Desire Investment System

Lena's eyes widened in pure shock, her lips parting in horror as her body stiffened under his grip.

Camila froze, unable to process that the man who had smiled moments ago now had his hand on Lena's throat.

Jace turned his head slowly. His gaze locked with Kyra's, the hand around Lena's throat never easing.

Kyra's breath caught. His eyes weren't the same calculating ones she was used to; they were psychotic, wild, a manic smile twisting his mouth.

"Kyra," Jace said, his tone steady, calm in the way that made it more terrifying. "I don't know what relationship you have with Lena, but if you move even an inch now…" His smile turned sharp and merciless. "…then I'll drop Lena out of this window."

Kyra hesitated, frozen for half a second. Her jaw clenched, teeth grinding, but she forced herself to step back slowly.

Jace shifted his gaze back to Lena. His voice cut sharp. "Now, tell me… why did you betray me?"

Lena's breath rasped, her voice broken under the crushing hold. "I… I didn't…"

Jace's smile stayed fixed, cold and steady. "Is that so?"

His lips curved further, amusement breaking through. "Maybe my grip is weak."

Lena gagged, a choking sound clawing out of her throat as his fingers pressed harder, cutting off more air.

His words came low, controlled. "If the next words that come from your mouth aren't what I want to hear, then the next sound you'll hear will be your skull cracking against the ground."

After a moment, he loosened his grip just enough for her to suck in a ragged gasp. His tone grew darker, heavier with authority. "Now answer."

Air rushed down Lena's throat, her chest heaving. "T-They… the people… who attacked you… were from the government."

Silence hung in the room. Her voice faltered, gasps still clawing from her chest. Jace didn't release her. His hand stayed locked on her throat as his thoughts shifted inward.

Government.

He had expected their attention eventually, but not this soon. And instead of interrogation, they tried assassination. Crude. Unskilled.

'Am I missing something?'

Many puzzles remained unsolved. Threads tangled, motives hidden. But he pieced what he could, quickly forming his next moves.

To him, it didn't matter if it was the government or even some higher power calling itself God. As long as tasks existed, as long as rules and rewards lay in front of him, he would play their game. He would climb until there was nothing left above him. He would never return to the life of a poor man, scraping for scraps.

'Anyone who stands in my way will only meet one end.'

Minutes stretched. The pressure in the room thickened, Lena trembling against his hold. Finally, Jace clicked his tongue. "Tsk."

He lifted her, then shoved her back from the window, releasing his grip.

Lena collapsed to the ground, legs folding under her. Her hands clawed weakly at her throat as she coughed, her body shaking from shock and horror.

Jace turned without hesitation, his steps steady as he walked toward Camila. His voice came calm, as if nothing had happened. "Let's go now."

Camila's throat bobbed as she swallowed.

After a long pause, she gave a small nod, hesitating, then stepped forward to support him. His arm draped over her shoulder as they moved.

She tried to steady him, but inside, her chest trembled. She had only seen the warm side of Jace, the smile, the gentle teasing. This side was something else, something terrifying. A chill rippled down her back.

Behind them, Kyra moved quickly. As soon as Jace and Camila left, she crouched beside Lena, lifting her up carefully. Lena leaned heavily into her, still trembling.

Camila pushed the door open, guiding Jace back inside the suite.

Noelle and Maribel were there, sitting together, voices low in conversation. Their words cut short the moment Jace entered.

Jace's polite mask slid back into place. His tone smooth and calm. "Noelle, did Amelia and Valentina leave?"

Noelle straightened, startled. "A-Ah! Yes, they have. They needed to film episode seven with Callen, otherwise the schedule would fall behind."

Jace let a faint smile touch his lips. "I see. Then I'll try my best to return as quickly as possible."

Camila lowered him carefully back onto the bed.

Noelle's hands wrung together, her face clouded with worry. "N-No, you should rest. Please recover first."

Jace gave a short laugh. "Alright, I will."

From the corner, Maribel's face shifted. A flicker of jealousy crossed her features before she forced it down.

She reminded herself not to dwell. But the words from the police still haunted her — Jace had slept with another woman. Her chest had ached when she heard it, and now, watching Noelle talk with such warmth, that ache returned.

Noelle rose, bowing her head. "Then I'll leave now."

"Safe travels," Jace replied smoothly.

Camila's glare burned into Noelle, though Noelle didn't seem to notice.

Before leaving, Noelle turned to Maribel. "Then Ms. Cromwell, let's fix a date soon. Please teach me how to cook."

Maribel's cheeks warmed, her words stumbling. "W-We're not… married yet."

Noelle smiled brightly. "Oh, come on, marriage is just paperwork. It's the heart that matters."

Maribel blinked, caught off guard by the genuine smile, unsure how to reply.

Then Noelle's eyes shifted toward Camila. "Goodbye."

"Bye," Camila muttered, still sour.

Noelle walked out, her steps light.

Camila watched her go, muttering under her breath, "She… isn't that bad."

The day dimmed into night.

The hospital grew quieter. The hallway bulbs glowed faintly, the city's hum muted through the glass windows.

Inside, Maribel's head rested against her folded arms on Jace's left side, exhaustion having pulled her into sleep half an hour ago.

Jace had told both women to sleep in the next room for comfort, but they insisted on staying by his side. He hadn't pressed further.

On the right side of the bed, Camila lay beside him, pretending to be asleep. Her body stilled, her eyes closed, but her mind was restless.

Then, without warning, Jace's hand slid around her waist, pulling against her belly.

Her body jolted at the touch. She flinched, but stayed silent, telling herself it was nothing unusual.

But then his hand began to move lower.

Her breath caught sharply in her throat.

His hand pressed against her pussy through her black leggings, the contact rough and sudden.

Shock rushed through her, but mixed with it was something else—

Arousal.

Her memories flashed.

The first time was on the sofa during movie night. The second time in the kitchen, her body was pinned between him and the counter.

And as his hand stayed pressed against her, a forbidden thought ran through her.

Tonight would be the third time.