Urban Plundering: I Corrupted The System!-Chapter 170: Would Kill For

Tessa sat there, hesitating for a second as her eyes shifted between Ava and Cassidy, who were mid-conversation with Parker. Her lips parted like she was trying to figure out the right thing to say, but Ava was already turning toward her, grinning like she’d found her new favorite person.

"Well, well, the famous Tessa." Ava’s tone was playful, her green eyes sparkling with mischief as she took Tessa in. "I gotta say, with a face like that, it totally makes sense why our cold, untouchable billionaire went nuclear tonight. Honestly, you might be the only one on this planet who could pull that off."

"B-Billionaire?" Naomi’s fork clattered onto her plate as both she and Elena snapped their heads toward Parker like he’d been hiding some secret fortune from them. Even the lawyer, who had been quietly sipping coffee, paused mid-sip, raising an eyebrow in silent shock.

Tessa blinked, then let out a soft laugh before stepping forward and slipping her arm through Parker’s. She leaned her head against his shoulder, her smile small but sweet. "Well, of course. I mean, I am his most treasured thing in the world, right, honey?"

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

Parker glanced down at her, his expression unreadable for a second before he lifted a hand to gently pat her head like she was his spoiled little queen. He gave a curt nod, his voice low. "You’re not wrong."

A faint growl came from the corner where Ere was curled up, clearly unimpressed with the scene. But tonight, she wasn’t the main character in this little drama, and even she knew it. She continued on her meat.

"Wow, big talk!" Ava crossed her arms, clearly amused but not backing down. "So, Parker, what’s it like having someone so bold in your life?"

Tessa tilted her head, her smirk turning sharp. "Oh, Ava, considering how hard you’re trying to dig in it, I’m guessing you’re the one who’s been eyeing my position."

That earned a loud laugh from both Ava and Cassidy. Ava waved her off like she was brushing away the accusation but didn’t bother hiding her grin. "Okay, fine, you caught me. But you know what? I’m happy being the shadow concubine. You can keep the empress throne."

Tessa placed her hands on her hips, nodding sagely like she was some wise queen. "Wise choice. This empress will remember your generous selflessness. Name your wish, and I’ll see to it that you get it."

"Oh, how noble of you, my empress." Ava clutched her chest dramatically. "All I ask is that you keep our emperor happy!"

"And out of trouble," Cassidy added, her tone more serious but still light enough to keep the mood from dipping. She shot Tessa a pointed look. "Seriously, though, Tessa, keep him out of trouble. We don’t need a repeat of tonight."

Parker’s jaw tightened, and he cut in before Tessa could respond. "That’s enough. It’s not her job to keep me out of trouble—it’s mine to protect her, to make sure she’s safe. Not the other way around."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, all women exchanged a look like they were collectively deciding whether or not to roast him. Of course, they did.

"Boss, Parker," Naomi started, her tone flat, "that’s, like, the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Relationships aren’t a one-man job, you know."

"And what do you know about relationships, Naomi, huh?" Parker asked.

The girls weren’t letting Parker off the hook so easily.

"Okay, no offense, boss Parker," Naomi said again, setting down her fork and leveling him with a pointed look, "but that whole ’it’s my job to protect her’ thing? That’s some old-school, macho bullshit. Like, what century are you living in, man?"

"Seriously," Elena chimed in, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her chair. "We get it, you’re the big bad protector type, but this isn’t a solo act. Relationships are supposed to be about both people looking out for each other."

"Are you guys not overstepping your roles now?" Parker asked narrowing his eyes at them. They gulped.

Cassidy nodded, her gaze softer but no less firm. "They’re right, Parker. It’s not just your job. You and Tessa are in this together. Let her be your equal. Let her protect you, too."

Even Ava threw in her two cents, smirking as she leaned her chin on her hand. "Yeah, Mr. I-Can-Do-It-All-By-Myself, don’t hog all the responsibility. Let us save your ass for once."

Parker sighed, his eyes narrowing slightly, but there wasn’t any real anger there—just exhaustion. "It’s not about that," he muttered, his tone low but steady. "I know she’s strong. Stronger than most people think. But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna let her carry the weight of something she shouldn’t have to."

Before anyone could argue further, Parker turned to Ava, cutting through the tension like a blade. "I want this finalized before tomorrow afternoon. Make sure there’s no part of this case where that man is needed. I don’t care what you have to do—just make sure he’s out of it."

The sudden shift in tone caught everyone off guard. Naomi and Elena exchanged confused glances, unsure why Parker seemed so fixated on that particular point. Even Ava hesitated, her usual sharp wit dulled for a moment by his intensity.

"Uh… okay," Ava said finally, nodding. "Consider it done." Discover exclusive tales on novelbuddy

Cassidy, however, wasn’t as quick to drop it. Her brows furrowed as a faint suspicion flickered in her eyes. She had a rough idea of what he might be planning, and it didn’t sit right with her.

"Parker," Cassidy started, her voice low but insistent, "you’re not—"

He didn’t let her finish. "How long will the paperwork take?" he asked abruptly, his voice calm but firm, like a door slamming shut on the conversation.

Cassidy froze mid-sentence, catching the signal immediately. His tone wasn’t just firm—it was final. There was no room for debate, no cracks in the wall he’d just thrown up between them.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and after a moment, she nodded, sitting back in her chair. "Not long," she murmured.

In the corner, Ere watched the exchange with a knowing look, her tail flicking lazily against the floor. She didn’t need words to communicate what she was thinking: ’Oh, he’s definitely up to something—and it’s gonna be messy.’

But for now, no one said anything more. Parker had made his decision, and everyone at the table, even Cassidy, knew there was no changing his mind.