Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 787: Wang Jian Is Entrapped

A couple of months into Wang Jian's subtle conquest of Germany, he felt the satisfaction of having Helena completely under his spell. Through her, he had managed to slowly infiltrate her husband Erik Schneider's guarded mind, nudging Erik's decisions in a direction that would support InnovateX and Elegance Global's subtle inroads in the region. Though he hadn't entirely conquered Germany, his hold over Helena was a critical step. Each night they spent together was a careful exercise in secrecy, each whisper an intoxicating combination of love and deception.

Wang Jian was cautious never to leave any trace that might tie him directly to Helena or her actions; yet, as it turned out, he had slightly underestimated Erik Schneider's brilliance. Erik was sharp, perceptive, and, above all, fiercely protective of his territory, both personal and professional. He began to notice changes in Helena-her words, the small but telling way she voiced her opinions, certain subtle attempts at influencing him. She would casually mention that certain decisions or new alliances might benefit Devereux's German branch, often aligning with Wang Jian's interests. Erik grew suspicious, noting how she seemed particularly drawn to a few ideas, despite her usual disinterest in his work.

Deciding to confront his suspicions, Erik set up a subtle trap, a small experiment to see how deep his wife's influence ran. One evening, during dinner, he brought up a potential business partnership that he had no actual intention of pursuing a proposal from a company that Wang Jian's allies had historically opposed. Helena's response was immediate. She lightly suggested that he reconsider, mentioning its risks and implying that there were better alliances to explore. Her exact words were eerily similar to those Erik had seen in a memo that Wang Jian's companies had publicly circulated months earlier. Erik's doubts crystallized; he now knew there was someone behind her influence, someone cunning enough to attempt to manipulate him through his wife.

Helena was blissfully unaware that her responses had exposed her betrayal to Erik. That evening, after she had fallen asleep, Erik stayed awake, processing the reality that his wife was not only being influenced by someone but might also be cheating on him. A bitter rage brewed within him. He couldn't accept that Helena, his Helena, had become a pawn in someone else's game. He decided he needed proof-solid evidence that would reveal the identity of this shadowy manipulator. And once he had that, he would ensure they paid for daring to tread on his turf.

Using a network of private investigators and a few loyal members from Devereux's European operations, Erik kept close tabs on Helena over the next few weeks. His instincts were right. He uncovered details of her mysterious new "modeling contract" with Opulence Couture and, more disturbingly, frequent sightings of her with a man whose identity remained well- hidden. Erik's investigators dug as much as they could, but Wang Jian's identity was still cloaked in mystery. Despite the secrecy, Erik was able to confirm what he had feared the most: his wife had fallen into the clutches of this unknown man, one cunning enough to remain nameless even in a city where Devereux Internationals wielded considerable influence.

The knowledge burned within Erik, feeding his resentment. The man who had ensnared his wife was not only using her to manipulate him but was also getting far too close to his carefully built empire. He would make this mysterious "Wang Jian" pay. Erik hatched a plan- one that would use the network of local gangs who operated on the fringes of Berlin's underworld. These groups, although despised by the public, were hungry for work, and Erik knew exactly how to wield his influence and resources to bring them to his side. He offered them a hefty sum to create a scene that Wang Jian wouldn't see coming-a gathering of armed men ready to attack with no mercy.

On a cold, quiet evening, Wang Jian found himself ensconced in Helena's chambers, their rendezvous as heated as ever. Helena's body was an indulgence he savored; his fingers trailed down her curves, lingering over her voluptuous figure, reveling in the softness of her skin and the way her body responded to his touch. She arched against him, her breaths coming in soft gasps as his hands claimed every inch of her, his lips whispering promises that only further ensnared her in his web.

The night's passion was interrupted by the sound of a sudden, sharp knock. Helena started, but Wang Jian's senses went on high alert. He sensed the change in atmosphere immediately. Moving quietly, he got up, slipping into his clothes and peeking through the slight gap in the curtains. To his astonishment, he spotted a group of men outside the building, heavily armed and moving with a sense of grim purpose. He smiled; it was a cold, appreciative expression. It appeared someone had finally dared to lay a trap for him. Quickly dressing, he looked back at Helena, still flushed and half-asleep. "Helena," he said quietly, placing a finger over her lips as she stirred, "stay here and don't make a sound. It seems we have some company."

Wang Jian slipped out of the room and made his way through the building, listening to the hushed movements and the occasional, muted click of a weapon. As he rounded a corner, a shadowy figure stepped out, aiming a pistol directly at him. Wang Jian smiled, lifting his hands in a feigned gesture of surrender, but his movements were lightning-fast. In a flash, he disarmed the man with a swift twist, followed by a well-placed strike to the jaw that sent him crumpling to the ground.

As he moved further, more men appeared, each armed and ready to attack. Wang Jian maneuvered through them with a practiced grace, each movement calculated and precise, as he struck down one after another. He'd faced larger forces in his time, entire gangs that wielded assault rifles, yet none had posed much of a challenge. His experience from another world had trained his reflexes and sharpened his awareness to the point where he could see each move coming before it happened. His opponents here, despite their numbers, were nothing more than an annoyance.

Finally, in the midst of this orchestrated chaos, Erik Schneider stepped out, his expression set in grim determination. He held a pistol in his hand, his gaze cold as he looked Wang Jian in the eye. There was a flicker of satisfaction in Erik's gaze; he'd caught the man who had dared to steal his wife and manipulate him.

"Well done," Wang Jian said calmly, eyeing Erik with a faint smirk. "You've managed to set a trap for me without me even noticing. Not many have achieved that. It's impressive."

Erik's expression didn't change, his jaw set with anger. "I didn't think you'd have the gall to show up here, even after you seduced my wife and used her against me," he bit out, his voice thick with barely restrained fury. "You thought you could manipulate me, use me like a pawn in your game. And for what? To expand your reach in Germany?"

Wang Jian chuckled, almost amused by the outrage in Erik's voice. "A pity you chose to face me with brute force," he replied, his tone laced with mock disappointment. "You might've stood a chance if you'd tried a more subtle approach. But you should know by now-I don't lose."

Erik's eyes narrowed, gripping the pistol tightly as he steadied his aim. "I don't care about winning or losing," he said coldly. "I'm here to protect what's mine."

With that, he fired, the sound echoing sharply in the hallway. But Wang Jian was already moving, dodging the bullet with a quick sidestep. Before Erik could even react, Wang Jian closed the distance between them, his hand darting out to knock the gun from Erik's grip. He moved with the fluidity and speed of a trained fighter, his eyes keen and focused.

"You should have known better than to try this," Wang Jian said, his voice low and almost pitying. "I didn't come here to fight, Erik. But since you forced my hand..."

He delivered a series of rapid strikes, each one aimed to incapacitate rather than kill. Erik staggered back, grunting in pain as Wang Jian landed blow after blow. Yet even as he fell to his knees, a stubborn resilience burned in his eyes.

Erik coughed, struggling to catch his breath as he looked up at Wang Jian. "You won't... get away with this," he gasped. "I'll make sure everyone knows what kind of man you are."

Wang Jian tilted his head, his expression one of cold amusement. "Oh, Erik," he murmured. "Who would believe the word of a man driven by jealousy and revenge? If anyone should be concerned, it's you."

With that, Wang Jian turned on his heel, leaving Erik crumpled on the floor, seething with rage but too weakened to fight back.

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