CHAPTER 2. Hard Choice

" How did you get the secret I buried?" She narrowed her eyes at the man in front of her and tried to conceal her bad feeling.

" I have my ways." He shrugged coolly. " Don't think about that."

" I know you want something in exchange for that, so what is it?" Ava didn't waste anytime, and just got down to the chase.

"Hum, straight forward, I like that." The young man wore an amused face, and he placed his wine down.

" Can you really give me what I want?" He arched his brows.

Ava's mouth twisted, and she instantly knew things won't be easy. Even from the way she was seeing the man, he seemed to not be any ordinary man. So definitely, money was useless at this point, but she hoped for it not to be what she was thinking.

" Just say it!"

The young man relaxed and stared at Ava with a smirk.

" Alright, but let me show you that video first, so you can be sure am in for business."

Without waiting for her reply, the man pushed a tab to Ava's side.

" Watch it."

Ava wanted to refuse, and she bit her bottom lips, but deep in her, she also wanted to confirm if the man was really aware of her secret. So without much reluctance, she picked the tab and played the video displayed.

Her eyes widened immediately, and she subconsciously covered her mouth. It was really her true secret, and the scene was still so clear.

"How did he get it?!"

Her fears increased more, and her breath hitched.

She didn't even know when tears started brimming at the corner of her eyes. Immediately, she dropped the tab and shook her head.

" I didn't do it on purpose, it was all an act of defense!"

" But that didn't change the fact that you murdered him."

He stared lazily at her and twisted his lips.

" I didn't mean to! I only wanted to defend myself!" Ava stood up and tried to explain. Her emotions were complicated at this moment, but she refused to admit she was guilty.

" If I released this to the media, do you think they will conclude it to be an act of defense?"

This seemed to knock something into Ava, and she gritted her teeth. It was true. The media wouldn't take it as an act of defense. Every angle of the video only pointed to her, and there was no evidence to back her explanation.

But she knew this mustn't get to the media, or she was doomed.

The man laughed slightly, " So, you don't want me to release it to the media? Smart girl!" He shook his head amusingly again.

Ava rolled her eyes and sneered,

" Just tell me what you want in exchange for that video?!"

" Of course!" The man took a sip from his wine. " But let me tell you a story first."

Ava scowled, as she was getting impatient.

" There was a young man, who everyone confirmed to possess incredible skills and abilities. He was wealthy and healthy, but one can't be a youth forever. He was aging, but he only had two grandsons, who were step Brothers. This was when he decided to give a large part of his wealth to one of his grandsons, but that would only happen through a test.

The end!"

The man clapped his hands lightly and gave a toothy grin to Ava.

" So?"

Ava hissed and thought the man in front of her was so stupid.

What was her business with such a story?!

Suddenly, the man's face turned serious, and his gaze became hard. Even the air around him changed slightly.

Ava was astonished with his sudden change , and she arched her brows.

" This is where I need you to come in. You will get close to a very special person of mine and make sure to find any hidden secrets from that person." He cracked his knuckles. " But mind you, the person is a he."

His face was still serious, and he maintained a very close eye contact with Ava. He could see how annoyed she was, but this was what he wanted.

" What?!" Ava was displeased and she frowned hard. " I am not doing that!" She refused bluntly and hissed loudly.

That's too much!

" Oh really?" The man chortled and stood up gracefully. " Then, prepare to see your career and hardwork go down the drain."

His voice wasn't that loud, but it carried an air of certainty.

Hearing this, Ava instantly realised she was wrong, but she couldn't blame herself. She just couldn't do that. There has to be another way.

" Please, can't you ask for another thing? I can't possibly do that."

" I don't care!" The man strolled to the window side. His voice had turned cold. " There is no other way, you either do that, or get away! Am not actually forcing you."

This...

Ava was so furious to the extent, she dug her nails into her skin, and her body trembled. What kind of situation is this?!

Honestly, she hated this, but does she have any choice?

Her career, life, reputation, and everything was at stake here!

The man didn't hear any reply from her, and he glanced at his expensive wristwatch, while he yawned.

" I don't have much time. Choose now. Will you take it, or watch your life crumble?" He walked back to her and leaned closer, his breath fanning her smooth skin.

" Tik tok, your time is ticking."

Ava was really nervous, and her tommy twisted. Her face had fell, and wasn't in a good shape anymore.

She really didn't know what to do.

Should she pick his request and save herself.

But she knew his request wouldn't be simple. Who knew what awaited her if she pick that.

" What's your decision?"

Ava glared at the man so hardly, and she clenched her jaws.....

Everything about her is a wager at this moment...

What is she going to do?