His Contractual Mistress

Vincent turned his gaze to every man in that room. He knew that sooner, he must explain himself to Hailey's family and friends, especially to her knights. 

But today is not a good day to do any explanation. However, he could not avoid it if one of Hailey's knights questioned him after hearing that fact from Liam and Hailey's conversation. 

The least he must do now is assure these men that his intention to their princess is true. Vincent pursed his lips and opened them. 

"I won't deny the fact that I got married to another woman. However, we never live as husband and wife. The only wife I consider is the woman I have been searching for many years. Suppose the association didn't hide her from me. I probably found her a long time ago and could court her and ask her hand for marriage before I am forced to marry someone else." 

"So you are blaming the Mafia if we protect the princess, Mr. Shen? Are you serious with your accusation?" 

"No, I didn't mean that. It's just that I never wanted to marry another girl because I already love someone else, even though I don't know her. And now that I see her again after four long years, I did my best to get the divorce we agreed with my nominal wife and make things right. But she is hiding from me. So it surprised me that there is someone who manipulates Eva to make mine and Hailey's life miserable." 

"Still! I can't accept the fact that this man is married and living with the princess! How did she let herself fall for him? She may be naïve, but it's because she is spoiled! Even so, I know she's smart enough not to get involved herself with someone like him!" 

"Calm down, Maynard." The other knights try to ease the atmosphere. 

"He only had a nominal wife. I know, is that all." Then, finally, someone from the knights chimed in. It was Brent Morris. 

"And so? Aren't you siding with Mr. Shen because Mr. Carl Johnson is your senior?" 

"That may be true. But I could say this because I witnessed how Mr. Shen was forced to marry someone else. And as what we hear now… Mr. Shen should have his divorce a long time ago if Liam didn't interfere." 

Maynard fell silent, and the rest of the knights inside that room. Brent added, "Besides, that woman is living with someone after their wedding. The cheater here is that woman."

"Is that true?" They murmured. 

Now that one knight brought up the issue, Vincent took the opportunity to express himself. 

"I understand you couldn't accept me yet. And I am willing to prove how much I love Hailey. My intention is real. I have been in love with her for a long time. So I don't want to waste any more time." Vincent paused and waited if the present knight had an objection. Then, when no one speaks, he went on.

"You guys can beat me up later. But at this moment, I want to focus on our mission. I want to save her as soon as possible. And I think this is the right time to show up and confront Liam Huo. Look at her." 

Vincent pointed out the screen, and he explained his observation. "She seemed restless and uncomfortable. She is sweating a lot as well." 

"And Liam Huo doesn't allow her to go to the restroom." 

The knights quickly studied Hailey's face and body movement. She is sweating a lot, and she looks paler. However, she only applied light makeup; now, it could compare her skin tone to a sick person who runs out of blood. 

They could also hear how she begged Liam to go to the powder room. She looks like she really needs it. 

"Dammit! I'm going to kill this man!" 

"We should notify the Interpol agents to standby," Brent Morris suggested. 

Immediately, everyone prepared for the show. Not long after, Carl, who was only hiding in the other room with the Interpol agents, bid goodbye to join Brent and the rest of the U Continent Mafia representatives. 

They were just on the fifteenth floor, below the restaurants and cafe. Still, they took a lift to get to the upper floor. 

"Who are you?" asked Liam's men after they stepped out of the lift. 

Carl's eyebrow rose upward after someone told them this floor is close. He snorted and said, "Is that so? I didn't tell my employees to be closed for the day." 

These fool men! Carl only controls himself not to kick the man who stood as the group leader guarding the lobby. The cafe is his partnership with Vincent so that he could also claim it as his own. 

Meanwhile, Vincent took a secret passage that will lead him directly to the Coffee Shop. Of course, he places secret doors, stairs, and secret rooms that no one knows but only him. 

If Liam Huo thinks he could escape, Vincent makes sure that Liam Huo could not do that. 

