Chapt. 18 - The Mysterious One

“If this is just uncertainty like a virus, why aren’t the symptoms getting better? My head is filled with you. I think I need brain surgery to remove you from there.” –Mike–

***

Mike and Angie failed to reach the 'peak' they were aiming for because someone suddenly came and ruined everything. Though Angie didn't really want any of that to happen, she couldn't deny there was a bit of disappointment in her heart when their hot game had to stop.

Mike felt the same way. However, this time the problem was much more complicated.

A woman entered the apartment without permission, even to his room where he and Angie had an intimate night, causing Mike to step forward to cover his wife, who was completely naked except for a blanket.

Mike put on some clothes haphazardly and left Angie behind to greet the woman, who immediately gave him a warm hug.

Her gaze immediately fixed on Angie, looking displeased, and Angie felt uncomfortable about it.

The woman got out of Mike's room to enter another room, inspecting every detail inside, including Angie’s room, as if she were searching for something.

“Do you need something?” Angie asked after hurriedly dressing and following the stranger’s steps.

Her guest continued to survey the room, which was dominated by soft colors, then turned and gazed at Angie with narrowed eyes.

“I’m just making sure you’re not the person I’m looking for,” she said, tugging at the corner of her lips into a faint smile. “Are you Mike’s wife? Let me introduce myself—I’m Cintya Denver, Mike’s favorite woman.”

Hearing the phrase “Mike’s favorite woman” sent Angie’s mind racing. Though Mike claimed to be a virgin, she couldn’t trust him easily. Members of such organizations were manipulative and problematic. They’d do anything to advance their intentions and interests—including lying.

This woman must have slept with Mike. It was impossible for a virgin who had never had sex with a woman to pull off that trick so skillfully, leaving Angie still haunted by the memory and longing.

“Oh, sorry for taking up your time.” The woman smiled. “I planned to stay the night, but you don’t have to bother. Go back to your room, or I’ll accompany Mike and sleep in his room.”

Angie shuddered at the words. Was it appropriate to speak that way in front of another woman who was the wife of the man she had come to see? Though Angie had no feelings for Mike, she couldn’t deny there was a disturbing sensation when the woman uttered such erotic words.

Angie turned around, quickly entered Mike’s room where he was changing clothes, and suddenly turned her back to him.

“Jeez! Can’t you knock on the door?” Mike asked with a sarcastic tone. However, within seconds, he eroded the distance and pinned Angie against the wall, looking at her body from head to toe while throwing erotic sentences that made her hair stand on end. “What? Do you want to continue what we were doing earlier, Little Bunny?”

“W-what? No! Don’t think dirty thoughts, Mike!" Angie blinked quickly to regain her consciousness. She didn't have time for another sex session because there was something more urgent for her to take care of. "This is serious. That woman... who is she? She seems to be suspicious of me.”

“Oh, she’s my mother’s sister. Don’t worry. Just be nice to her, because she’s way more ruthless than I am. If she says she’ll shoot your head off, then ‘puff,’ she’ll do it right away,” Mike said, followed by his signature smirk that made Angie shiver. Not just because of the smirk but also because of the story she’d just heard.

This meant Angie was facing a new problem.

***

"We can't just cancel the agreement we made, Cintya. I've arranged all the transactions with several companies and individuals, but this is the first time I've had a problem. Zico won't stop until we compensate him for his losses. Even multiple times over, if you want to know," said Mike in a raised voice.

The incident on the wedding day, which caused his father to undergo intensive treatment, made him furious. He never expected that the one who canceled the transaction was a member of their own organization—a woman who was one of the owners of the largest company that was their partner.

Though he seemed displeased with his decision, it didn’t bother the woman. She merely shrugged her shoulders while examining her nails, which seemed more interesting than listening to the young man's complaints.

“Cintya, are you listening to me?”

“Enough, Mike. Perhaps Cintya was indeed at fault for taking an unexpected step, but I’m sure she had her reasons for doing so.” Mike's father, Zac, who had been listening silently until then, finally spoke up.

It was clear that the middle-aged man was exhausted and needed more rest. His condition wasn’t yet fully recovered. The doctor had stated that there were projectile fragments whose locations hadn’t been identified.

“Your father is right, Mike. It wouldn’t have come to this if you hadn't attacked first. Zico brought in troops to renegotiate. If my decision was wrong, my company wouldn’t be among the top five most successful companies in Eastonville. That’s what you need to know.” The woman defended herself.

“Being the most successful company doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes. It could be that the mistake was intentional and part of a fabricated conspiracy to bring down the opponent. We know how the business world works, Sis. Especially after decades of always being at the bottom of the top five. You must want our position, don’t you?” The queen of the Genosie family retorted with her sarcastic tone, which landed a direct blow to her younger sister.

The two stared at each other like two wolves fighting over prey. Neither was willing to lose, especially since both were the strongest race on earth—women.

They exchanged barbs as the atmosphere grew tense due to the rivalry between the two sisters, whose competition had been evident since childhood. There were even stories behind their lives.

The growing tension made those in the room unaware of someone behind the wall, listening to the intense conversation between the four members of The Black Venom, and able to conclude that beneath their seemingly friendly demeanor toward one another lay a rivalry many would never notice.

However, the mysterious figure eavesdropping on the conversation could sense the hidden tension.

She smirked, buttoned her jacket, and walked confidently, as no one among the leaders or members of The Black Venom would recognize her as a stranger.

She was familiar to them, but no one knew why she had come to watch over the Genosie family.