Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 451: A Cornered Animal (1)

Lewis didn’t know what he should feel when he stepped out of the detention cell. He was unsure of whether he should feel relieved or anxious about what was waiting for him outside. As expected, no one was waiting for her when he returned home. With his mother dead and Elise moving out, Lewis didn’t have anyone to turn to for support.

The house was empty and filled with a somber silence. There was a click as he closed the door behind him, echoing through the deserted hallways. He knew he was truly alone now. Lewis was careful not to make his presence known to others. He would prefer that no one bother him, especially those to whom he owes money and favors.

The consequences of crossing them were too severe, and Lewis knew he couldn’t afford to take any risks. He had learned that keeping a low profile and avoiding unnecessary attention was best.

Lewis sat on the floor and dropped his bag unceremoniously, not wanting to draw any attention to himself. He wondered if Adrienne knew something like this would happen once he exited prison. He might have gained his freedom, but the Zhao family insisted on letting him off the hook and pressed another charge against him that he needed to deal with later.

He picked up the phone to call Elise. He wondered if Adrienne was telling the truth or if she was lying to him to spite him. Although he knew he had failed Elise, Lewis believed his daughter couldn’t possibly hate him or turn her back on him when he needed her the most.

Lewis waited for his daughter to pick up his call, but it was unanswered. He tried several more times, hoping Elise would eventually answer, but each attempt was in vain. Finally, Lewis realized Elise had decided to completely cut off ties with him.

He felt a deep sense of sadness and regret. Lewis was saddened because his relationship with his daughter had meant the world to him, and he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. He had already lost his wife, and with his son being sentenced to life imprisonment, Elise was the only person he had left to hold onto.

He was determined to do whatever it took to protect her after Camilla’s passing, but it hadn’t been long since her remains were laid to rest; Elise had already moved out and refused to speak to him.

’No... this can’t be...’ Lewis thought, feeling a sense of overwhelming loss and loneliness settle over him.

Lewis held his head and laughed at himself as he dropped the phone to the floor, realizing that he was the one who pushed her away. As he looked at his dark, empty home, he realized that it was no different from the detention cell he had been confined to for the past month.

At least there, he didn’t need to worry about his meals or safety. Being at home should have given him a sense of comfort and security, but it only intensified his loneliness and fear. He rose from the floor, feeling the weight of his choices pressing down on him. Lewis knew he couldn’t stay stagnant in this desolate house any longer. He needed to find a way to bridge the gap between himself and his daughter and mend their relationship.

He knew where she worked and lived. It was impossible for him not to see Elise. Lewis grabbed his coat and made his way towards the door. The bitter winter wind greeted him as he stepped outside, swirling around him like a taunting reminder of the harsh reality he faced.

He looked around, ensuring no one was after him. At that moment, Lewis cannot afford to face anyone. With every step he took through the empty streets, his mind raced with thoughts of how he could approach Elise. He rehearsed apologies in his head and contemplated the best way to apologize to her. It wouldn’t be easy, but he was determined to make amends.

According to one of the tenants living there, he went to Elise’s apartment complex but found out that she had already moved out. Lewis was stunned. He had no idea where Elise lived now and wasn’t even sure if she was still working at Elysian. His heart sank as he stood outside the now unfamiliar apartment complex. He had hoped to find some clue about Elise’s whereabouts, but it seemed like she had disappeared from his life completely. His mind raced with worry and regret as he tried to devise a plan.

He decided to head to Elysian, hoping someone there might have information on her. The wind bit at his skin, making him shiver as he walked through the empty streets, each step feeling heavier than the last. But before he could reach the club, Lewis stopped midway, remembering that it would be dangerous for him to be seen in such a place. With no other source of income to pay his debts, Lewis was certain he was running out of time. He needed to find a solution quickly.

As he stood there, contemplating his next move, a glimmer of hope flickered in Lewis’ mind. He remembered that Elise was quite close with his niece, Sierra. Sierra might have an idea where Elise was. He decided to give her a call the following day and return home for now.

As he made his way home, Lewis remembered an overheard conversation while in prison. Two inmates were discussing a man named Marco, known as "The Fixer." Rumor had it that Marco had connections and unique skills for solving people’s problems. Desperate, Lewis decided to take a leap of faith and seek Marco’s assistance.

Lewis made his way through the city’s dark side, navigating the dimly lit alleys and hidden passages. If it were in the past, Lewis would never allow himself to walk in such a dirty and dangerous part of the city. But desperation led him to places he never thought he would venture.

Finally, after hours of walking, Lewis arrived at an inconspicuous door between two dilapidated buildings. He hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding with uncertainty. This was his only chance to fix his life.

The air inside was heavy with the scent of smoke and the murmur of hushed conversations. The room was filled with an assortment of people, some nursing drinks at the bar while others were engaged in secretive discussions at dimly lit tables. At the far end of the room, Lewis spotted a figure sitting alone, shrouded in darkness.

As he approached, Lewis could feel the weight of Marco’s gaze on him. Marco was a towering man with a weathered face that carried the scars of a thousand battles. His eyes gleamed with curiosity and cautiousness as he sized up Lewis. Marco gestured for him to sit across from him without saying a word.

"I’ve heard you can help me," Lewis said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the nervousness that threatened to consume him.

Marco leaned back in his chair, observing Lewis intently. "And what makes you think I’m interested in helping you?"

Lewis swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his desperation pressing against his chest. He knew he had to convince Marco that he was worth helping. "I have debts, Marco. Debts that I can’t repay on my own. And I’ve lost everything. My wife, my son, and now my daughter have cut me off completely. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to fix it and make things right again."

Marco’s gaze softened slightly, as if he could sense Lewis’s desperation. He leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper. "You understand that my help comes at a price, right? I don’t do charity."

Lewis nodded fervently.

"I understand. I’ll do whatever you ask of me."

A flicker of a smile crossed Marco’s face. "Good. Because this won’t be easy, some of the people you owe also sought my help, wanting to make you settle your debts with them. However, someone stepped forward and made a generous offer. You would compete in an underground fight against the people you owed. The amount you owed to each of them would be doubled as a prize for whoever wins."

Lewis felt a mixture of anxiety and relief flood through him. It was a dangerous proposition. He also wasn’t young anymore and would be at a disadvantage. The thought of participating in an underground fight was terrifying but also a glimmer of hope. If he won, he would have the chance to repay his debts and prove to Elise that he was willing to do whatever it took to make things right.

"Underground fight?" Lewis questioned, his voice wavering slightly. "I’ve never fought before. What if I can’t win?"

Marco leaned back in his chair and fixed Lewis with a stern gaze. "You don’t have much choice now, do you?"

Lewis clenched his fists on his side. Marco was right. He already lost everything, and he had no choice but to agree.

"Fine, I’ll do it," Lewis said, determination lacing his words. "I’ll fight."