Captivated by the Ruler of the Underworld
Chapter 156 Humanity, the Hardest Truth to Face

Hearing this, Flora turned and fled, a sense of powerlessness overwhelming her.

She knew she was just one of Victor's many women, unable to argue or blame him. She had only one thought to run as fast and as far as possible.

But in high heels; how could she outpace these men? Especially on unfamiliar turf.

Inside Grape Casino, the sprawling establishment buzzed with both glee and indifference. Laughter echoed among the knowing, while bystanders continued their play, occasionally glancing over at the commotion, egging it on. The darker aspects of human nature-lurid fascination with turmoil and a detached amusement in others' misfortunes-were on full display.

In no time, Flora was cornered by John's henchmen.

"Get off me, get away from me!" Flora demanded, struggling fiercely.

John's guys were rough around the edges, with little concern for gentleness. They chuckled at Flora's spirited resistance. "Hey, superstar, I'd chill out if I were you," one of the goons jeered. "The more you fight, the more you're gonna get hurt. Why bother?"

"No, just get off!" Her fight was accompanied by a stream of tears.

Dragged before John, Flora, even in heels, stood taller than him by half a head. But that was inconsequential.

He had power; she had looks.

He wanted to play; she was powerless.

And that was all that mattered.

John cupped Flora's chest roughly, causing her a searing pain that nearly doubled her over. "What a feel, worthy of a star, indeed."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you enjoy this," he said with a leer.

Reveling in the feeling, John's hand lingered, his face twisting into a lecherous grin.

"Don't touch me, get away!" Flora lifted her head, glaring at John with bloodshot eyes.

John slapped her hard. "You really think being a star means something? You're just leftovers that men have had their way with. And if anyone's to blame, blame your sugar daddy-he's the one who sold you out." Though he was intrigued by her, no man tolerated outright disrespect.

Bystanders watched; some turned back to their gambling. This sort of spectacle wasn't new to them.

After all, many who arrived well-dressed ended up revealing their basest instincts. Humanity is one beast people dare not look straight at.

Finishing his point, John shooed his men aside and hoisted Flora over his shoulder, heading toward one of the back rooms of the casino. She thrashed, hit, and screamed to no avail.

Suddenly, Flora lifted her gaze straight at Victor, her eyes overflowing with immense hatred-not a trace of her usual brilliance.

Victor, catching that hateful gaze, felt a jolt within him and turned his head away, his expression darkening.

At that moment, a long-haired woman, innocent in features but dressed to seduce, seated in a man's lap, witnessed the scene. She smirked, lifting her phone to capture the moment on camera. The Gambling Championship hit its climax the next day.

Cove had even arranged for armed security guards to patrol the venue with their rifles at the ready.

Each high-profile attendee was flanked by a dozen or so bodyguards dressed in black, a necessary precaution in the chaotic environment prone to targeted assassinations.