Hazel's eyes flashed with defiance as she struggled against Francisco's tight grip, her frustration mounting as his words hung heavily in the air. She attempted to loosen his hold, but Francisco's grasp remained firm, his gaze intense as he addressed her.
"Why didn't you break his arm as well, Hazel?" Francisco's words were laced with a menacing undertone, sending a shiver down her spine.
Hazel's jaw clenched at the implication of his words, her mind reeling with the weight of his expectations. She met his gaze with a steely resolve, refusing to be intimidated by his ominous demeanor.
Meanwhile, Francisco turned his attention to Andrew, his expression inscrutable as he issued his command to Max.
"Take him to my guest room," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Max's shock was palpable as he processed Francisco's directive. Andrew was one of their most influential business partners, and Francisco's decision to confront him in such a manner sent a ripple of apprehension through the room.
The tension in the air was thick as Max hesitated, torn between loyalty to Francisco and the potential consequences of defying Andrew. But ultimately, he knew he had no choice but to obey Francisco's command.
Tension thickened in the room as Max, with a reluctant nod, acknowledged Francisco's directive. However, before he could lead Andrew away, Francisco halted him abruptly.
"Francisco, what—?" Max began to ask, concern etched on his face, but Francisco cut him off with a stern command.
"Do as I said."
Diana exchanged a worried glance with Max, recognizing the volatile situation unfolding. Francisco's obsession with Hazel seemed to be spiraling out of control, and the potential consequences for their business relationships loomed ominously.
"Francisco, do you know what you're saying?" Andrew's angry tone cut through the charged atmosphere, challenging Francisco's authority.
Before Francisco could respond, Max intervened, trying to diffuse the escalating tension.
"Mr. Andrew, it seems you are drunk. Please come with me," Max urged, his voice carrying a hint of urgency.
"Max, take him. I will see him personally," Francisco declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Max took control of the situation, leading Andrew away from the gathering. As they exited the room, Andrew resisted, attempting to push Max and creating a scene in his frustration. However, Max maintained his composure, guiding Andrew out of the venue with determination.
Inside the room, a heavy silence settled over the remaining guests. The atmosphere was charged with an uneasy mix of anticipation and apprehension. Francisco's actions had not only disrupted the party but also cast a shadow of uncertainty over their business dealings.
Diana approached Francisco cautiously, her expression a blend of concern and caution.
"Francisco, you need to handle this carefully. Our business relationships are at stake," she advised, her words carrying a weight of responsibility.
As Diana mentioned the potential impact on business, Hazel's eyes subtly widened with realization. It appeared she had stumbled upon a vulnerability in Francisco's carefully constructed facade, a way to strike back at him where it would hurt the most – his empire.
Suppressing her emotions, Hazel took a deep breath, formulating a strategy in her mind. If she could leverage this newfound knowledge to ensure the safety of her parents and friends, she could turn the tide in her favor.
"Diana, it's a party. We will talk about it after the party," Francisco's stern voice interrupted, deflecting the conversation away from the sensitive topic. Diana, recognizing the need for discretion, reluctantly acquiesced and left, following Max.
Francisco turned his gaze towards Hazel, his eyes unreadable.
"Next time, if anyone tries to touch you, kill them," he advised with an air of authority.
Hazel's eyes narrowed at his words, a spark of defiance igniting within her. "If it comes to that, then perhaps I should have killed you first," she retorted, her tone laced with bitterness.
A chuckle escaped Francisco's lips at her bold declaration, his amusement evident. "I'm waiting for it," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of challenge.
Hazel's jaw tightened, her resolve hardening as she met his gaze head-on.
"Don't forget who I am," she warned in a low tone, her words carrying a veiled threat.
"I'm just waiting for one chance," she continued, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Then I will show what the law can do against a criminal."
Francisco's mocking smile deepened as he lowered his head, and Hazel could sense a hint of amusement in his demeanor. His response carried a confident undertone as he countered her defiance.
"Do whatever you want to do, but do you know I have some special guests for you," he declared, his words hanging in the air with a veiled sense of anticipation.
Hazel's eyes narrowed in suspicion, uncertainty clouding her thoughts. Francisco extended his hand, gently touching her hair as he continued with a tone that hinted at a twisted sense of care.
"I saw my darling, who always stayed so bored at home, so I invited some of your friends."
A sudden jolt of fear coursed through Hazel's veins. Her heart skipped a beat, realizing the depth of Francisco's manipulation. He had taken the liberty of orchestrating an unsettling reunion, bringing her friends into the very web he had woven around her.
Hazel's mind raced as she grappled with the implications. She knew Francisco well enough to understand that any attempt to signal her friends or reveal her predicament could have dire consequences. The rooms were undoubtedly secured with cameras, and any false move might endanger her parents.
"So, you really invited them?" Hazel questioned, her voice betraying a mix of concern and helplessness.
Francisco's smile persisted, a chilling acknowledgment of his calculated moves.
"Yes, but there will be someone special too," he replied, the cryptic nature of his words adding to the ominous atmosphere.
As the black car came to a halt in front of Francisco's imposing mansion, Freddie, Adam, Peter, and Rafael stepped out, anticipation humming in the air. Robert, unfortunately, was unable to join them, having been dispatched to Hazel's hometown on other business.
Rafael gazed up at the mansion, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes as he took in the grandeur of their surroundings. Adam and Peter exchanged a knowing glance, silently acknowledging the gravity of their mission.