Regret Came Too Late

· Chapter 217 Grace had no choice. She quickly found the villa's housekeeper, who was watering plants in the courtyard, gave her a few quick instructions, then rushed hina hurry. On the way, she sent several messages to Ed, but she didn't receive a single reply. He usually replied in seconds. Even at home, she felt restless. She wanted to head out to the large casino to try her luck. But the moment she stepped out, she ran straight into Selene. Today, Selene was particularly dressed up.

Her long, wavy hair flowed freely, and a figure-hugging black dress showed off her curves to perfection. Grace's eyes brightened slightly. She pressed the elevator button, and the two descended together to the parking lot. "Ms. Jensen, are you off to a date?" Grace asked. Selene casually flipped her burgundy hair. "I'm going somewhere for a bit of fun. Would you like to join me?" "Where to?" "The Obsidian." That was the casino Grace had visited last time.

She remembered hearing the gamblers mention its name-The ---- Obsidian. It was a place that covered an entire mountain in opulence and splendor, yet it was named The Obsidian. Furthermore, she was surprised that Selene knew the name. Judging by her tone, she seemed to be one of the VIP players there. Since Grace was heading there anyway, it worked out perfectly. They could go together. When she sat in the passenger seat of Selene's car, she could smell her perfume.

It wasn't a mainstream fragrance. Grace couldn't quite identify the scent, but it was seductive-like a sugar cube dissolving into water, filling the entire space with a subtle allure. Grace hadn't slept well these past few days and was already feeling drowsy. But then she heard Selene ask, "Do you know the boss who runs The Obsidian?" Grace immediately perked up. She had lost her memory, so she knew nothing. Selene glanced at her and curled her lips into a faint smile.

"Rumor has it that The Obsidian is fully under his control. The lowest level is for bleeding ordinary gamblers dry. Deeper in, people wager all sorts of things. "Phere are elite hackers, top enforcers, and it covers every gray industry imaginable. Many powerful families have tried ---- negotiating with this mysterious boss, but he's never even shown his face." Grace slowly straightened up. "No one knows his background?" The car had stopped at a red light.

While they waited, Selene casually pulled out a cigarette, thinking about taking a drag. However, she thought better of it due to Grace's presence and silently put it away. "No one knows. Supposedly, he used to work undercover in an overseas criminal network. You know how sensitive our country is to certain topics, especially during the years when many citizens were lured abroad and exploited. "They desperately needed an informant to report back.

This man was the one chosen, but on the condition that he'd only go if he could find someone he'd been searching for. "Tt was a little girl who once saved his life. She was several years younger than he was. But in such a vast country, who would possibly know who that girl was? "Later, someone pulled a dirty trick and found a sick little girl to impersonate her. He believed it and treated the girl as if she were his own sister.

But just a few years into his undercover mission, he heard the girl had relapsed. "He applied to return, but the higher-ups wouldn't let him. Their operation was at a critical point." Grace's brows furrowed. "Did he cback?" ---- Selene raised a brow. "The girl died. Someone leaked the news to him. Afraid he might go berserk, those in the country sold him out and exposed his identity to the criminal network, hoping they'd fight it out among themselves.

He was only 16 at the time." Grace clenched her jaw. "And then?" "He won. He took over the entire territory. Later, he brought his casino operations back to the country. Those who betrayed him back then didn't even dare to breathe in his presence. Just look at how powerful The Obsidian is now. "No one dares investigate it at all. Who knows what dirt he has on people? Everyone's afraid of losing their cushy government positions." Selene turned a corner. "But hey, treat all this as hearsay.

These are just rumors swirling around The Obsidian. I mean, conquering an entire underground sector at 16? That sounds a little far-fetched, doesn't it?" But in Grace's heart, she had a nagging feeling that it might just be true. The car pulled up outside The Obsidian. After getting out, she saw Selene fluently chatting with the guards at the entrance. The two were quickly granted entry.

As they walked in, Grace couldn't help but ask, "What exactly are you here for tonight?" Selene held up a card. "Auction. But spots are pre-approved, ---- so I can't bring you in. You can hang around outside, and we'll head back together afterward." Grace nodded and sought out a casino attendant. She wanted to ask about Ed, but couldn't describe what he looked like. So, she grabbed the attendant she had met once before. "You tookto that floor last time, remember?

For the, uh, special service." The attendant smiled politely, clearly well-trained. "Of course I remember. Ms. Lambert, would you like them sspecial service tonight?" "T want him to cout and see me. Where is he?" "That might be a little tricky. I'll have to check if he's willing. Would you like to wait in the meantime?" Grace exhaled in relief. It seemed that this attendant could contact Ed, and that was good enough for her.

Following him, she soon arrived at another section of the building via elevator. A sprawling warm -water pool spread out before her, shrouded in mist, concealing everything. The attendant respectfully stepped behind a screen. "The pool here is very clean. You may soak while I go check if he's willing to cmeet you." However, Grace had no intention of taking a soak. Instead, she sat down ina chair nearby. The lighting here was also dim. She reached out to toucha booming flower beside her.

As she did that, something suddenly flashed across her mind like a bolt of lightning. Aplace just like this, heavy with mist. She had looked at someone through half-lidded eyes, seductively, and because it was her first time, the pain had made her tilt her head back, stretching her neck...