the mon

Nancy suddenly erupted in a fit of emotion, shouting at the top of her lungs. Seeing this, Lawrence's son lunged toward her, trying to cover her mouth and silence her.However, the police were quick to react as they restrained Lawrence's son before he could reach Nancy. Nancy desperately declared, "Winston, you've been deceived! Didn't you see the note I left you? I warned you to be careful of Lawrence. Everything was part of their scheme! He found us and told us you were a writer with nothing but money, so we planned to appear in front of your building to sell supplements."We followed Lawrence's plan to get closer to you and took all the money from your bank account. We split the money with him. He even instructed us to threaten you by saying that we would release the video of you and the women if you dared to report this."We thought that would be the end of it, but then Lawrence contacted us again a few days ago, saying you sold your novel's copyright for five million. He to