Hearing Simon's words, the man kneeling on the ground immediately kowtowed towards Janelle.
"Miss Rovella, I was wrong! I truly know I was wrong! Please let me go!"
"Miss Rovella, we really know we were wrong! We'd never dare again!"
"Miss Rovella, this is Graham City, not the border! You can't just kill people here!"
"Miss Rovella, just hand us over to the police!"
Right now, they would rather be locked up by the police.
"Killing a few people is nothing. After we deal with them, we can just head back to the border," Simon said nonchalantly. Anyone who dared touch their Janelle had to die. "Janelle, don't worry. I'll do it. I'll head back to the border afterwards."
"Hand them over to the police, Simon. Remember, we're respectable people. Stop talking about killing all the time," Janelle finished, turning to leave.
"Wait." Erik, who had been silently observing her, finally spoke. She'd lashed out a few times and vented her anger. But he still wasn't satisfied.
Janelle arched an eyebrow. This man hadn't uttered a single word while she was acting. He'd watched her with the gaze of someone recognizing a kindred spirit. In front of him, she hadn't hidden the darkness within her. And facing that side of her, his eyes had been filled with nothing but appreciation.
Erik picked up the long whip she had just discarded.
Seeing him approach, the man on the ground scrambled backward desperately. "Sir, spare me! I truly know I was wrong!" This man didn't need to do anything; his expression was even calm, yet it radiated utter despair.
"You dared touch her. She might be done, but for me, this isn't over." From that night at "Seduction," she had already been drawn into his circle. And no one touched those in his circle without paying a steep price.
Janelle wielded the long whip with masterful skill. As it turned out, Erik was equally adept. Lash after lash, he struck the man's vital areas. The man writhed on the floor in agony. Nor did Erik spare those suspended in the air. The basement echoed with wails of agony.
Simon approached Janelle. "Janelle, that man is dangerous," he murmured, leaning close to her ear.
Erik stopped mid-lash. His gaze shifted to Simon. Feeling that icy stare, Simon shivered involuntarily. "Is he planning to whip me?" Simon asked Janelle, bewildered. "What did I do wrong?" He hadn't done anything!
"Do your job. Hand all twelve over to the police. Find out who's pulling their strings," Janelle instructed, then turned and walked out.
Erik approached Simon. "Don't get too close to her," he stated flatly, tossing the whip to Simon before following Janelle out.
Stepping out of the basement, Janelle headed to the restroom to wash her hands. Erik followed her in.
"Westin or Amber?" He knew she disliked being investigated, but this concerned her safety. He couldn't just stand by.
Janelle finished washing her hands, dried them with a paper towel, but her eyes met his in the mirror. "Erik, don't waste your time on me."
Erik's hands were bloodstained. He turned on the faucet and washed them. "Doing what I enjoy could never be a waste of time," he replied calmly. Drying his hands, he added, "Let's go. It's about time for dinner."
Janelle didn't respond, turning to leave. But Erik was the kind of man who pursued what he wanted relentlessly. If she refused dinner, he'd only pester her more. She acquiesced.
They went to a renowned restaurant in Graham City. The manager personally attended to them. Erik pulled out a chair for Janelle, waiting for her to sit before taking the seat opposite her.
Just then, Janelle's phone rang.
[Janelle, where are you? I'm coming to find you. Let's have dinner together tonight.]
"Alright. I'll send you the location," Janelle replied, hanging up and immediately sending the pin.
"My friend is joining us. Mr. Lorenz, I trust you don't mind?" Janelle asked, though her tone suggested it was merely a formality. If he objected, he was welcome to leave.
Erik poured her a glass of red wine, smiling. "Since she's your friend, she's my friend too."
Janelle didn't respond, turning her head to gaze out the floor-to-ceiling window at the captivating river view. Her profile was exquisite. She looked at the scenery, while he looked at her – she was the finest view.
"Sir, shall we serve the dishes?" the manager inquired respectfully. This gentleman was from the Imperial Imperial Capital. Though his exact status was unknown, he was clearly someone not to be crossed.
"There will be one more. Please make arrangements," Erik instructed. Unfamiliar with Graham City tastes, he didn't want to risk ordering something Janelle might dislike.
"Of course, sir."
Sara's car, wrecked by Janelle, was still being repaired at the 4S shop. She arrived by taxi. She hadn't expected Janelle to be at this restaurant – it was owned by the Hills and famously exclusive, renowned for its river views and cuisine. Many sought reservations, but tables were notoriously hard to secure. Having spent five years on the border, Janelle wouldn't know this. However, it was highly likely they'd run into people connected to the Hills here.
When Sara arrived, the manager was already waiting outside. "Miss Winston, hello. Please follow me," he said with polite efficiency, personally escorting her to Erik's private booth.
"Janelle, I'm here!" Sara's voice rang out before she even entered.
Hearing her best friend, a genuine smile finally touched Janelle's lips – one Erik had never seen before.
"Miss Winston, hello. I'm Erik Lorenz," Erik introduced himself, rising to pull out the chair beside Janelle for Sara.
"Hello, I'm Sara Winston. Janelle's best friend," Sara replied, surprised to find the man already in the booth. So, Janelle was on a date with him? Am I crashing?
"What's going on?" Sara whispered urgently in Janelle's ear. "If I'd known you had a date with Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsome, I wouldn't have come!" If Janelle had told her earlier, she definitely wouldn't have intruded. This man, both in looks and aura, was leagues above that scumbag Nelson. If Janelle ended up with him, it would absolutely infuriate that white lotus, Lillie. Wasn't she always trying to compete with Janelle?
Janelle poured her a glass of water. "Who said it was a date? It's just a meal," she clarified. Things between her and Erik weren't that simple.
"I bet my head this man is interested in you," Sara insisted. Anyone with eyes could see it! "Janelle, I think he's great. You should give it a try. His physique puts those top models to shame!" As a designer, she dealt with all kinds of models. Honestly, none compared to the man right before them.