C10 A Surprise Attack in the Middle of the Night

Zoe glanced at the screen, her cheeks instantly flushing a deep red.

Her gaze couldn't help but glance toward Blaine. Seeing that Blaine was still absorbed, she extended her right hand and gently pinched Blaine's waist. Seeing Blaine watch with such devotion, Zoe couldn't help but wonder if Blaine had arranged for this delivery.

Blaine maintained a stoic expression as he coldly surveyed the screen. His time in the special forces had honed his observational skills, yet he chose not to focus on the amorous performance unfolding before him. He noted something peculiar: the porn featured a single female actress amidst a throng of more than ten male actors.

This observation brought Eric's earlier words to mind, prompting Blaine to turn his attention to Zoe. Her face was still flushed as she met his gaze, her captivating eyes brimming with annoyance.

With a serene smile, Blaine shut off the computer screen.

"Blaine, you're terrible," Zoe chided, playfully rolling her eyes.

Blaine removed the CD and casually tossed it into the trash.

He then moved to the window, peering down at the street below. All seemed normal—perhaps Eric's threat was nothing more than bluster.

Blaine's hunch was correct; the CD had indeed been sent by Eric, a ploy to intimidate Zoe. Despite Silas granting Mr. Fixit a favor and offering Zoe a chance to make amends, Eric's resentment simmered. The sight of his bandaged right hand fueled his desire to eliminate Blaine, yet he dared not counter Silas's wishes and resorted to petty schemes instead.

In a hospital, within a plush private room,

Finn lay in his hospital bed, clad in a patient's gown, his expression the picture of gloom.

Finn had hoped to leverage his connection with Eric to win over Zoe, but now he found himself doubly defeated—chastised by Blaine and nursing a broken right leg.

After the doctors had managed to save his leg, thoughts of revenge against Blaine consumed Finn. Blaine's formidable prowess instilled a deep-seated fear in him, and Eric's recent call only stoked his rage. Yet with Silas's approval of the peace dinner, Finn bit his tongue.

"Ruff, are we really going to let this slide?" Finn asked, sitting up quickly as Eric entered the room, his face etched with resentment.

"Mr. Leigh approved this, so I couldn't exactly say no. But we can still give that bitch and her little friend a lesson they won't forget. We strike tonight. I promise you'll have her under you before the night is over. And after you've had your fun, she's all yours to share with the boys," Eric said, his face grim and his tone menacing.

Finn gave Eric a puzzled look, clearly in the dark about Eric's scheme.

Eric glanced outside, then leaned in to quietly share his plan with Finn.

A thrill of anticipation lit up Finn's face upon hearing the details.

The thought of Zoe's flawless figure stirred something in Finn.

"Ruff, tonight we'll show that bitch just how tough we are," Finn said, his fists clenched, his eyes alight with excitement.

The fiery sun dipped low in the western sky, bathing the earth in a golden glow.

Wexham was aglow, draped in a cloak of gold, stunningly beautiful.

The streets were alive with the hustle and bustle of the city.

Inside Zoe's home, Blaine stood by the window, peering down at the street below.

He wasn't certain if Eric would act, but one thing was clear—if Eric had plans for Zoe and him, it would be under the cover of darkness.

Blaine hadn't shared his suspicions with Zoe, but as night approached, his senses sharpened. He was ready to respond at a moment's notice to any sign of trouble.

Past ten in the evening, having finished dinner, Blaine lounged on the couch, eyes on the TV, while Zoe retreated to bathe.

"Blaine, why don't you sleep in the guest room tonight?" Zoe suggested gently as she entered the living room, fresh from her shower.

Blaine, absorbed in the news, nodded and glanced her way.

Zoe stood there in a pink nightgown, her hair cascading down her back, her cheeks tinged with a rosy flush, looking utterly enchanting. Her bare calves peeked out, delicate and pale as carved ivory.

Blaine's gaze swept over her, the nightgown straining against the curves of her chest, drawing the eye irresistibly.

"Blaine, do you think I'm pretty?" Zoe's voice was soft as she caught his gaze.

Hearing her melodious voice, seeing her exquisite form, Blaine felt his throat go dry.

But before he could voice his thoughts, footsteps echoed from just outside the door.

Blaine gestured to Zoe to remain silent as he quietly made his way toward the door, where someone was tampering with the lock.