Vio didn’t even register a word of what she had just said.

Let her go? There’s no way he’d let her go.

He’s a bad guy, after all.

She—this little mouse—has practically walked right into his trap.

So of course this cat isn’t going to let her slip away; he’s determined to keep her by his side for the rest of her life, just to play with her. That’s what Vio was thinking.

Qin Qinxi felt like a rag doll being tossed around and handled in every possible way.

Even when she cried, she bit down hard on her lower lip, refusing to make a single sound.

Her clothes were already torn to shreds, yet she never took them off—not until the very end.

He really is a pervert.

For a girl as thin-skinned as her, it was truly humiliating.

But Vio didn’t think much of it; in fact, he found her quite obedient and cooperative.

Do whatever you want—she wouldn’t utter a single complaint, just biting her lip and shedding tears.

Finally, he released her.

Qin Qinxi was so exhausted that she could only slump against the black leather sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window.

Vio reached into a drawer, pulled out the key, walked back, and bent down to undo the lock for her.

Then he tossed the key aside and picked her up.

Instinctively, Qin Qinxi wrapped her arms around his neck, but her body was limp, utterly devoid of strength.

And so he carried her like a child—supporting her hips with one hand and cradling her back with the other—as he headed toward the bathroom.

Early in the morning, when Vio woke up, the woman was still asleep.

He turned his head to take a look.

She lay flat on her back, sleeping peacefully, completely still and silent.

Her hair was scattered across the pillow, and the blanket was pulled up to her chin, leaving only her face exposed.

She looked like a little animal curled up in its nest—quiet, calm, and undisturbed.

Vio stared at her for a few seconds, then lifted the blanket and got out of bed. He grabbed a robe, slipped it on, tied the belt, and stepped out of the bedroom.

The walk-in closet was at the end of the hallway. He pushed open the door, took down a loose-fitting blue-and-white floral short-sleeved shirt, and casually draped a pair of white shorts over his arm.

After changing, he stepped out and pushed open the suite’s door.

Bali happened to be waiting outside.

Vio paused, furrowing his brow.

Bali scratched the back of his neck and gave an awkward smile. “Boss, good morning.”

Boss wasn’t one to sleep in; he was used to getting up early and staying up late. In the past, he’d often head to the gym early in the morning and sometimes even have him spar with him.

But ever since that woman came along, Boss had only once slept in—and he’d figured today would be another late start. Still, he wasn’t entirely sure, so he’d been waiting by the door.

Who would’ve thought Boss would actually get up early today?

Vio ignored him, stepped past him, shoved both hands into his pockets, and strode toward the elevator.

The concierge was already waiting by the elevator, swiped his card, and pressed the button for the 11th floor.

As the elevator doors closed, the numbers began to drop.

Bali stood half a step behind Vio and glanced at his boss’s expression in the mirror on the elevator wall.

Boss showed no particular emotion, but he didn’t look unhappy either.

Bali opened the rear car door, and Vio bent down to sit inside. Bali went around to the driver’s seat and started the engine.

“We’ve got some info,” Bali said, gripping the steering wheel and glancing at Boss in the rearview mirror. “That old man’s son is named Kavana. He’s begging us to let his father go—he’ll join our side if we do.”

Vio didn’t say a word, just staring out the window.

“Further probing revealed that the Mansello family’s investigation into us is indeed linked to Dmitri,” Bali continued. “Third Young Master and Dmitri have teamed up.”

“After all, Kavana is one of Dmitri’s closest lieutenants. I suspect he’d sacrifice his father just to save himself. His sudden submission might be a deliberate move to bait us.”

Vio pulled a cigarette case from his pocket, took out a cigarette, put it between his lips, and lit it.

End of Chapter 42: Chapter 42