"Evidence? Where is it?" Dahlia was taken aback."It's with me now." It appeared that Dustin came prepared, as he took out two pieces of evidence. "These are the autopsy results. This can prove that James was poisoned to death. While this black needle is the murder weapon.""What?" Dahlia examined it curiously. Dustin added, saying, "If you don't believe me, you can get it tested personally." Although he had the evidence, it would be hard to convince her without finding the murderer. "No need for that. I believe you." Dahlia's expression was solemn. "To be honest, I know that you're not the murderer and that this has all been a misunderstanding."Dustin smiled. "I'm happy that you think that way.""I'm sorry for misunderstanding you. But please understand, I had no other choice. My brother's death has left me in pain. I feel so lost, and I don't know what to do. I'm scared … I'm scared that I will lose you too. I'm scared that we will become enemies. I'm scared of being alone,
"Wha—what are you doing?" Dahlia's expression changed as she struggled to free herself. She looked more alluring as she struggled desperately."Don't you like playing games? I'll play with you until you're satisfied!" Dustin's expression was cold."You're a lunatic! Stop this at once!" Dahlia cried out angrily.Dustin commented, "You're still pretending? The skin on your face has peeled off. Haven't you noticed?""What?" Dahlia's eyes widened, and she touched her face instinctively. However, she quickly came back to her senses. It didn't matter if her face was disfigured; her actions had already given her away. "I thought my acting skills were pretty good. I didn't expect you to see through it that quickly." Once she found out she was exposed, "Dahlia" stopped the act and pulled forcefully near her ear. Soon, a human mask was peeled off. "Dahlia" was gone, and she was replaced by an unfamiliar woman. The woman looked decent, but her complexion was ghastly pale. Her gaze was
The group of masked women brandished a knife and held it dangerously close to Dahlia's neck; a thin line of blood could be seen on her skin. It was a warning that Dahlia would be killed on the spot if Dustin made any sudden movements.Dustin furrowed his brow and ultimately released his grip. He wasn't going to risk Dahlia's life with the numbers they had."That's more like it." Astrid stretched her neck. She looked triumphant as she said, "Dustin, you should feel honored that my mentor has taken an interest in you. As long as you agree, we will be a family going forward. And if you refuse, you and everyone else around you will die!" "Do you have to go to such extremes?" Dustin's expression was frosty. "This is how we do things. If we can't get our hands on a talented genius like you, you must be destroyed," Astrid responded. "Do you really think you can kill me?" Dustin retorted. Astrid chuckled as she said, "I know you're talented, but we came prepared. I added Tranqurin to
"Ugh—!'' Astrid froze. Astrid looked at Azalea, who had a smile on her face, and then down at the sword in her chest. She was filled with shock and disbelief. She never imagined that Azalea would kill her without hesitation when she was smiling cheerfully just a second ago. There weren't any signs throughout the entire situation. "What?" Dustin was also bewildered at the sudden turn of events. He had casually mentioned it without expecting anything to happen. He would never imagine that Azalea would not only take it seriously but also act without hesitation and plunged her sword straight into her senior's chest. He wondered if this woman was ruthless or just truly insane."W—why?" Astrid spat out the words with difficulty, glaring at Azalea with wide eyes. Mixed emotions flashed across her face—disbelief, fury, resentment, and defiance. But above all, confusion clouded her face. She couldn't understand why Azalea would kill her. Was it solely based on Dustin's words? "Don't
"Doctor, not only did I betray my guild for you, but I also killed my senior. You're so mean for calling me that." Azalea pouted with a bitter expression."What exactly are you trying to do?" Dustin questioned her."Don't overthink it. I just want to be friends with you, nothing more," Azalea said with a grin."I don't think I can afford to be your friend. There might come a day where you'd thrust a knife into my back," Dustin responded bluntly."Hey, I can't bear to do that. Besides, if anyone is thrusting anything, it'd be you." She smiled charmingly.The corners of Dustin's mouth twitched upon hearing her words. Did this woman just make a dirty joke? "If there's nothing else, I'm leaving." Unwilling to stay any longer, Dustin prepared to leave and picked up the unconscious Dahlia. "Hold on." Azalea suddenly took out a small vial and passed it to Dustin. "This is the antidote for Tranqurin. You should take it. Otherwise, you'll have serious long-term effects.""There's no n
The next morning, at Nicholson Corp., Dahlia woke up groggily and found herself lying on the sofa of her office. She was covered with a thick blanket, and there was even a steaming glass of milk on the table beside her. Last night's events were still fuzzy to her, and she rubbed her head, which was throbbing slightly in pain. Feeling parched, she picked up the glass of milk and finished it in one go. It made her feel warm inside, giving her a slight relief from the discomfort she was feeling. "Dahlia, you're awake." At that moment, Dustin walked in with the breakfast that he had just bought."Why are you here?" Dahlia's brows creased into a frown, and her expression turned cold."I didn't know where you lived, so I brought you back to your office for the night." As he was talking, he took out a takeaway container with a full English breakfast inside as well as a bowl of chicken soup."I'm asking why you are here?" Dahlia asked in exasperation."Have you forgotten about what hap
