Police in Los Angeles

Jack carefully observed Lucius's actions, sensing a touch of theatrical exaggeration in his behavior.

Sure enough, Lucius, crying and trembling, held the gun to his head under Tim's pressure. But just as he was about to pull the trigger, he suddenly turned the gun towards Tim.

Three gunshots rang out almost simultaneously. Lucius fell backward, a bullet hole in his forehead and chest, contaminating the clear pool with his blood.

A bullet hole appeared in the muddy ground near Tim's feet, wisps of smoke rising from it.

Jack emerged from the bushes, shaking his head. After working only a few days, he would need another vacation. If not for worrying that Tim might get too reckless, he wouldn't have fired that shot. It seemed he would have to move up his appointment with the psychologist, Maureen, to tonight.

After processing the scene and returning to the station to complete the report, it was already past 8 PM. Knowing Jack's situation, the considerate Hannah took over the remaining paperwork, telling him to leave early.

Jack didn't hesitate. Although today wasn't too dangerous, he had been in a heightened state of alert since the suspect's escape. After a call with Maureen, he drove to South Pasadena, following the address she sent.

Jack's second-hand Chevrolet, though only a 1.0 liter engine, was well-maintained and had no minor issues despite being a few months old. It suited his current financial situation. He reached the destination in less than 30 minutes via the 110 Harbor Freeway.

This was an old, well-established white neighborhood in northeast Los Angeles, with excellent environment and top-notch security. Jack was familiar with the area as Zoe also lived in this community.

After parking, Jack grabbed a bottle of wine he had bought for 120 bucks and walked briskly to the doorbell.

The door opened, revealing Maureen in a pink silk nightgown. Without her signature gold-rimmed glasses, her slightly nearsighted eyes seemed misty, reminiscent of a fox.

Kicking the door shut behind him, Jack adopted a dominant demeanor, wasting no time before pressing Maureen against the wall for a deep kiss. Tonight, he would reclaim his dignity.

Half an hour later, exhausted from her poor stamina despite her eagerness, Jack looked at her disdainfully and slapped her perfect rear, leaving a mark.

He practiced Krav Maga with Hannah for at least two hours a day and occasionally trained in self-defense with Zoe for an hour. How could a mere half-hour of yoga tire Maureen out so much?

"No wonder Zoe said she couldn't leave you." Maureen's voice, hoarse from her earlier vocal protests, sounded even more alluring.

"Don't trivialize our relationship. Before you came along, we were each other's only one." Jack's expression was righteous.

"Oh, poor little Hannah." Maureen laughed heartily.

Jack snorted, lifting her onto his lap. "I wanted to ask you, what advice did you give them? What are you all plotting behind my back?"

Maureen, feeling the pressure from Jack's intense stance, quickly relented.

"Let me catch my breath. It was a collective decision; they can't blame me alone."

"Explain clearly." Jack loosened his grip slightly, and Maureen's eyes were close to tears.

"You know Zoe's family background, right?"

Jack shook his head. Zoe had only briefly mentioned her parents, giving him the impression of a tight-knit, middle-class family. Seeing Maureen had calmed down, he set her aside, motioning for her to speak.

Under the pressure, Maureen confessed, her voice slightly muffled.

"The Anderson name is one of California's oldest political families, dating back to the Republic era. The family members span both parties. Zoe's grandfather, Henry Anderson, served two terms as a state senator."

"Although Zoe's father has always been a lawyer, her grandfather had planned her political career once she came of age."

"This was Zoe's promise to her family. Next year, she will run for LA City Council, marking the start of her political career."

Jack's mind was boggled. He had no concept of political dynasties. In his past life, he was only a keyboard warrior with limited understanding of American politics, knowing merely about the bicameral Congress.

"So, what does Zoe's political career have to do with us?"

He was confused. As a poor boy, he was indeed mismatched with a political family's heiress. But Zoe had never hinted at marriage plans with him. It was unlikely she discussed him with her family. Could he be facing a different version of "Don't underestimate the poor youth"?

Maureen, exasperated, coughed. "In short, Zoe turned down a family-arranged marriage because of you, and came out as bisexual with me to gain a politically correct label."

"This way, if your relationship with her draws attention, she can easily explain it away, saying I'm bisexual and having an affair with you."

Jack's eyes widened. Such a scheme? It meant frequent threesomes. Though it sounded appealing, he maintained a facade of concern.

"Isn't that too much of a sacrifice for you?" While secretly pleased, he feigned concern.

"Yes, I not only have to be Zoe's campaign manager but also endure your bullying. It's too much." Maureen covered her mouth, rushing to the bathroom.

Jack scratched his head. If Maureen was part of their circle, he owed her some benefits. He stood, entered the bathroom, and carried her out, grabbing the bottle of wine.

"You love ancient Chinese culture. Have you heard the story of the Yellow Emperor and his three thousand concubines? My great-grandfather was a doctor for a Chinese emperor."

An hour later, Maureen sat up, lightly caressing her skin with an incredulous expression.

"My God, I've never felt this good. It's amazing."

"You should be a cosmetic doctor. Those old women in Beverly Hills would go crazy for you."

Jack raised a finger to his lips. "Shh, it's an ancient Chinese secret. Only true union between a man and woman can activate the magic."

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