chapter 15 Kill the donkey

Violet's heart tightened, noticing Baldwin's expression. However, Baldwin looked grim and continued, "What are you cooking tonight? I'm starving to death since I did not have lunch."
She breathed a sigh of relief as guilt overwhelmed her. She only thought about work today and forgot that Baldwin and Hayden hadn't had lunch yet.
"I'm sorry. I'll cook now." Violet hurriedly ran into the kitchen, and soon, the sound of chopping vegetables came from it.
Just then, Alyssa approached Baldwin suddenly. At such a young age, she could clearly feel how kind he was to her and how powerful he was.
So, with admiration in her eyes, the little girl said, "Uncle, are you still sleeping on the couch today?"
Baldwin stubbed the cigarette he had merely taken two puffs of when he noticed Alyssa walking toward him. He pretended to smile bitterly. "It depends on whether your mother is kind enough to let me sleep on the bed."
Alyssa bit her lower lip lightly and said obediently, "I can talk to her for you, but don't get your hopes up."
A warmth enveloped Baldwin when he heard Alyssa's words. He pecked her cheek and was about to pick her up and put her on his lap when she ran away, laughing.
"You stink, Uncle. I'm going to do my homework now."
With that, Alyssa ran into her room.
Baldwin raised his arm and sniffed himself. He frowned and sighed. He would have asked Leif to prepare a few more camouflage uniforms if he had known, as he had not showered or changed his clothes for two days.
…
Meanwhile, at the hall of the Qin Family villa, George sat on the couch, drinking tea leisurely.
Max suddenly ran in and stated incredulously, "Dad, Violet Qin succeeded in negotiating a contract with the Fenghao Project."
George was stunned. He frowned. "Are you sure?"
Based on his understanding of Fenghao Real Estate Group, those involved in the underground organizations were not easy to deal with. Fenghao Real Estate Group wouldn't think highly of the Qin Family even if the latter held a certain status in Haihua City.
Max snorted coldly. "Violet had most probably closed the deal by using her body as an exchange. After all, Chris would never say no to a beauty like her."
George nodded. "Hmph, I never thought Violet's impure body could be proven useful. Since we've got the deal, you shall take over all projects from Violet starting tomorrow."
Max laughed wickedly. "Dad, are you saying that we should fire her directly? If so, Violet will beg you to get her married to Horace Zhang when she has no other way to survive."
"However, she closed the deal with the Fenghao Project. What reason should we give to fire her?"
George spoke. "The Qin Family will not allow a rapist to become Violet's husband. She has two choices. It's either she gets engaged to Horace Zhang, or she marries the rapist."
Hearing this, Max gave George a thumbs-up with a sinister look on his face.
…
Early the following day, Baldwin, who still slept on the narrow couch through the night, was awakened by the sound of light footsteps.
He opened his eyes and saw Violet standing in front of him, wearing white pajamas.
She apologized, "I'm sorry that I woke you up," when she noticed Baldwin was awake.
Violet had always stayed wary and distant from Baldwin, and it made him uncomfortable because she always treated him like an enemy.
But still, he smiled. "It's okay. I don't like lazing around in bed either."
While saying this, Baldwin turned to look at the narrow couch. It was impossible for him to feel like lazing around in the morning on this crappy, shabby piece of furniture.
Violet suddenly reached out, handing Baldwin some banknotes, and said with mixed emotions, "You can use the 500 yuan to buy clothes. I will... will give you more money after I get my commission."
Even though she knew Baldwin had friends like Hayden, but he had just been released from prison and must be penniless. After all, he had been wearing the same camouflage outfit for two days in a row now.
Baldwin nearly blurted out that he had money. But then, he reached out and took the money, grinning. "Thank you, Honey."
He mused, "This is the first time Honey gave me money. I must save it!"
After the family had breakfast together, Violet told her parents to take good care of Alyssa before she got ready to head out. Today would be a busy day for her as she had many things to plan and work on.
"Honey, please come home early. You promised me to register our marriage today," Baldwin shouted from behind.
Violet, who had just walked to the entrance, stumbled upon hearing Baldwin's words and almost tripped over the threshold.
She had put extra effort into dressing up today. Not only did she draw her eyebrows, but she also put on lipstick, which further accentuated her stunning looks.
Violet thought, "Grandpa and Uncle Max have always sidelined me. But yesterday, Baldwin helped me close the deal with the Fenghao Project. I'm sure they will treat me better."
Half an hour later, Violet arrived at the Qin Group's office building. As soon as she reached the reception desk, Max blocked her way.
Seeing this, Violet handed the signed contract to Max and voiced, "Uncle Max, this is the signed contract between the Qin Group and the Fenghao Project. I need to organize a meeting, and it's best if I can bring a few executives over to the project department of the Fenghao Project to set up today."
Max took the contract from Violet. He spoke. "Since the contract has been signed, I will give you two choices. One, kick out the rapist staying with you now and get engaged to Mr. Zhang. Second, pack your things and return home to marry that rapist."
Bang!
Just then, a security guard threw a box of items onto the ground.
Realization immediately dawned on Violet. Max had discarded her after exploiting her. She had risked her life to get this contract signed, and now, Max wanted to kick her out of the company.
"Uncle Max... How could you..." The normally good-tempered Violet was furious at how the Qin Family treated her.
Max said coldly, "Violet Qin, the Qin Family will become more prosperous if we form an alliance with the Zhang Group through marriage. Moreover, you will live as a rich man's wife. I advise you not to give up on your great future."
Violet sneered, thinking, "Even though I brought such great profit to the company, they still wouldn't let me live my life in peace."
All this while, the Qin Family only treated Violet as a tool that could bring them profits and benefits.
Although Baldwin was a rapist and a part of the underground organization that Violet hated, he at least cared for Alyssa. On the contrary, if Violet were to marry Horace, she would have to abandon Alyssa.
Therefore, Violet was left without a choice.
Max continued, "Violet, your grandpa did this for your food. Giving up on Alyssa is better than marrying a rapist."
Violet gave a self-deprecating laugh, picked up the box on the ground, turned around and left the office building of the Qin Group.
Violet was smart. She knew the outcome would not change even if she continued making a scene, and she might even get escorted out by the security. So, the best thing to do now was to leave the place.
Max frowned at Violet's decisiveness. He said viciously, "You people crippled my son's legs. How do I live in peace if I don't take you guys down?"