Justin: "When it comes to running the show, you've got more chops than I do. You used to have the Lippert family eating out of your hand.
There's no such thing as a free lunch, my old man used to say!
You're not planning to use me as your frontman, are you?"
Right.
But Jarvis couldn't help but smirk inwardly, though his face was a mask of righteous indignation, "My beef is with Ludwik! This is a golden opportunity.
You have no idea how deep our feud goes, do you?
When I hit Banyan City, my Jar Rail Corporation was totally sabotaged by him!
Now that I'm back, this bastard has wormed his way into the Lippert family, and my stepdad treats him like the crown jewel!
Ever since, my place has been non-existent. I've been exiled.
You know what exile means?
If I could claw my way back up, why the hell would I be helping you to take the helm of the Lippert family?”
Jarvis feigned outrage, kicking over a cabinet in the process. The loud crash revealed his despair to Justin.
With bloodshot eyes, Jarvis turned back, "Justin, you're the only one who can take Ludwik down now!
As for who takes the CEO seat, I couldn't care less.
Whoever makes Ludwik bite the dust, I'm on their side. I'm all out for revenge!"
His seemingly heartfelt confession sparked something in Justin's eyes. Indeed, Jarvis must despise Ludwik to his core.
Jarvis no longer had the power to confront him directly, while Justin had both the means and the influence. Thus, Jarvis wanted to use him for his vendetta.
After all, the CEO position was destined to be his. Justin figured this partnership was a good deal.
"Alright, I'm in. Ludwik's too much of a golden boy. Only if he goes down can I stop being the laughing stock!"
"There you go! Bro, just remember me when you're at the top," Jarvis said with a sycophantic smile.
This kind of flattery made Justin quite smug, confirming his role as the only one capable of dethroning Ludwik.
He frowned, "But Jarvis, even though I can follow my dad into the lab, Parker is practically living there now, never leaving his side. What do we do?"
"To get him out, we need a plan."
Jarvis smirked mysteriously, signaling his bodyguard who then showed Justin a photo.
Justin's eyes widened at the sight of Parker holding a two-year-old baby girl, with a woman by his side, "Who's this?"
"Parker's Achilles' heel, perhaps!" Jarvis said with a cold laugh, his eyes bloodthirsty, "So don't you worry, just follow my lead to bait Parker.
This thorn in Ludwik's side, I'll make sure to pull it out thoroughly."
Justin shivered uncontrollably but thinking of the ripe-for-the-taking Lippert family, he kept his mouth shut and listened to the plan...
-
On the island.
Days turned into weeks.
The morning sunlight crept in, illuminating the disheveled bed and the two bodies entwined in sleep.
Ludwik woke up, the woman in his arms still deep in slumber, exhausted from the night's endeavors. Her skin, marked anew atop old bruises, still hinted at her delicate beauty - a testament to his love.
He smiled contentedly, wishing for such days to never end.
His gaze softened on the blanket - her flat belly beneath. He had been diligent, hardly sparing her.
They had conceived so easily before,
This time, surely, it would be quick...
He gently tucked the blanket around her and got up, only to pause. There was a bloodstain on his white pants.
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