I Fooled The Goddess Into Pitying Me-Chapter 46: A Scumbag’s Loyalty

Jack woke up feeling refreshed. Last night was weird, to say the least. Anna kissed him and then ran away like a rabbit from a wolf. Perhaps she sensed Jack’s raging mini-me and escaped while she had the chance.

At least she agreed to look thoroughly into Cindy’s background. Though I think she would have done that, regardless.

Anna didn’t explicitly say it, but she viewed Cindy as her rival. It was good. The two could keep each other busy, watching and competing over him. That gave him more time and space to focus on seducing others.

After all, Jack meant it when he said he was a scumbag through and through.

Someone like him could never have enough women. Some women had curves, some were smooth talkers, and Jack wanted to taste them all, like a collector of sorts.

Enough wasting time. I should go check on Granny.

With that, Jack got up, looking for something modest to wear. Unfortunately, every single piece of clothing in his closet was overpriced, luxury brands from designers who probably sold belts worth more than most people’s rent.

If the neighbors saw him decked out in luxury brands, they might start pestering Granny to introduce them, though most of them already knew him. Jack had no desire to test their hearts. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a way to look poor.

"The old me had a thing for expensive stuff," Jack said, smiling. "I can’t say I’m any different. Since I’m rich, might as well show it off."

Within minutes, he was ready. As he stepped outside the room, Barco and Takeshi were already there, waiting for him. Then Takeshi handed a crisp hundred-dollar note to Barco.

The two had made a bet to see if Jack could get out of the Cindy-Anna situation unscathed, and it looked like he did. Jack ignored it and turned to Takeshi.

"You know the place you picked me from, right?" Jack asked Takeshi, who nodded. "Good, take me there. I left a few things there that I need to collect."

As Takeshi left, Jack turned towards Barco.

"Where’s Anna?"

Barco nodded and handed Jack a note. He opened it and assumed it was Anna’s handwriting, since she had left a kiss mark as her signature.

Good morning, sorry I couldn’t wake you up with a kiss. There was an emergency, so I had to leave early. I’ll be back by the evening. Till then, you’ll have to make do with this kiss.

Jack scratched his head before pocketing the note. He assumed she would slow down, considering how she fled the last night. Instead, it felt like Anna was already marking her territory.

[I warned the host. Target might turn unhinged if the host kept manipulating her, but no one listens to me!] 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

And? Do you see me complaining about it?

[...]

—x—

Jack felt nostalgic as he stepped out of the car. He had only been away for a little over two days, yet it felt like it had been ages because too much had happened in his life.

Barco and Takeshi followed him, carrying gifts for Granny, Juan, and of course, Angela.

"Uncle’s here!"

Juan’s voice reached outside as he opened the door and rushed out, but froze when he saw Takeshi. He was the one who had taped the little boy’s mouth, so it was natural he was scared of him.

Jack noticed his gaze and sighed. He should have known better.

"Leave the gifts and stay in the car," Jack ordered.

Takeshi rolled his eyes but did as was told. Meanwhile, Barco took both piles of gifts and carried them inside before joining Takeshi. All the while, Juan’s eyes didn’t leave them.

The little guy was scared, but he didn’t care about it when it came to his family. He would have fought them if they dared to touch Granny.

"Easy there," Jack chuckled, ruffling Juan’s hair. "What will I do if you scare away my bodyguards?"

"Hmph, I can protect you myself. You don’t need these bad uncles!"

"Of course you will," Jack laughed, pulling his cheek. "Oi brat, wait a minute. Why aren’t you in school?"

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Granny told me to take a leave!"

"Like heck she’d do that—"

"You’re back..."

Jack turned and saw Granny standing in the doorway. Her hands trembled slightly at her sides, and her eyes were already misty. She knew he was coming, but seeing him there hit different.

"Why? you want me to leave—whoa! Granny, what’s wrong?"

Before Jack could say anything, Granny rushed into his arms. He was surprised for a moment before hugging her back. Not one to be left behind, Juan jumped in as well, hugging Jack’s waist.

"I... thought you’d never want to see us again after what happened," Granny said in her muffled voice as her face was pressed against Jack’s chest.

"Nonsense! There’s nothing you can do to drive me away."

He already knew what happened that evening and didn’t blame Granny for choosing Juan over him. Heck, he would have abandoned Granny if she decided to protect him over Juan.

But that was all in the past.

It went without saying, but forgiveness was a gift reserved for Granny, no one else. He would have thrown away anyone else who had been in the position.

Some might call it double standards, but that’s the way Jack was.

"Come inside," Granny said, after finally breaking off the hug. "You two as well. Granny doesn’t differentiate between guests."

Takeshi and Barco looked at each other before turning to Jack.

"You better listen before she whacks you," Jack said, and his brutes stepped inside.

Even Juan buried his fear deep underneath after hearing Granny’s words. If Granny said they were allowed, then they were allowed. That was the respect she held from everyone who knew her.

As they went inside, Jack sent Angela a message that he was there. But then thought she might be busy and was about to step away when he received a photo from her.

...this better not be a thirst trap.

Jack clicked the notification, and his eyes widened. It wasn’t a thirst trap, but she was bound to a chair. Although the image was blurry, he could see her bruised face. While he was staring at the image in disbelief when a message popped up.

>> If you want her back safe, come alone to the old warehouse near North Oaks. Bring one million dollars in cash. You have four hours. No police. No tricks. Or you know what will happen.

Jack didn’t blink. He stared at the message, then slowly turned off the screen and smiled.

Those fools had presented him with the greatest opportunity to win Angela over in one swift move.

"I wonder what skills she has to offer me."