"We can't interfere with other people's business. Let's focus on our work," said Luca as she tucked away her phone and continued with her experiment.

At present, everything Luke did was to vent her frustrations.

She could not retaliate against Karen. It was not because she lacked the ability. It was just that once she took action, it could potentially have significant repercussions.

Luke's actions, on the other hand, could mitigate those repercussions and avoid conflict between the Crawford and Mallory families.

Luca thought that she indeed had the capability, but her abilities still did not match Luke's.

She did not necessarily have to surpass Luke, but sometimes, she needed various abilities to protect herself and her children while supporting Luke.

After Abel got off the plane at A City International Airport, he walked out of the airport and directly got into the car that had been arranged for him.

After the driver greeted him, he took him to the hotel.

All of this was arranged by Abel himself. After checking into the presidential suite of the hotel, he sat on the couch and puffed on a cigar. He recalled the events of the past few days.

The industry networking event in X City seemed to have yielded some results, but not significant ones.

After all, three types of herbs were still missing.

Moreover, although those two Caucasians claimed that Luke's car trunk was empty, Abel suspected that Luca might have done something behind his back.

However, he lacked evidence.

Even though Luca was his subordinate, suspecting someone of betrayal required evidence in the Island of Despair.

Abel had none at the moment. He could discipline Luca, but if news of such a thing spread back to the Island of Despair, it would cause panic and dissatisfaction among the people.

Abel was controlling those people with drugs, but they still had independent thoughts and emotions. Even under the drug's control, they still had their own thoughts and feelings of discontent.

Therefore, he could not act recklessly, lest they rebel against him.

Abel was well aware that even with drug control, Shanks could help others.

Furthermore, there were other capable individuals in this world besides Shanks. If they could find another doctor and pharmacist, replicating the antidote would be an easy task if the samples were given to them.

Hence, besides drug control, he also relied on winning people over with virtue.

His adoptive father used to do this. Without relying on various drugs, he still managed to control the Island of Despair well.

Even though he was later eliminated by Luke and others, Abel still respected Robert. The former Island of Despair was still his proudest achievement.

However, it no longer existed.

The doorbell of the suite rang.

Abel extinguished his cigar lazily and got up to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, a figure dashed into his arms. The person even tiptoed to plant a kiss on his face. "Mr. Abel, I missed you so much."

Abel looked down at the woman nestled in his arms. His eyes were still cold and indifferent, unlike the woman's warmth.

"What's wrong? Don't you miss me? If you don't miss me, why did you ask me to come over?" Hera also noticed the gloominess in the man's eyes. There was not even a hint of happiness.

She knew well what Abel thought of her.

Still, she was simply hoping for some generosity from him, which was why she dropped everything and came over as soon as he called.

Hera knew Abel did not like her. Even though she had once fantasized about winning his affection, it was just a fantasy.

Now, she understood that as long as there was money, it was fine. Back then, Hera could always catch a glimpse of happiness in Abel’s eyes that was meant to appease her. Now, even that pretense of joy was nowhere to be found.

Therefore, Hera was very dissatisfied. She released her hand from around his neck, planning to play a little hard to get. She refused to believe he had not missed her after all this time.

She was very confident in her own charm.

Hera stood up straight, but Abel had not reacted as she had expected. Her expression could not help but turn unpleasant.

"I'm leaving," Hera said with a gloomy face. He asked her to come, but what was this attitude?

Then, she started walking toward the door.

Abel still did not say anything. It even seemed like he wanted to shut the door.

Hera felt a sudden panic. If she left now, there would be no benefits for her to gain!

"Hey, what's up? I can tell you're not in the best mood, so I was just trying to lighten things up with a joke." Hera quickly went back and closed the door behind her.

"You don't have a single smile on your face. I just wanted to cheer you up. Why take it seriously?"

"If you want to leave, then leave," replied Abel, stepping back.

"I'm not leaving. If you're not in a good mood, I'll keep you company until you feel better." Hera caught a whiff of the distinctive scent of cigar in the air. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

She could not help but brighten up her eyes. It was a smell she had grown accustomed to during the past few times she had spent with Abel. After smoking it twice, she developed a liking for it.

Hera had a strong fondness for the spicy flavor of this cigar, even though most people were not accustomed to or did not enjoy such a taste. Still, Hera simply could not get enough of it.

"Mr. Abel, do you have any more cigars? I'm craving one," asked Hera, trying to please Abel in hopes of getting a cigar.

"You don't mind the spicy taste?" Abel was not a stingy person. He took out a cigar and handed it over.

"Am I not going with your flow? Honestly, I feel like our tastes are pretty similar. I mean, look at this cigar. It's not something your average Joe would go for, but I just love it. It's got that extra kick." Hera picked up a lighter and lit the cigar, eagerly puffing away.

Watching her enjoying the cigar with narrowed eyes, Abel's expression softened slightly.

While smoking the cigar, Hera kept an eye on Abel's expression. She found that it had eased compared to before. She gently blew a smoke ring toward his face and asked, "Mr. Abel, have you been busy lately?"

"Yes." Abel's words were brief. When it came to other women versus Kassy, he would always choose Kassy.

When he noticed Hera, who resembled Kassy a little, he was reminded of what had happened at the industry networking event.

Even though there might have been some negligence in gathering intelligence, having only acquired three types of herbs, there was still no way to make the pills to help Kassy.

That was why his mood remained sour.

"No wonder you haven't come to see me lately." Hera's slender fingers traced circles on Abel's chest, feeling his strong muscles.

Her expenses were high, and she often mingled among various men for money.

However, Abel was the most outstanding among the many men she dealt with. Not only was he handsome and wealthy, but he was also good in bed...

Since sleeping with Abel, only a few men could satisfy her. They did not have his wealth, looks, or physique...

They could not compare to Abel in any way.

At the thought of Abel's various advantages, Hera felt a tingling sensation inside.

"Mr. Abel, what have you been busy with lately?" Hera sensed he was not very willing to talk. It was as though he was preoccupied with something that could not satisfy him.

Hence, she tried to divert his attention. "There's a new venue in A City recently. It's a nice place. How about I take you there to relax and unwind?"