Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Conner glanced at his phone, a single digit lighting up the screen, and couldn't

help but grin. His buddy, clearly confused, asked, "Boss, it's just a number 1, not 'l love you.' What's got you so happy?"

"Ah, only someone single wouldn't get it," Conner replied, knowingly. "Annie's on a mission, can't text much, so she sent me this number as a little reminder. She knows when I'm coming back."

Trying to bring his love-struck boss back to Earth, his friend said, "But what if she sent it by accident?"

"Come on, your sister-in-law wouldn't make a mistake like that. I see what's going on here—you just can't handle seeing me happy. You're not getting any younger, buddy. I'll help you find someone when we're back. You've been single too long, trying to drag me down with you."

His friend sighed, "Boss, a man should focus on his career."

"Nah, I've already got Newtown wrapped around my finger."

His buddy zipped it, knowing better than to argue.

As the plane took off, his friend chimed in, "Boss, I like them beautiful."noveldrama

Conner scoffed, "That's shallow. A pretty face is common, but a captivating soul, now that's rare."

His friend shrugged, "As long as she's not the type to get violent."

Conner shot him a look, "Who exactly are you talking about?"

The plane's atmosphere, lightened by Annie's simple "1," wasn't as tense anymore.

Meanwhile, an underling rushed over to report, "Mr. Kon, Conner's left."

Even with Conner gone, Kon stayed sharp. He wasn't worried about Conner as much as another man who was a real threat. "What about his wife and kid?"

Kon's laptop showed images of Andre's family. Despite his high standing, Andre was the type to buy bracelets and rings for his wife, always making time for his son. Every picture radiated his love for them, even through the screen.

Andre had sacrificed a lot, and

had no plans to let him off lightlyet

His wife, his child, their bodies would be his revenge!

"We've heard Andre's son is headed to the library to drop off lunch for his mother."

In the shadows, Kon's lips curled up. He knelt, hands clasped, before a spider

trinket. "Luck's on my side."

Standing up, he ordered, "Everyone, move out."

His right-hand man frowned, "Mr. Kon, isn't this overkill?"

Kon's eyes gleamed, "Never underestimate Andre's carelessness."

"Got it. And Annie?"

Kon chuckled, "Don't worry about her. Just make sure Maja at the base stays clueless about Annie. The goods she's got are key to. taking down Andre and Conne Asher, once Andre's gone, Conner's out, Asher's days are numbered."

"And Mars?"

"Him? Not worth the hassle."

"Understood."

The orders were swiftly carried out.

At the police station, a celebration was in full swing. They'd busted a human trafficking ring, rounding up suspects and evidence after a long standoff. Spirits were high, and Annie, checking her phone, saw the message she'd sent. Smiling, she was about to charge her phone when another message popped up.

Sister: Conner's with me, Annie. Let him go.

"Sister..."