Since they were on the 30th floor, anyone who jumped down from that height would not be able to survive. Dahlia was trying to get Dustin to back down and leave."Alright, I'll jump." Dustin nodded. Without hesitation, he turned and crashed through the full-length glass window, hurtling down from the 30th floor.Dahlia stood frozen on the spot, her mind blank with disbelief. The words had only escaped her lips in a fit of anger. She never would have imagined that Dustin would follow through with her demand. "Dustin!" Dahlia screamed after returning to her senses. She rushed toward the shattered window and looked down. Dustin had vanished from sight. She knew that no ordinary person would survive such a bone-shattering fall. Her legs gave away, and she collapsed to the ground with a thud. While she sat on the ground, she could not hold back her tears. "Why? Why did it turn out like this? Dustin, why did you jump? How can you be so foolish? What am I supposed to do now that you're g
"Alright, that's enough. Stop crying. Can't you see I'm alive and well?" Dustin patted Dahlia's back, consoling her. This was the first time they were wrapped in such a tight embrace. Dustin could not only smell the natural body scent she emanated, but he could also feel her voluptuous breasts pressing against his chest. It distracted him momentarily. "Hmph! But you almost died earlier!" Dahlia pounded on his chest again. "I had no choice. You were the one who told me to jump." Dustin put on an innocent expression. "You jumped just because I told you so? Why don't you eat shit too if I ask you?" Dahlia's tone was upset."Heh … that's too much," Dustin replied awkwardly."Eating shit is too much, but jumping down a building is not? What exactly were you thinking?" Dahlia jabbed a finger against Dustin's forehead."I was too impulsive earlier. I promise there won't be another time," Dustin admitted to his faults. He had witnessed the entire scene earlier, where Dahlia cried
A dull sound echoed through the air.Jovian's body shuddered. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was dead. After fighting to his last breath, he had chosen the only honorable way out.The scene had left even the assassins, who were no strangers to bloodshed, momentarily stunned. Taking one's own life so decisively wasn't something just anyone could do. Even the lowest of creatures had the instinct to cling to life, let alone a human being."This guy… He's ruthless," Ronan muttered, and his face darkened.Warrick had given strict orders to capture Jovian alive, but now he was dead. Now, Ronan had no way to deliver. If he had known it would come to this, he would have personally intervened to kill Jovian first."What now, boss?" one of the assassins asked."Clean up the scene," Ronan ordered. "I'll take the body back myself." With that, he hoisted Jovian's body onto his shoulder, tossed it into the vehicle, and drove off.…W
The sounds of battle echoed under the streetlights. Shouts of pain mixed with the clash of weapons could be heard. Five figures were locked in a deadly struggle, and blood splattered across the ground.The fight raged for nearly half an hour until the noise gradually subsided. The five figures lay motionless in pools of blood.Under the dim glow of the streetlights, three of the black-clad assassins were confirmed dead. One's neck was snapped, another's chest pierced, and the last had bled out from a fatal wound.Jovian and Boston were in no better condition.Boston was soaked in blood. His body was riddled with deep cuts, some so severe they exposed the bone beneath.Jovian wasn't much better. His abdomen and shoulder were slashed. His right arm had been severed, and he was left in a pitiful state.Boston coughed. After taking down the last assassin, he collapsed to the ground. He gasped for air as blood poured from his mouth. His chest and abdomen were torn open, and his orga
"Jovian, listen to me. West Lucozia's trouble runs deep. You won't be able to handle it. You need to get out of there," Boston urged.When Jovian remained silent, Boston couldn't hide his growing concern. After all, they were comrades, and he didn't want to see his friend die on the street."You're right. I'm not afraid if they come at me head-on. What worries me is if they come at me from behind."After hesitating for a moment, Jovian nodded. "Alright, Boston. Take me back to the hotel. I'll pack my things.""Now that's more like it." Boston sighed in relief. "As they say, there's always a chance as long as you're alive. The most important thing is to stay safe.""Thanks, man. I'll buy you a drink next time." Jovian smiled.Without Boston's constant advice, Jovian might have taken a chance. But if things went south, he'd regret it too late.Back at the hotel, Jovian wasted no time. He packed quickly, then hopped into Boston's car to head to the airport. With the burden lifted,
