Chapter 1820


    In the dimly lit VIP lounge, a stern voice cut through the tension. Thssa''s heart sank. That voice... it was David''s!


    And the woman who had screamed just moments ago? Susan!


    Before Thssa could even process the situation, a sharp "p" echoed through the room.


    The sound of a palm striking flesh was unmistakable, and from the intensity alone, Thssa could tell the victim must have been in excruciating pain, probably swelling up by the second.


    "Stop, please, no more!" Susan''s pleas for mercy were heartbreaking.


    That''s when Lysander''s cool voice brought Thssa back to reality. "This is the ce. Open the door."


    Jolted into action, Thssa hesitated for a fraction of a second before pushing the door open with trembling hands.


    The scene that greeted her was even more chaotic than the sounds had suggested. Two burly men had Susan pinned on a couch, while another held her head back, pping her relentlessly as David watched, his expression ice-cold.


    The sight sent shivers down Thssa''s spine.


    Hearing themotion, David turned to see Lysander and Thssa. His stern face softened slightly as he approached Lysander and reported, "Susan hasn''t confessed yet who pulled strings to get her into the finals."


    The significance of David''s wordsBelongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    wasn''t lost on Thssa. Under normal circumstances, Susan should have been behind bars, yet here she was, participating as a mode in a high-stakes jewelrypetition. It was clear someone with considerable influence had orchestrated her release and participation.


    As Lysander''s piercing gaze fixed on Susan, the guards ceased their pping but kept her immobilized on the couch. Tears streamed down Susan''s face, one side visibly swollen as she looked up and met Lysander''s steely eyes. The fear in her heart was palpable, yet à sudden burst of defiance seemed to overtake her.


    "Lysander, you have no right to control me! You''re nothing now. If you cross me, I''ll make sure the people backing me won''t let you off easily Susan''s outburst was a mix of anger and desperation, her bold words shing with the fear in her eyes.


    Thssa couldn''t stand Susan''s disrespect towards Lysander. Angrily, she retorted, "Keep yelling, and I''ll shut you up for good!"


    Susan responded with venom, spitting towards Thssa. "You''re the scum here, Thssa! Why don''t you just drop dead? Everyone would be better off without you!"