Captivated by the Ruler of the Underworld
Chapter121 From Now On, Never Push Me Away No Matter What Happens

Master Sylvester Gomez had no interest in the ongoing contest. As soon as Josh Fudge finished speaking, he whisked Lela away.

Before leaving, Lela gave Big White a nod. The lion's deep blue eyes locked onto her, filled with affection and longing...

Trembling with resignation, Mildred Gomez led the lion to the animal trainer to have its wound treated. A desolate feeling washed over her. Why was it always her job...

Vincent and Burl Cain stepped out from the tour car, witnessing the unsettling scene and exchanged glances.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Burl asked Goy Gomez, "Goy, what in the world is going on here?"

Goy offered a wry smile at the sight of a pale-faced Mildred, "Sorry, I'm as clueless about the specifics as you are, but..."

Burl, with a gossip-hungry grin, urged, "But what? Spit it out, man."

He was intrigued to find that Master Sylvester was skilled in animal handling, and even managed to subdue a ferocious lion. Goy recollected the recent events thoughtfully, "That lion seems to recognize Miss Lela; it's... rather obedient towards her."

Standing by, the ever-skeptical Vincent's mouth twitched in disbelief, "What, now even wild beasts fall for beauty?"

Burl chuckled, "Ah! Look who's catching on."

A swift kick came from Vincent's direction.

As soon as Master Sylvester Gomez left, the local magnates began tallying the number of fierce beasts they had brought down. Josh Fudge, on the other hand, was more interested in tracking the elusive white lion, his hunting trophies fairly modest. Vincent and Burl Cain hadn't hunted at all; driven purely by curiosity, they simply took to the woods for the experience.

It was Victor who slaughtered his way to the top, amassing the highest number of beastly trophies.

Victor, with Flora Harrison wrapped in his arms, was the picture of contentment.

The other tycoons crowded around him with lavish praise.

Josh Fudge, looking ever the genteel rascal, glanced over Victor's trophies and quipped with a smirk, "Well, if it isn't the great Mr. Victor. Looks like the Zephyr Gold Mines are yours now." Victor chuckled. "Then I must thank you for your generous offer, Mr. Fudge."

Josh, with a wave of indifference, instructed his men to draft the agreement. After all, it was just a mine, and he had plenty to spare.

"Folks, there are several natural hot springs around the wildlife park. If you're not too busy, go enjoy yourselves. And tonight, we've got a banquet to celebrate," he announced.

At that, everyone was delighted. An invitation to a gathering personally hosted by Josh was not something to take lightly; it was a perfect opportunity to curry favor.

The gatherings of the wealthy were nothing short of resource-exchange hubs. Grasping even a single opportunity could mean climbing another rung on the ladder of success.

...

Watching Master Sylvester Gomez's retreating figure, Josh Fudge turned to his aide, "Is everything ready?"

He had set things in motion as soon as Master Gomez had arrived.

His aide nodded, responding, "Everything is prepared, sir. The shipment is on its way, all in the same style as that young lady's."

"Good. Have them trained and sent over once they arrive."

"Yes, Mr. Fudge."

...

The wildlife park was vast, with the beast zone on one side and the exhibition area on the other, filled with flora and fauna valued at a fortune. The Thousand-Hue Rose alone, a result of a year's worth of breeding by a top international science team, was worth over a million.

Josh had arranged the lodgings within the exhibition zone.

A lavish European-style hotel stood there, its grand Roman columns impressive and the dreamlike wishing fountain adding to the charm.

Master Sylvester Gomez, holding Lela's hand, followed Josh Fudge's assistant upstairs.

Returning to the room, Sylvester Gomez scooped Lela into his arms and sat her down, her head resting on his shoulder. "Little one, you pushed me earlier."

Lela looked puzzled, straddling Sylvester's lap, arms encircling his neck. "When did I push you?"

Sylvester licked his lips near her delicate neck, his tone gruff. "When that beast lunged at Goy, you pushed me away."

Lela sighed softly. "Big White isn't a beast, and that was just a reflex. I was afraid it would hurt someone innocent."

"I don't care," Sylvester lifted his head, his gaze intense and determined as he looked at Lela. "I don't like being pushed away. No matter what happens, you're not allowed to do that again. Understood?"