Chapter 182
Elio’s words left Hal dumbfounded. He thought he had Elio all figured out.
Cold and arrogant, that was his vibe.
But who would’ve thought he’d say something like that?
Still unconvinced, Hal tried again, “But me and her…”
“You and her?” Elio interjected with a smirk, “I wish I knew her sooner to keep her safe from a loon like you.”
“You…” Hal was shaking with rage, about to retort, when he got a message from his men, “Boss, our operations have been sabotaged. Many of our guys have been arrested and our smuggled goods have been seized at customs. We’ve suffered massive losses…”
He looked up at the man before him as another message came in.
One bad news after another, all was about his business going down.
His business empire, carefully built over the years, was crumbling in a heartbeat.
“This is just the beginning. If you dare to meddle in her career, I’ll expose all your dirty laundry and make sure you end up behind bars.” “I’m not doing it now only because I don’t take pleasure in picking on the weak.” After saying this, Elio walked out of the room.
Hal watched Elio’s retreating figure.
For the first time, he felt fear.
It took him a decade to build his business empire, remaining under the radar of international law enforcement, yet Elio managed to dismantle it so effortlessly.
Who the hell is this guy?
Carson immediately opened the car door downstairs when he saw Elio coming out, quietly asking, “Chief, how did it go?”
“Nothing major; let’s head back.” Elio got in the car, recalling Hal’s manic appearance; his expression grew even colder.
Knowing that she had a boyfriend before disappointed him, but mostly he felt sympathy.
She would have suffered a lot being harassed by that nutjob Hal.
In the future, he would treat her even better.
A few days later, the movie shooting wrapped up.
Carlos presented Astrid with flowers, smiling, “Astrid, it was such a pleasure having you in my film. Your talent is evident to all of us, and I hope we get the chance to work together again.”
“Director, I should be the one thanking you. After all, I’m a newcomer, and you entrusted me with the lead role, which is a huge endorsement. I, too, look forward to our next collaboration.” Astrid spoke from her heart. Because casting a newbie as the lead in a big–budget film required a lot of courage.
Despite minor hiccups during the shoot, Carlos and the film crew were highly professional and excellent.
Being part of this film was a stroke of luck.
“Astar, I have something to tell you!” Teresa blushed as she ran up to Astrid with a small box, looking utterly adorable.
Astrid pinched her little face, “Go ahead.”
Teresa handed the box to Astrid, stuttering, “I made it myself. I was planning to give it to you when I marry Astar, but it seems I can’t marry you now, so I thought I’d give it to you now.”
“But don’t open it now; wait till you get home. Can you promise me that?”
