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5. Encounters and Catastrophes

After being shot a month ago, Jonathan had private treatment in a remote village in Portugal. He chose a quiet and solitary place to calm down.

Portugal's warm climate and exotic scenery made Jonathan feel at home, even though he was not in the city.

A powerful shot hit a small white ball that traveled far. Jonathan stared intently at the ball. Then he moved to the side to pick up a new ball.

He had spent an hour playing golf in the mansion's courtyard. The quiet atmosphere was his favorite.

A shot from the golf club hit the white ball again before realizing a man was already beside him.

"I heard you got shot?"

"Hm," he replied without regard for his father. He was still struggling with his game.

"Jayden said it was a woman." Zico took a cigarette and lighter out of his pocket as he squinted, blocking his view of the sunlight.

Jonathan hit the ball hard and it went into the hole. Ace!

"Is it so hard to handle that one woman?" Zico looked at his son.

"I don't want to talk about that."

Zico puffed on his cigarette. "That woman must be just a stray dog."

Jonathan was indifferent. He was not interested in his father's discussion. He focused on his golf clubs.

"Stray dog should be tamed," Zico whispered. "Even Alex has tamed Agnes."

"I didn't say I wanted to tame that woman."

"So what's your plan?" asked Zico as he took a drag on his cigarette. "That woman is still on the loose. That's going to complicate things? Is your prison full?"

Jonathan was stunned. He imagined an underground room in his house, a place to torture all those who dared to try to kill him. Jonathan would rather see his enemies tortured than instantly dead. Catharina had to feel that.

Jonathan took another swing at his golf club, but this time it was blocked by Zico. "Don't let that woman make you forget how to hit the ball."

"There you are!"

Irene came over. Her graceful charm filled the atmosphere as the mother of the three Andrea sisters. Age could not cut her timeless beauty.

Jonathan could only sigh softly. He was disturbed when his parents suddenly appeared in the quiet.

"My wife is always charming." Zico complimented his wife and gave her a sweet peck on the lips.

"Come on, baby, we have to go to Las Vegas," Irene said. "Our flight is scheduled for 10 a.m. You should also get ready soon, Jonathan."

Zico Andrea and Irene Pearl always use a private plane for every overseas trip.

"You too, Jonathan. You should get ready. The wedding is tomorrow night. Did you forget?" Irene continued.

"I'll catch up."

"You should have stopped playing golf in the time leading up to your sister's wedding. If you don't leave now, you'll be late tomorrow! We have a long way to go!" Irene scolded her eldest son.

"Alright, Mom! I'll go alone. I asked Jayden to call the airline to pick me up personally."

"I'll take your word for it! Bella wants her family at the wedding!" Irene reiterated.

Zico also assured his wife that his eldest daughter would not run away. Jonathan took a swig of mineral water as his parents left.

Jonathan would follow.

After a long journey, Jonathan arrived in Las Vegas an hour before the blessing. He casually sat in his luxurious room enjoying a cup of coffee, not caring if the blessing had already begun.

Jonathan only moved to get his suit after finishing his coffee with a view of the city.

Jonathan arrived at the ballroom when the ceremony was over. People began to enjoy the food as a form of party hospitality. Some of them also dance and take pictures with the bride and groom.

Then Jonathan shook hands with another colleague while chatting. He didn't say much, just spoke as a formality. Her flaming red lips were dazzling.

Catharina. That woman here?

Jonathan realized that she was looking away from him.

"92 Corp's stock price is increasing day by day. I congratulate you on that," one of the colleagues said.

"I'm also very impressed with the company's performance," added another.

"A-ah, yes. Thank you." Jonathan replied briefly, his focus elsewhere.

He paid no attention to his colleagues. He moved away from the spot where Cathy had fled. He broke through the crowd. She looked back to make sure, then quickened her pace when she realized Jonathan was chasing her.

Cathy never expected that her target would be her best friend's brother. How could she enter the tiger's cage? Then again, Cathy wasn't carrying a weapon either, as she wasn't in work mode.

Cathy cursed as she took off her high heels. Why did we have to meet at this party? She occasionally bumped into some people around there. Until she finally made it out of the ballroom. She looked back in several directions to make sure.

Cathy quickened her pace, almost running, but when she turned the corner, she found Jonathan in front of her. She gasped.

"You're back?"

"But not to kill you," Cathy insisted.

"Then why did you run?"

"Because I was sure you would use this opportunity to kill me." Cathy probed. She found something around the man's waist. He was carrying a gun.

Jonathan stepped closer. "This is the third time you've come, then run from me."

Cathy observed several possibilities as the man was bound to shoot her. Deftly, Cathy robbed Jonathan of his gun. But the attempt was thwarted. The man punched and twisted her arm until she groaned in pain.

Not to be outdone, Cathy grabbed her fallen heels and hit Jonathan over the head with them. With a creepy grin, Jonathan pulled Cathy away. He slammed her back against the wall and locked her movements.

"You even wanted to kill me just now!"

"It was just self-defense."

"You always come without me."

"I came at Via's request. I didn't even know you were her older brother." Cathy coughed.

Jonathan then gave the gun to Cathy for free. "Shoot me."

"No! I'll do it later." Cathy wasn't stupid. It was a public place.

Slyly, Cathy threw the gun into the dark bushes with a long throw, then ran out of the building. She kicked the motorbike rider and snatched it.

Cathy rode with anxiety until she was surprised when a truck turned from the opposite direction. Cathy's eyes widened. Oh, my god!

Boom!

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