?Chapter 503:


    Caught off guard, the ck car couldn’t adjust in time, nearly spinning out and skidding several times before halting.


    Momentarily free, Elena nned to exit the alley when a sleek sports car suddenly materialized before her. With escape routes blocked from both directions, she found herself trapped.


    Calmly, Elena leaned over and retrieved several gun parts from her car, assembling them into a pistol with practiced efficiency.


    Her gaze fixed intently on the unexpected sports car.


    The door swung open, revealing first exquisite leather shoes, then long legs, and finally a recognizable floral shirt.


    Masked, the man’s narrow eyes flickered with unmistakable menace.


    Elena instantly realized this was trouble. It was Earle. He had appeared openly and brazenly within Houis’ borders, defying all expectations.


    As a notorious smuggler and drug lord, Earle couldn’t possibly have entered Houis through legal channels.


    Leaning casually against his car door with one hand tucked in his pocket, Earle exuded dangerous confidence, a wicked smile ying on his lips. “We meet again, beauty.”


    Between his fingers, a withered red rose hung delicately. With theatrical ir, he extended the rose toward Elena, performing an exaggerated gentleman’s bow. “I’vee to keep our appointment. Are you happy to see me?”


    The red rose… Memories shed through Elena’s mind—the rose she had discarded in the trash and the ominous email: “When the flower withers, we will meet again.”


    Evidently, he had kept a rose for himself, a twisted countdown to this encounter. And true to his word, when the petals finally withered, he had appeared.


    Elena maintained her silence, eyes vignt as she assessed his every movement.


    Amused by her caution, Earle chuckled and spread his hands wide, seemingly unconcerned about her weapon. “Rx. Giving a beautifuldy flowers is what a gentleman should do.”


    Elena’s gaze remained cial. “Why are you here?”


    Earle blinked innocently. “To see you, of course, my sweetheart.”


    G  al  no vel s . holds tales worth reading


    Her guard remained firmly in ce. While engaging in conversation, she subtly tightened her grip on the pistol. “What value do I have that warrants the leader of Shadowing in person?”


    A suddenugh escaped Earle’s lips. His eyes glimmered like dangerous gemstones. Charming yet dangerous. His thin lips curved upward as though savoring a private joke.


    Stepping closer, Earle’s voice turned cold and unnervingly intimate. “Darling, you’re so modest. What should I call you? Miss Harper, or El?”


    Elena frowned. He had uncovered her identity.


    With unsettling nonchnce, Earle’s tone remained light and casual. “You’ve caused me quite a bit of trouble. The useless bunch I employ can’t withstand your attacks.”


    “Are you here to seek revenge?” Elena questioned, her finger hovering near the trigger.


    “No.” Leaning closer, Earle brought half his face to the car window, his breath fogging the ss. “I’m here to recruit you. Come with me. This ce is too boring. Let’s go to Avaloria.”


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