As Axel finished speaking, he suddenly kicked Mitchell across the room, sending him sprawling onto the sofa.
Mrs. Mitchell's eyes widened in shock, but having traveled in high circles, she didn't scream like a frightened child. A moment later, Mitchell lifted his head from the sofa, groaning.
"This isn't the way you entertain friends, Axel. I thought we could be allies."
Heh, Axel smirked. "Allies? I've seen your file. Calling you a 'Phoenix Man' wouldn't be exaggerating. As Mayor, your wife has poured money and effort into your position, even brought in your father-in-law, the Governor, to endorse you twice. Instead of wasting time talking about cooperation with you, I'd rather discuss it with your wife."
He stepped toward her and firmly patted her backside. Mrs. Mitchell flinched, stiffening, and moved back repeatedly until she ended up beside Mitchell. He, noticing her hesitation, patted her hand, and she looked at him, a mix of tears and laughter crossing her face.
"Madam, I am sorry to put you in this position," Mitchell said quietly. "I couldn't refuse. When they demanded I represent them to see Wraith, I'd already lost the right to refuse. I knew it was dangerous — he's Wraith, the most dangerous man in Gotham, maybe all of America. If we want to survive and maintain our status, you'd better agree to his demands and talk to him alone."
He squeezed her wrist to stop her from striking him. In frustration, she punched him hard.
"You bastard! When Wraith specifically asked me to come with you, you'd already made your choice!"
"Wrong decision? To live, to climb higher in politics, we have to make sacrifices. Have you not enjoyed the benefits during my tenure as Mayor? Your first-edition luxury goods, your cars, the trips you and your friends take around the world — that's all on me! Without holding this office, Julia, would you even have any of this?"
Mitchell stood, clutching her wrist, and dragged her toward Axel. "Wraith, my cooperation with Falcone is like this: he holds leverage over me, and I escort his financial interests through policy. You're in charge now, but I can still prove my loyalty. I misjudged before, but it's not too late to show my sincerity."
He pushed her forward. Seeing her attempt to run, he slapped her hard across the face.
"Don't think I don't know what you've been doing outside with your girlfriends. Be wild if you want, but now, at this critical moment, you're shrinking back. We're passengers on the same boat — if it sinks, neither of us fares well. One night with Wraith is cheap for you. You should be enjoying it secretly, not pretending otherwise."
She wept, collapsing slightly. Axel caught her, steadying her. Mitchell loosened his tie, uncomfortable, and continued.
"Wraith, I hope you've seen my sincerity. I'm easy to manage. Public statements are political necessities. You can treat me as your private dog if you like. I came from nothing, Julia was introduced to me through alumni connections. To get far in politics, I've had to give up more than others — dignity, character, even my wife. I'm prepared to lose them all."
Mitchell bowed. Mrs. Mitchell, at first despairing, slowly regained composure and, trembling, removed her evening gown, leaving herself covered only by pasties and a thong.
Axel chuckled, patting her shoulder. "Not bad. Now I understand why you've stayed Mayor for so long. But anything I want, I take myself."
He clapped loudly. Victor and four burly men appeared from the doorway. Mrs. Mitchell covered herself in panic, sobbing.
Mitchell, realizing Axel's men weren't a threat to him, paused. Despite the tension, he stayed seated, watching. Axel and the men passed by her, not touching a hair on her head. Julia giggled, breaking the tension.
"Axel!" Mitchell's face turned pale. "We can prove loyalty in other ways!"
"No, I only want what I want," Axel said, embracing Mrs. Mitchell, then gesturing to the men. "What are you waiting for? Move!"
"Wait, Axel! I can give money, my savings! Don't do this! Please, I can give my wife — can't we just do it normally?"
Before Axel could respond, Mrs. Mitchell spoke, wiping tears, laughing softly.
"Mitchell, we're on the same boat. If it sinks, neither survives. Don't pretend you're innocent. Now you can finally enjoy yourself."
Axel smiled, nodding to his men. He prepared to lead her away.
"Come with me. The Mayor is having fun; we'll have even more."
She stopped him, gripping his wrist.
"No, wait. I want to watch him squirm. Once he's done, we do it in front of him — only then will it be worth it. Don't you think that's exciting, Wraith?"
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