His Destructive, Toxic Love

Grasping the blade tightly, the man yanked it, making the thug lose his balance. Then, without missing a beat, he delivered a powerful kick that sent the thug flying. The thug crashed to the ground and scrambled backward in fear. "Get lost," the man roared.

Once he was sure the thug had fled, he turned and helped Eliza up. "You okay? What brought you to such a remote spot?"

Eliza finally got a good look at her rescuer's face. It was Casper.

Reacting as if she had touched something disgusting, she pushed him away. "Mind your own business."Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"I just saved you, and this is how you react? Isn't that a bit ungrateful?" His palm was still bleeding. "At least come with me to get this treated."

"Who asked you to save me? Why're you trying to be a hero?" Eliza snapped, showing no gratitude.

Casper stared at her, dumbfounded. "I did it because I wanted to, okay? I'll pay for my own treatment; just come with me. Is that too much to ask?"

"Why should I go with you just because you're hurt?" Eliza shoved him aside with clear disdain. "Stop acting like a victim."

Casper was at a loss for words. Watching her walk away determinedly, he called after her, "It's so dark here. Aren't you afraid of running into more trouble?" "Anything's less dangerous than you."

As Eliza walked away, Casper stood frozen for a moment before jogging to catch up.

"Why won't you appreciate someone trying to help you?"

Eliza shot him a cold glance, then pulled out her phone and dialed 911. "Hello, 911? There's a creep harassing me on New Glory Street. Yes, please come quickly." Casper was stunned. Did she really just call the police?

"Since when did I become a creep?" He angrily grabbed her arm, stopping her. "I saved you, and you call the cops on me? What's your problem?"

"You saved me? Or have you been stalking me? How did you just happen to be in such a remote place?"

"Stalking you? Seriously?"

"Whether or not you were, you can explain it to the police." She waved her phone as a warning. "Stop following me."

"You..."

The sound of police sirens grew louder.

Casper muttered a curse under his breath. He lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and watched until she walked into a well-lit area, finally feeling a bit relieved.

Dillon could hardly believe that his

first task upon returning to Oak Falls was picking up Casper from the police station. He was shocked but couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Mr." Casper, playing the hero did

get

you the girl; instead, it landed you here. That's rough."

"Are you making fun of me?" Casper raised his bandaged hand as if to hit Dillon, who laughed and dodged. "I'm not mocking you. It's just sad to see you hurt, and she doesn't care at all."

"Her heart's already with Aaron." Casper's words were tinged with jealousy and an air of resignation.

Dillon opened the car door. "Mr. Casper, hop in."

They drove back to Casper's house in Oak Falls. Without wasting a moment, Dillon started briefing him on Mikey's situation.

"Mr. Casper, I've brought Mikey to Oak Falls. We've got eyes on him. When do you want to interrogate him?"

Interrogate? Casper thought. What he really wanted was to uncover some truths.

"He needs to talk himself."

"Mikey now lives in Crescent Creek and goes by the name Jacky. He married a kindergarten teacher, and they have a son. My investigation shows that before this incident Mikey had a secret mistress. This kindergarten teacher is likely the same woman."

Casper's brows furrowed.