"Gentlemen, I've done my part and had my tea already. I still have things to take care of, so I'll leave now. Farewell!" Jovian said.When no one responded, he didn't say another word. He nodded respectfully, stood up, and exited the room.When the door opened, Warrick's face darkened, and his hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. But before he could act, Huxley gently touched his arm and shook his head.Jovian noticed something was off and paused at the doorway before stepping out.Boston, who was standing by the door, let out a quiet sigh of relief as he watched Jovian leave without a scratch. His relief was short-lived, though, when he saw the grim expressions on the faces of the three men inside.It was clear that the meeting hadn't gone well. Fortunately, nothing too serious had happened. Otherwise, Boston would have much explaining to do to both sides."Why did you stop me? That arrogant brat clearly doesn't respect us. He'll think we're pushovers if we don
"Gentlemen, you certainly have a refined sense of humor." Jovian took another sip of tea. "But I'm not exactly a brave man. I startle easily, so I'd appreciate it if you kept the jokes to a minimum.""Of course." Huxley smiled and nodded. "Just some lighthearted banter to break the ice. If we've offended you, I apologize on behalf of Mr. Prescott. Please don't take it to heart."Jovian's expression eased slightly at that.Since he had the nerve to attend this trap-laden dinner, he wasn't afraid of a few threats. He wouldn't mind sharing information with them if they were willing to have a proper conversation.But they had tried to strong-arm him. Their words were laced with veiled threats and demands as if he were someone they could push around.Naturally, that didn't sit well with him. He just didn't let it show—for now."There's no need for an apology. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way," Jovian said flatly. He stood to leave and felt that continuing this conversation w
"Well… some things are better left unsaid, but I believe you understand what I'm getting at," Percival said gravely."I'm afraid I don't, Mr. Wentworth. You'll have to forgive my ignorance." Jovian's tone was measured and composed."You…" Percival's expression darkened.Judging by Jovian's demeanor when he first arrived, Percival had assumed that he was someone who knew how to read between the lines. Yet now, he was feigning ignorance, making it clear that he wasn't taking Percival seriously."Enough, Mr. Wentworth. Let me handle this."Warrick took over the conversation and got straight to the point. "Jovian, right? Let's not waste time. We know why you're here. The only question is—what have you found out?""And what kind of information are you referring to, Sir Prescott?" Jovian asked.Warrick slammed a palm onto the table, and his face darkened. "Don't play dumb with me, brat. I don't have time for games. If you don't start talking, don't blame me if I stop showing the Balla
After making up his mind, Jovian no longer hesitated. He instructed the driver to make a U-turn and head straight to the meeting place.The meeting location was in a restaurant not far from the castle. It was only a ten-minute drive from where they had turned back.When Jovian and Boston walked inside, they found the place nearly empty. There were no guests in sight, just a few receptionists. It looked like the restaurant had been cleared out just for them."Sir, please follow me. Sir Prescott is waiting for you upstairs," the restaurant owner personally greeted them and led them to a private room on the second floor.Warrick, Huxley, and Percival were leisurely drinking tea inside the room. The three chatted and laughed, but their conversation stopped the moment Jovian and Boston entered. All three turned their attention to Jovian.They were quite curious about him. He had been privately invited by Austin and even stayed for dinner at the castle. It was a privilege none of them h
"An outsider? Who is it?" Percival asked urgently. "Could it be that assistant general who came in at noon?"Warrick frowned. "I've looked into that man. No background, no connections—just an old hand in the military. Been around forever, knows the ropes, but has no real pull.""It's not him—it's someone connected to him." Huxley lowered his voice. "Remember what Sir Austin said at noon? When he summoned that assistant general, he specifically mentioned the Ballard family.""The Ballard family?" Percival looked surprised. "You mean the Ballards from Oakvale? Are you saying they've already beaten us to it and met with the prince?""The prince hasn't met with them, but according to my intel, this man, Jovian Ballard, spent two hours chatting with Sir Austin today. They talked and laughed like old acquaintances. Sir Austin even invited him to stay for dinner at the castle." Huxley's face darkened. He continued, "Look, the Ballards sent someone at a time like this. They're obviously
After a brief discussion in the meeting room, Austin invited Jovian to tour the West Lucozia castle.The castle was enormous, equipped with imaginable facilities. Unfamiliar visitors could easily get lost in its vastness.Jovian prided himself on being well-traveled, yet as he toured the castle, even he couldn't hide his astonishment. Unlike the ostentatious displays of wealth seen in luxurious estates, this castle could only be described as grand, majestic, and awe-inspiring. Everything in his line of sight conveyed a sense of grandeur and majesty.What stunned Jovian the most was the House of Heroes inside the West Lucozia castle. The structure was nine stories high and looked like an ancient monument.The walls were lined with memorials of fallen soldiers. The place was packed with thousands of tablets, each engraved with the hero's name and a detailed account of their life stories for future generations to honor and remember.The Ballard family had a family tree that record