The Manipulated Villainess

Aston never thought that his complicated past could put Nicole in danger. But it could and the realization hit him hard! Did he created more problems for her when her life was already messy enough?

What's more? The one on the opposing side was Lester Yun. A true psychopath. Even when he was the second-in-command of the Red Tiger Gang, they often had conflicts due to different beliefs. Aston suffered a lot because of this.

He used to thought that he would be able to abandon his past but at the moment, it was proved that he was wrong. So, he had no choice but to face it.

"I want to meet this informant first," Aston demanded after almost a minute of silence.

Judging from the look on Leon's face, it was evident that he wasn't expecting such a demand. However, he was the one in need. His mission came first than anything else.

"Follow me," Leon said and the two men went upstairs with Ryan following them behind.

"We sheltered him here in this villa. It's a safe place where no one would be able to guess." Leon explained as they walked the corridors.

"The mission of your organization is to oppose and stop the crimes of gangs. Why are you shielding a gangster?" Aston asked. In his opinion, this made no sense.

"If a gangster regrets his actions and wishes to start a new, didn't they deserve the chance? That's why we are helping him. We call it a second chance in life. You are also one example." Leon explained.

"Because it's our task to deal with them, we understand the standing of gangsters more than you thought, Mr. Kang. We also know that some joined against their wishes while some stuck there, wishing for a way out." He added.

Leon halted when they reached one door. "The informant is here." He said to Aston and knocked on the door. When they heard a response, Leon opened the door.

A vast room was revealed with one man who was standing near the window. The man promptly turned around to see his visitor but when his eyes landed on Aston, his face turned pale.

"Boss." The word unconsciously escaped the man's lips. It might be out of habit or out of guilt.

Until now, many members of the Red Tiger Gang still looked up at Aston but Lester Yun was adamant to make him suffer and they cannot disobey him. But still, his influence was there. Lester Yun never tolerates if any members side with him. He ordered them to regard Aston as a traitor and the members could only obey him.

Aston made his way to the room and so did Leon and Ryan. But the latter two stood near the door.

"So, you're the informant who told these men about me, Edwin Zo," Aston muttered, standing a few steps away from the man.

He knew this man well. They were the same age and Edwin joined the Red Tiger Gang a year after Aston joined.

Edwin Zo immediately lowered his head. "Please forgive me. I'm desperate to quit but the Big Boss won't - "

"You might forget this but even after you quit, there is still a rule that binds you. The non-disclosure rule. It's been years but I still followed that lousy rule... while you instantly break it by exposing me." Aston's sharp gaze never left his former subordinate.

His low yet eerie voice and his sharp gaze intimidated Edwin Zo much more than one could imagine! Edwin spent years under Aston's command in a place none other than the gang where a superior's wish was a subordinate command.

Maybe a part of Edwin Zo was still influenced by those years. Besides, he knew Aston too well. The latter was always calm but once you crossed him, you will regret it forever! He was not nicknamed 'The Pacesetter' for nothing.

"Do you have anything to say?" Aston asked. His sharp gaze was gone and was replaced by an impassive one.

Leon was amazed by the scene he currently witnessed. He knew how stubborn and unyielding Edwin Zo was! Even after they offered him a helping hand and shield him, he still refused to speak or give in for almost a month! But right now, he didn't saw that unyielding or stubborn nature at all!

However, Aston surprised him more. His instincts told him that the actor already accepted his offer but why did he care about the disclosure and the rule? What was on his mind? Above all this, Edwin Zo's next movement made Leon felt his jaw dropped to the floor!

Edwin's brain couldn't function properly anymore! When he ran out of explanation, he dropped to his knees. "I admit my fault. I will accept whatever punishment you decide." He lowered his head and his eyes were still glued to the floor.

"Tell me what Lester is planning to do." Aston promptly asked which made Edwin raised a brow. Nevertheless, he still answered.

"He is trying to form an alliance with the Moyan Gang."

"He wants to turn his back on the Reyons?" Aston mused. The Reyons were the long term ally of the Red Tigers while the Moyans were an arch-enemy of the Reyons. So, to befriend Moyans was the same as breaking their alliance with the Reyons.

"Yes. He is tired of being restricted by the Leader of the Reyon Gang. You might not know but ever since you left, the Red Tiger Gang lost its influence and power. That's why Lester is obsessed with bringing you back." Edwin replied.

Aston stood still, figuring out what to do. He tried to turn around and left the room but one question crossed his mind. "Why? You always love to be a part of that gang. Why do you change your heart?" He asked.

Edwin's hands that were placed on his thighs, curled into a fist but he still kept his head down. "Merin died and though Lester denied it, I know he is the one who killed him. Merin defied Lester when his actions became too much. Maybe that's why he killed him. I cannot stay there anymore knowing that he killed my friend."

Edwin gradually lifted his head, looking at Aston. "Is this how it feels to lose a best friend, Boss? The pain is so excruciating that I feel like something is devouring me from the interior of my bones! Every night, I dreamed of myself killing that psychopath! I cannot even avenge my friend and that put me in hell."

Aston didn't utter a single word yet his mind was totally occupied by his late best friend. The pain resurfaced, igniting his anger again. A few seconds passed and he turned around to leave the room but halted after he took just three steps.

"Don't worry. You will have a chance to avenge him soon." He simply said without even turning around. Then he walked out of the room right away.

Leon followed Aston downstairs and the two men took a seat on the couch to continue their conversation.

"Just now, you prove that the last six months we spend searching for you is not in vain. I just witness why they called you The Pacesetter." Leon said but Aston didn't react or respond.

"We take in Edwin almost a month ago but he only speak up a day ago. However, he only told us about you. He still refused to speak anything about the gang no matter how much we ask him." Leon recalled the things that happened just now. "But you do it in less than five minutes. I wonder what your power might be." He mused.

"Continue keeping him safe here. He will be of help if we are to take down the Red Tiger Gang." Aston deadpanned.

Leon wondered if Edwin would want to help the Blackhood but when Aston's influence crossed his mind, he was convinced that there was nothing to worried about. "I'll do that." He said, nodding his head.

"One more thing. As you said, I have the best knowledge of the gangs. So, if we were to do things, I want it my way. I'm not familiar with your Blackhood anyway."

Leon gave a quick thought and see no harm in it. "Fine. As long as your way didn't go against the principles of our organization, we will give you full support."

"I have a plan in mind but I need to pave a way first. I will explain to you as soon as I clear a way." Aston said as he rose from his seat. "I'll get going now."

Leon stood up and reached out his hand to Aston. "For our teamwork, Mr. Kang." He slightly smiled.

For a split second, Aston was surprised by how great Leon was in handling things professionally. With Nicole between them, he knew it won't be easy to put aside personal matters for the potter. He respected him for that so he holds his hand for a handshake. "I look forward to it, Mr. Jung."

Aston left the villa and staring at his disappearing form, Leon slightly smiled. "Seems like Nicole is in the hands of a reliable man who is not a coward like me." He muttered to himself.

He glanced at his wristwatch and his eyes grew wide. It's too late now and Shara will be alone in her hospital room! When the latter told him that he owed her an explanation, he got a call from Ryan and immediately left for the villa when he heard that Aston Kang agreed to meet.

Damn! She will surely make a fuss again! Feeling the rush, he took his car keys and left for the hospital right away.....