C13 A Twist of Fate

Just when Su Ranxi thought her life was about to end, a piercing cry of an eagle echoed from above, cutting through the sky. A strong gust of wind swept past her, and in the blink of an eye, the massive cobra that had been poised to strike her was whisked away into the air.

Ranxi looked up to see the eagle soaring high, clutching the venomous snake in its beak, silhouetted against the sky like a scene from a movie. It was a breathtaking sight, a reminder of the sheer thrill of being alive.

"Who let it out?" A man on the shore, who had been eagerly waiting for the spectacle to unfold, shouted in a voice like thunder. The sudden appearance of the eagle had spoiled his fun, and his face twisted into a terrifying scowl. With a swift motion, he slammed his hand down on the round table, sending shards flying everywhere. A maid standing nearby didn't dare to move, and a piece of glass cut her cheek. She suddenly dropped to her knees with a thud.

"I'm sorry, Master, it was my fault... I didn't secure the cage properly, and that's how 'Swift' got out. Please, have mercy..." she pleaded.

"Take her away and let her bleed a little, so she'll remember next time!" he declared mercilessly, cutting her off before she could finish. His judgment was as cold and unyielding as a demon's.

The man was strikingly handsome, but beneath that exterior lay a dark and sinister soul.

"Master, I'm sorry! Please give me another chance! I'm begging you, please let me go." The maid pleaded desperately, crawling to his feet and clutching his leg in tears.

The cold-hearted man kicked her away in disgust. "Get out!"

"Hurry up and take her away!" the butler, who had rushed in, instructed the bodyguards accompanying him.

"I don't want to go, I don't want to..." The maid struggled frantically, trying to break free from the bodyguard's iron grip. "Butler, please help me, beg the master to spare me!" She looked at the butler with fear and desperation, but he shook his head helplessly, unable to meet her eyes.

The master hated being touched. Perhaps the butler could have pleaded on her behalf, but she had crossed a line, and now, no one could save her.

The bodyguard, wearing dark sunglasses, dragged the maid away without a hint of emotion.

"Sir," the butler greeted respectfully, cautiously watching his expression. Dealing with the furious master was like walking on thin ice.

"Get all the alligators back in their cages! And bring me the chain for 'Swift'!" Muhan's face, once filled with anger, had returned to its usual icy demeanor.

"Yes, sir!" The butler quickly responded to his command, immediately instructing others to get to work. "Sir," the butler hesitated, unsure of how to continue.

"What is it now?" he asked, lounging in the chair with his long legs awkwardly bent, looking somewhat despondent. He rubbed his temples, feeling a bit of pressure. Had he been too lenient with these people lately? It seemed to have made them slack off in their duties.

"About the servant earlier," the butler began, trying to plead on behalf of the maid. After all, her mistake was minor, and once someone entered that place, coming out unscathed was unheard of. At best, they lost their ability to care for themselves; at worst, they were bedridden for life.

Moreover, training a maid wasn't cheap. Perhaps reducing the severity of the punishment would be more economically sensible.

"I won't repeat myself. Leave!" Muhan's cold words hit like a bucket of ice water, and the butler immediately fell silent, too scared to say another word.

Ranxi was hunched over the table, eating ravenously, shoveling food into her mouth without tasting it. No matter how delicious the food was, she couldn't savor it, only instinctively trying to fill her body's needs. However, she barely managed a few bites before the bodyguard dragged her away from the table. Without thinking, she quickly grabbed a pork knuckle and stuffed it into her mouth.

She knew she must look a complete mess right now, probably like she'd been through hell and back with no regard for appearances. But when it comes to life and death, appearances mean nothing.

She was thrown at the man's feet by two bodyguards. Looking up, she saw him staring down at her with a blank expression.