Suddenly There Are Three (Bailey and Artemis) novel Chapter 891

Chapter 891 Counterattack

He was an immensely charismatic man, occupying a lofty position of power, blessed with both handsomeness and wealth.

Above all else, he had profound affection and utmost respect for Caridee.

Astrid was stirred by such deep fondness, and it ignited a fierce jealousy within her. Nevertheless, the realization that it was Astrid herself, blossoming with joy in his embrace at this moment, not Caridee, appeared to bestow a sense of calm upon her heart.

Given the chance, she held a genuine desire to have him all to herself for a lifetime.

This was what Caridee owed her.

“Veikko, do you truly hold no disdain for me? I'm no longer pure; I've been violated by someone else,” Astrid uttered, her words a relentless refrain over the past day and night.

Upon hearing her, the man would offer in a gentle tone, “No.”

The sensation of being cherished by him gratified Astrid's vanity immensely.

A glint of wintry chill flickered within Veikko's hawk-like eyes. Were it not for his need for this woman to confront Shaun, he would certainly have entertained thoughts of casting her into the crocodile pond.

To be candid, what he had experienced with that man in the past paled in comparison to this. This woman had redefined his comprehension of the term “cheap.”

“Don't worry. Get some sleep and be careful not to wear yourself thin,” said Veikko.

Astrid's eyes shifted, a gleam of calculation dancing within her gaze. In the following moment, she playfully began to pat his chest.

In the next moment, she began to playfully pat his chest.

“I don't believe you. You might assert that you don't despise me, but there's a chance you harbor strong detestation deep within. To validate your claims, you must sleep with me. Only then will I be convinced of your sincerity.”

Veikko compressed his lips tightly.

If it were Caridee in Astrid's shoes today, having suffered such a grave injustice, she would likely turn a blind eye to me. Furthermore, she might distance herself from me. A counterfeit always remains just that—artificial and contrived. This is something Caridee could never grasp, not even in a lifetime.

After a beat of silence, his voice quivering slightly, he proclaimed, “Very well, I'll prove it to you right now.”

Despite his words, his hand stealthily reached for the communicator resting on the bedside table. Swiftly, he composed a text message and sent it.

Moments later, the room's door was flung open, and the bodyguard hurried in from the outside. “Mr. Veikko, there's a situation at the headquarters— Uh, it appears my timing is rather inconvenient.”

As he finished speaking, he turned around and left.

Veikko gently extricated himself from the clutches of the vile woman in his arms and rose from the bed. “You take some rest first. I'll step out to assess the situation and return to keep you company.”

With that, he departed the room without a backward glance.

Seeing this, Astrid clenched her teeth with fierce determination.

We were so close! Of all the times to show up, the bodyguard had to barge in at the most crucial moment. D*mn it!

However, upon reflection, a sense of relief washed over her.

It's clear that this man wants me. It's only a matter of unfortunate timing that we were disrupted. When another opportunity arises, I'll do it all over again. One day, I'll undoubtedly get what I want. I refuse to believe that these “coincidental” interruptions will thwart my attempts forever!

As Astrid raised her gaze, her eyes landed on the wall clock adorning the opposite wall. It was already ten in the morning. The realization that she hadn't yet responded to Shaun struck her, prompting her to hastily rise and make her way to the bathroom.

After dialing the number, she lowered her voice and said, “Some unexpected things happened last night. I know you waited through the night, and you're upset. However, giving in to anger won't serve any purpose. We're partners, and I won't tolerate bearing the brunt of your temper.”

Shaun's icy chuckle reverberated over the phone. “You naive fool. Could it be you've taken a liking to that little b*stard? Let me warn you, a fake will always a fake. The truth will inevitably emerge. It's in your best interest not to delude yourself.”

His words felt like a resounding slap to the back of Astrid's head.

Indeed, I'm nothing but a sham. It might remain hidden for a day, two days, or three, but what about a year, two years, or three? Sooner or later, I'll be exposed. What good can come of it then?

