C5 You Are Not Worthy!

In Wensel's office, Zoie perched uneasily on the sofa, her nervousness palpable. Wensel had been sitting next to her, but he rose to retrieve a previously opened bottle of red wine from beneath the coffee table. With an air of casualness, he returned to sit by Zoie, this time inching noticeably closer.

Wensel observed Zoie's discomfort and, with a light-hearted smile, inquired, "Zoie, something's come up at home, hasn't it? Why didn't you turn to me right away?"

As Wensel drew nearer, Zoie edged away slightly and declined the wine, "I'm not a drinker."

Wensel's demeanor shifted, his smile turning into a cold sneer. "You think you're too good for me, is that it? You don't want to have a drink with me?"

He pulled out a checkbook and continued with feigned warmth, "Your dad's waiting on money to save his life. I can write you an eight-million-dollar check right now to get him out of trouble. But if you're going to keep up this attitude, how am I supposed to help you?"

Zoie clasped her hands together, responding quickly, "Please, don't worry. I'll make sure to pay you back every penny, with interest, as soon as I can."

Wensel smirked arrogantly. "Whether or not you pay back the money isn't the issue. First, you need to join me for a drink."

He reached for the glasses and moved even closer to Zoie. She tried to scoot away, but she was trapped at the edge of the sofa, shrinking back to maintain some distance from Wensel.

"No, I don't look down on you," Zoie stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just truly can't handle alcohol…"

Wensel continued to encroach on her space, and Zoie felt a wave of revulsion. She wouldn't be seeking Wensel's assistance if she weren't utterly desperate.

Wensel poured two glasses of red wine and picked up one, swirling it gently in his grasp. He offered it to her with a cold, dismissive tone. "It seems pointless to continue this conversation. Your father's life hangs in the balance, waiting for this money, yet you show no real intent to cooperate. Tell me, who else would lend you the funds if not for me?"

Zoie's eyes lingered on the wine glass in Wensel's hand. Torn between the potential cost to her own life and the chance to save her father's, she hesitated, a wave of indignation washing over her.

Her thoughts drifted to Rollins, her husband. If only he had the means to help, she wouldn't be at the mercy of another man. Alas, she was tied to a man who was nothing more than a disappointment.

Wensel's gaze was fervent as he eyed Zoie, his desire evident. Her statuesque legs, slender waist, and impeccable figure were accentuated by her proximity, her lovely face radiating allure. His heart raced with increasing heat at the sight of her.

The thought of being intimate with her later set Wensel ablaze with anticipation.

"Zoie, join me for a drink," he coaxed. "Once we're done, I'll write you a check on the spot. That way, you can take care of your father's troubles, agreed?"

With a sly grin, Wensel squinted his eyes, convinced Zoie had no escape.

Zoie bit her lip, her resolve hardening. She snatched the glass from Wensel's hand, seeking one last assurance. "If I drink this, you'll lend me the money?"

Wensel's laughter was carefree as his hand crept toward Zoie's thigh. "As long as you're willing to play along, money is no object."

Suddenly, a loud 'Bang!' echoed through the room as the door burst open with such force that it slammed against the office wall.

Wensel jumped at the sudden noise, turning to see his securely locked, heavy wooden door kicked open with brute force. Before him stood a young man, his face contorted with fury.

Before Wensel could even process what was happening, the intruder had closed the distance and landed a solid punch that sent him sprawling to the floor.

"Rollins? What are you doing here?" Zoie, startled, quickly got to her feet.

Rollins snorted with disdain. "What do you think? If I hadn't shown up, this jerk would've taken advantage of you."

Zoie's brow furrowed in irritation. "What's gotten into you? I'm here to borrow money, Rollins. You're well aware of my father's predicament. Your jealousy is getting out of hand."

"His hand was practically on your leg. Is that his idea of a loan negotiation?" Rollins countered sharply.

Zoie, feeling a mix of embarrassment and indignation, murmured, "I desperately need the money to bail out my dad."

Meanwhile, Wensel had managed to pick himself up, clutching his face in anger. "Who the hell do you think you are, hitting me? Do you have any idea who I am?"

Zoie interjected hastily, "It's a misunderstanding, Wensel. This is my husband, Rollins."

Wensel massaged his face, eyeing Rollins with a sneer. "Ah, so it's you. Out of respect for Zoie, kneel and apologize, and I might just let this slide."

Rollins remained stoic. "Apologize to you? You're not worthy."

Wensel's laughter was tinged with disbelief and scorn. "Not worthy? I'm the Vice President of Wandos Company. Cross me, and Zoie's father will be behind bars by tomorrow!"

Rollins smirked coldly. "Vice President of Wandos Company? Don't get too comfortable with that title."

Wensel burst into laughter, mocking Rollins's confidence. "Stop your delusions! The Chairman of Wandos Company is my father. You're nothing but a moocher living off the Ramirez family. In terms of wealth, connections, or ability, how do you even begin to compare to me?"

After his declaration, Wensel turned to Zoie with fury in his eyes and barked, "Zoie, do you think I can't strip the Ramirez Family of any future dealings with Wandos Company? If it comes to that, you might as well brace yourselves for bankruptcy!"

Zoie's heart skipped a beat. The Wandos Company was the lifeline of the Ramirez Family; without their partnership, they'd be in deep trouble.

In a panic, she grabbed Rollins by the sleeve and pleaded, "Please, apologize to him! If you don't, you'll doom the entire Ramirez Family!"

Wensel sneered menacingly, the bruise on his cheek doing nothing to dampen his threat. "If you don't say you're sorry today, I swear I'll make you pay!"

Rollins faced him with an icy demeanor and a dismissive chuckle. "Apologize to you? You're not even worth the breath."

Wensel's face twisted with malice as he hissed, "A few years back, some nobody crossed me, and I had him locked up for three years. You think I can't do the same to you? That punch you threw could land you in jail for life!"

Zoie, now furious and tearful, balled her fists and cried out, "What's the big deal with apologizing to him? Is your ego really that precious? Can't you think about me, about the Ramirez Family, just once?"

Rollins responded calmly, "I've done nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?" He then reassured her, "Zoie, stop crying. Trust me, I'll be fine, and so will the Ramirez Family..."