Chapter 116 A Deal With
The Demon
“Did you catch that? Could that have been Renee?”
“Yes, that was definitely her, and she was with Marvin. I wonder what sort of trouble they’re stirring up now.”
“Was Renee carrying someone? What happened? Is that one still alive?”
A crowd had formed, deeply engaged in their fervent debate, unaware that Shaun and William had approached from behind. Both men had inadvertently caught wind of the gossip concerning Marvin and Renee.
Shaun and William exchanged a look of mild disapproval; due to their usual calm demeanor, their expressions were unreadable to those around them.
“Mr. Mitchell, I eagerly anticipate our future endeavors together.” Shaun extended his hand with a confident smile, his grip firm and assured.
William responded with a courteous handshake, “The feeling is mutual, Mr. Doyle.”
Their friendly exchange caught the eye of many bystanders, hinting at a potential partnership between these two influential individuals that could shape the future of Tofral.
Shaun adjusted his cuffs, his tone polite yet detached. “I have some matters to attend to, Mr. Mitchell. I must be going now. Perhaps we could share a meal sometime soon?”
“I’m looking forward to it,” William responded, his nod barely perceptible.
As they parted ways, their polite smiles dissolved into blank expressions, each quickly retrieving their phones from their pockets.
William’s voice was brisk as he spoke into his device. “I need an update on Marvin and Renee’s whereabouts and the situation upstairs.”
After ending the call, William made his way toward the exit of the opulent banquet hall. That was when Esme, buzzing with the evening’s whispered rumors, intercepted him with a rush of urgency. She had no doubt he was going to see Renee.
“William, where do you think you’re going?” Esme demanded sharply.
Heads turned toward them, drawn by her raised voice.
Esme couldn’t care less about that now; with the Infinity Group’s annual gala in full swing, William’s attention was meant for his guests, not his own affairs.
What would people think of the Mitchell family if they found out he left them hanging just to go to Renee?
“Mom, this is urgent,” William replied, his voice firm, trying to convey the seriousness of his intentions.
“What could possibly be more urgent than your duties here tonight?” Esme countered sharply.
Her eyes narrowed, a mix of disbelief and frustration evident in her gaze. “I know what you’re thinking, but I won’t stand for it. Haven’t you seen enough to know what kind of person Renee really is?”
Murmurs rippled through the gathering crowd.
“It appears Mr. Mitchell’s heart still belongs to Ms. Carter, doesn’t it? Even after all this time, he hasn’t stopped waiting for her.”
“Absolutely. I always assumed Mr. Mitchell had feelings for Ms. Payne.”
“Me too. He used to shower Ms. Payne with so much affection it made Ms. Carter green with envy. But he later claimed he only ever considered Ms. Payne as a sister. It’s quite
the twist.”
The sound of their whispers made Sylvia’s hands tighten into fists, her nails biting down hard against her skin.
They discussed her openly, as though she were invisible, mere air to them. It was all because of that bitch, Renee!
All the way from childhood until now, it had always been Renee. Sylvia was certain Renee had snatched William away from her–if it weren’t for Renee, she would’ve been the one walking down the aisle with him.
Sylvia’s glare was fiery and sharp, her eyes bloodshot with fury as she turned to leave.
Pulling out her phone, she dialed with practiced ease, not bothering to check her
contacts.
This was the number of the demon who ruined her, yet it stayed embedded in her mind, carved deeper than she’d ever admit.
The call had barely connected when a rough, gravelly voice came through.
“Well, well, princess, to what do I owe the pleasure? Sounds like you’re calling because you need something from me.”
Sylvia’s hands trembled, a volatile cocktail of anger and anxiety coursing through her as she gripped the phone tightly.
“Yes…” Sylvia clenched her lip between her teeth, biting down hard enough to almost draw blood.
“Go ahead then. It’s not like I’m eager to help you. But do entertain me.”
“You…” Sylvia’s voice broke, anger bubbling up so fiercely she nearly unleashed a string of curses. If she had any other choice, any at all, she would never have stooped to negotiating with this demon.
“What’s wrong?” the man spat, ruthless and mocking. “Princess, remember when you got rid of my child? What makes you think I’d help you now? Unless…” His words trailed off, ominously suggestive.
Sylvia’s heart pounded in her chest, her voice barely a whisper, fraught with desperation. “What do you want?”
The man’s laugh, dark and sinister, reverberated through the phone, sending shivers down Sylvia’s spine. “Unless you bear my child again,” he answered, his tone twisted
with malice.
Terror washed over Sylvia, leaving her paralyzed. Her grip faltered, and the phone clattered to the floor with a jarring thud. As she stared down at the cracked screen, the call still connected, his mocking laughter seemed to echo endlessly around her. With trembling hands, she scrambled to seize the phone, her movements frantic as she jabbed at the screen to sever the connection.