*

PRESENT TIME 

Hailey's eyes could not believe what she's seeing. She was just talking with Vincent over the phone a while back. But now he's here! It was really him! Not only that, the situation has changed. Vincent is pointing a gun at Liam which his men can do nothing in the presence of other mafia groups. 

This is not a dream, right? She couldn't stop wondering. At that moment, Hailey didn't hold back the tears to flood her eyes. She didn't know how it happened or what was going on, but it made her happy to see Vincent. 

Now that Vincent appeared and pointed a gun at Liam, Carl took the gun in Liam's hand. 

Meanwhile, Liam tightened his jaw. Then, after he recovered from the shock, he pushed the corner of his mouth into a grin. 

"Vincent Shen, I admire you." He scoffs. "You are not only the man with the life of a cat. How come you didn't get any injuries after the accident? I started to believe you were like Batman, who recovers instantly but shows up today when I least expected you to appear? You are neither a cat who has nine lives nor Batman who is persistent. I should name your act like Superman. Did you fly to get here? I was impressed!" 

Vincent raised an eyebrow. He snorted after Liam blabbered. "Mr. Huo, you sure talk a lot. Anyway, I am not sorry that I disappointed you. But you are right. I flew here to tell you that the game is over." 

Liam gritted his teeth upon realizing that Vincent Shen set a trap for him. "Have you waited for me to step into your trap, huh?" 

"To tell you the truth? It was Hailey's knights who orchestrated the trap for you. However, I am more impressed that you have the guts to commence your plan to kidnap Hailey from my building. Do you think I will let you leave just like that? The biggest mistake you made is to forget that I designed and built this building. I know every secret room and passageway. Lure you inside is your end, Mr. Huo. Or should I say in the chess game, CHECKMATE!"

Liam pushes Hailey to the sofa. He made an abrupt turn to steal the gun from Vincent. 

But Vincent is quick. He took a few steps backward, and he is cautious not to pull the trigger, might miss his shot, and hits Hailey by accident. He knew how to use multiple guns, including long-range rifles, but it is rare for him to have practice. So he won't take any chances. 

Now that Liam let go of Hailey, Vincent sent Carl a signal. He immediately understood it. Carl gestured at Hailey. 

"Come here, Miss Hillson!" 

Hailey quickly moves her feet. She runs toward Carl, who grabbed her arm and hid her behind him. He is using his body to shield her. 

"Carl, take Hailey out of here!" Vincent requested. 

"Let's go, Miss Hillson." Carl holds her wrist to pull her away and runs outside. But Hailey is hesitant to leave Vincent. 

"But Vincent is…" 

"You're only making things hard for Vincent if you are in the same room. You'll only distract him." 

"Vincent! Please, be careful!" She's too worried for Vincent. But Carl is right. Although she worries about Vincent, she will be only a burden if she lingers around. 

In the corner of his eyes, Vincent cast a glance at Hailey. His gaze softens; as he dares to show his affection. "I love you, Wifey..." 

"I love you too, hubby!" she replied before the door swallowed her. 

Left inside the private room, Liam clenched his teeth in anger. It displeases him how this guy and Hailee displayed affection in front of him. However, Hailee loves to provoke him. 

"I'm going to kill you, Vincent Shen!" Furiously, he roared at him. 

Vincent only pushes the corner of his mouth into a smirk. Then, he gives his gun to Brent. 

"Don't think that we outnumbered you and have no weapon, Mr. Huo. We can settle this with our fists." Upon saying it, Vincent took off his jacket and posed into a boxing posture. 

Liam did the same. He took off his coat and rolled the sleeves of his shirt and pose. He takes the first step to throw a punch, but Vincent easily dodges it. Then Liam continued throwing punches at Vincent until he was also using his leg. 

Liam lifts his right leg and kicks Vincent. But using his arm, he fends off the blow and kicks back at Liam, which landed on his stomach; the guy took a few steps backward.