The Sway and Slide of Love

Hendrix was currently in the living room, facing the courtyard. The front gate was tightly shut. Several men stood guard in the courtyard, clutching hoes and hammers, ready to stop him if he tried to make a run for it.

Hendrix found their vigilance almost laughable. Even if they hadn't been standing guard, he had no intention of trying to escape-because there was simply no need.

He leisurely sipped his coffee, then turned to the man in front of him, Tony Gill. "If you had asked for five million dollars from the beginning, I might have agreed to it. But you didn't. That's because someone's been guiding you behind the scenes, isn't it? And you stand to gain more from them than from me."

Hendrix's voice was calm, his lips curling into a faint smile as he stared confidently at Tony.

Tony's eyes widened slightly.

"Is there more to your brother's death than meets the eye?" Hendrix continued.

"What nonsense are you talking about? My brother died because of you. That's all there is to it. You unscrupulous developers will do anything for profit. If it weren't for-"

"That's fine. I don't blame you for not telling the truth. After all, you've been paid to keep your mouth shut," Hendrix interrupted. "But some things in life are predestined. If it's not meant to be yours, even if you manage to get your hands on it, I'm afraid you won't have the fortune to enjoy it."

As he spoke, Hendrix set his coffee cup down on the table. The soft thud made the man across from him flinch.

"My people will probably deliver the money soon, so you can leave for now."

Hendrix's presence had always been commanding. Even now, his calm demeanor created an illusion-one that made it seem as though he wasn't the one being held captive. On the contrary, it felt like he was the one in control of the situation.

Just as Tony began to waver, his phone rang. After glancing at the caller ID, he immediately shot a look at Hendrix.

Hendrix seemed oblivious to his reaction. Tony pressed his lips together, then walked out with his phone.

Hendrix ignored him and slowly swept his gaze around the room. The house was old, but the fresh

white paint on the walls suggested

recent renovation. Even the

appliances and furniture were brand new.

He had already had someone investigate Tony and his older brother were construction workers While their incomes were decent, their father had fallen ill last year, which depleted their savings.

swnovo?

So, where did the money for the renovations and new furnishings come from? But

if his brother's death had been part of a calculated plan, then none of this was surprising.

Hendrix scanned the room but said nothing. He then looked down at his hands- they had taken his phone away. So, for now, all he could do was wait.

He knew these people were only after money. They wouldn't dare to actually kill him, and that was why he had come alone.

"Here. Eat this."noveldrama

After a while, someone suddenly placed a bowl of cooked instant noodles in front of him. The noodles were topped with tomatoes and a fried egg, and they looked quite appetizing.

But Hendrix only glanced at it before turning away. "No, thank you."