“I understand; your reminder is unnecessary. Regarding the photographs you want, give me a few more days to devise a plan for acquiring them. Once I have them in my possession, I'll forward them to you,” Astrid responded.

In a deep tone, Shaun stated, “There's no need. The business network of the Carter family has been thrown into chaos. I need to return to the family. Before my departure, I must eliminate that little troublemaker. Find a way to lure him out of the Saviors. When the time comes, lead him into the trap I've set. Once I've apprehended him, I'll uphold my end of the bargain and deliver Caridee to you, just as I've promised.”

At the mention of Caridee, the intensity of hatred in Astrid's eyes grew even more profound. The purpose of her journey, seeking vengeance against Caridee, remained firmly etched in her mind.

She hadn't forgotten the purpose of her journey - to seek revenge on Caridee.

“All right, it's a deal then. I'll lure Veikko into your trap, and in return, you'll surrender Caridee to me.”

Shaun acknowledged with a hum.

In the adjacent study, Veikko grasped the monitor, capturing every utterance exchanged between the two individuals.

Ha... Bailey's strategy is remarkably effective. The mere hint of turmoil and that jerk becomes agitated. Planning to set up a trap for me? Fine. I'll respond with a counterattack. The time has come for me to settle accounts with him.

Inside the room at the research base, Bailey answered her phone. It was a call from Veikko.

“Mm. If he becomes restless, that works in our favor. The plan will likely be put into motion within the next few days. Once he takes action, we'll have an opportunity to apprehend him,” Bailey stated.

“Thank you. Without your suggestion, who knows how long we would've had to wait for that guy to reveal his hand.”

Bailey let out a soft chuckle, “Caridee is my sister-in-law. It's my responsibility to save her. Why are you thanking me?”

The man on the other end of the line uttered nothing in response.

Recognizing the lack of a response, Bailey promptly ended the call.

Just as she was about to casually toss her phone onto the couch, another call arrived. Glancing at the screen, she saw that it was a call from Juliana.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she ultimately swiped her finger to accept the call.

Given the unusual circumstances, they shouldn't have been communicating at a time like this.

Bailey worried that she might divulge the conspiracy theory regarding the Hoffman family's upheaval—something she couldn't easily resist sharing.

“What is it?” Bailey asked upon answering the call.

“Master, I have a favor to ask of you. Can you help me find out where Tucker has confined Archie? My intuition tells me that he has the capability to ruin the highly classified information in Sofie's possession.”

Bailey arched her eyebrows, intrigued.

This young woman has endured a great deal of adversity, yet she has managed to carve out her own path. It's rather remarkable that she's able to find a way out of this tangled mess. It shows that the guidance she's received throughout the years has not been without merit. Pinpointing Archie is the pivotal juncture; in this aspect, she has already outmaneuvered Tucker. At the very least, that fool didn't foresee this outcome. Presently, his preoccupation revolves around taking Sofie down with him. If only he was as smart as Juliana, he might have considered targeting Archie.

When her trail of thought ended there, Bailey said to Juliana, “Julie, even if you succeed in having Archie destroy the document in Sofie's possession, it won't automatically grant you the ability to wrest control from Tucker. He's not a suitable leader for the family. If the Hoffman family remains under his jurisdiction, there's bound to be significant upheaval within a couple of years.”

Juliana clenched her teeth, her tone resolute and deep. “Then I'll oppose him, fighting until I seize that power. Master, I don't see any alternative path except standing alongside my family.”

After a moment of contemplation, Bailey proposed, “You also have the option to distance yourself from your family and seek your own happiness.”

“No, what I desire now is to either survive or perish together with the Hoffman family.”

Bailey let out a silent sigh.

I knew this would happen. If she were to discover that Zeke and Huntley had betrayed the Hoffman family, she might resent them for the rest of her life.

“Master, please help me. At present, only Archie holds the key to resolving this situation.”