Chapter 8

Pentaville City

Three hours later, they were on the road, a private car speeding toward Pentaville City. Asher had close associates across multiple countries, ensuring the necessary internal arrangements were already in place.

"Fifteen minutes until we arrive," Parker announced as they neared their destination.

Just as expected, exactly fifteen minutes later, they pulled up across the street from a modest bungalow. The car idled in the shadows as they observed the house.

"The surveillance is off. It'll be back online in four minutes," the chauffeur informed them, eyes fixed on the screen in front of him.

Parker slipped on his dark shades before stepping out. The area was quiet, just as Asher had anticipated—few people, no unnecessary attention.

Moving quickly, Parker retrieved the wheelchair from the trunk and hurried over to Asher. They had less than four minutes to get inside before the security cameras reactivated.

With practiced efficiency, Asher settled into the chair, and Parker shut the car door before wheeling him across the road.

Two minutes left. He rang the doorbell. Moments later, the door opened, revealing a stunned Sheila Phillips.

Taking advantage of her brief moment of shock, Parker pushed past her, rolling Asher into the house. He shut the door behind them, locked it, and pocketed the keys.

By the time Sheila recovered, it was too late. Her home had already been searched, her mobile phone confiscated, and her landline disabled.

"Won't you welcome your ex-husband?" Asher's icy voice filled the room, making her stumble backward.

For the short week they had been married, they had barely spoken. Even when she requested a divorce, he had remained silent. This was the first time she was hearing his voice directed at her.

"What’s wrong? Has my wonderful ex-wife suddenly lost her tongue?" His voice was deep, mocking.

Sheila’s eyes darted around in panic.

"Looking for this?" Parker held up her phone, and she froze.

"And this?" He dangled the house keys in front of her.

"And don’t worry about the landline," he added with a smirk. "It'll be restored once we leave."

Sheila staggered backward, her face draining of color.

Asher’s expression twisted with contempt. "How many millions did I pay you to walk away?" he demanded.

Sheila trembled violently.

"I gave you more than you deserved, but you had other plans, didn’t you?" His voice cut through her like a blade.

"You thought you could escape the Woods?" He leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking onto hers. "No matter where you run, I will find you."

Terror flooded her. She had underestimated Asher Wood. Just the day before, she had secretly left for Austra. How had he found her so quickly?

"I… I’m sorry," she stammered.

Asher’s brow arched. "Oh? You’re sorry? Were you sorry when you gave that interview? When you leaked those documents? You were proud of yourself then."

Sheila dropped her gaze, her body trembling under the weight of his fury.

"I don’t forgive traitors," he said coldly. "Sheila Phillips, you will pay for betraying me and the Woods."

Her breath hitched.

"If I found you this easily, what makes you think I haven’t found your family too?"

Sheila’s eyes widened in sheer horror. "No, please," she whispered, desperation seeping into her voice.

"Your family," Asher continued, his voice like steel, "and the person you're working for will suffer the consequences."

"I—I can tell you who it is," she blurted out, dropping to her knees. "Please, just forgive me."

Asher scoffed. "Do you think I need your help?"

Sheila frantically shook her head.

"Get me out of this filthy place," Asher ordered.

Parker typed a quick message on his phone. A few minutes later, he tossed Sheila’s phone onto a stool, but she was too rattled to reach for it.

He unlocked the door, pulled it open, and wheeled Asher outside.

The night was pitch black, the only light coming from scattered security lamps. Wasting no time, Parker helped Asher into the car, stowed the wheelchair, and got into the front seat.

"Straight to the airport," he instructed the chauffeur, who nodded and pulled away.

They had no intention of staying in Austra for the night.

Back at Sheila’s House

As soon as the car disappeared down the road, Sheila snapped out of her frozen state. She lunged for her phone, frantically dialing a number.

"He came!" she gasped. "He just left! He has my family! I’m finished!"

But the person on the other end said nothing.

"Say something!" she shrieked.

And the line went dead. Panicked, she called again. No answer.

Furious and terrified, she threw her phone onto the couch, sank to the floor, and wrapped her arms around herself.

She should have taken the money and walked away. But greed had doomed her.

Then her phone rang again. A strange number. With shaking fingers, she answered.

"Your parents and brother have been deported for using fake documents," a cold voice informed her.

Her phone slipped from her hand.

Asher Wood had taken his revenge swiftly. With her family back in their home country, they were now vulnerable to the full wrath of the Woods.

Sheila curled into herself, wrapped her arms around her knees, and let out a broken, heart-wrenching wail.

Justin Wood Residence

"Asher Wood didn't go there," the young man reported, his forehead creased with doubt.

"She wouldn't make such a mistake," the older man shook his head, unconvinced.

"But she only arrived two days ago, how did Asher show up yesterday?" The young man, Damian Wood, remained skeptical. There was no way Asher could have moved that quickly.

"She wouldn't be in such a panic if it didn’t happen," the elder man, Justin Wood, insisted.

"Dad, do you really think a man who hasn’t left his house since his accident would suddenly travel to Austra?" Damian scoffed. "If he wasn’t crippled, maybe I’d believe it. But he is. I don’t know who went to see Sheila, but it wasn’t Asher."

Justin sank into the sofa, lowering his gaze. He shook his head. "You don’t know Asher, son. I watched him grow. He’s ruthless. He’s capable of anything."

Damian frowned, deep in thought. "Then explain how Sheila’s family was deported overnight. How did the documents we arranged suddenly become flagged as fake?" He tapped his fingers against the armrest, frustration creeping into his voice.

"Asher Wood," Justin said grimly. "Your cousin is more dangerous than you realize. He’s not hiding, he’s operating from the shadows."

Damian exhaled heavily. "He was at the family house two days ago. His condition has worsened. They said he might become completely paralyzed." He paused, brows knitting together. "How could he have traveled to Austra? There are no flight records under his name."

Justin clenched his jaw. "This is why Asher Wood is feared. He’s worse than my brother ever was."

The room fell into tense silence.