Chapter 6: Traps in the Warehouse

Matthew's car sped swiftly toward the shared warehouse, which, on the outside, was disguised as an abandoned factory. However, the inside had been renovated to store goods that Matthew's organization and the Adonis family shared.

Despite the recent attack that left the Adonis family severely wounded, Emilia was still here. Matthew was determined not to let anyone lay a hand on the Adonis family's property—let alone the goods stored in the warehouse, some of which belonged to him.

Seated beside Matthew, Emilia wore a cold and solemn expression.

Matthew glanced at her briefly and spoke softly, "Don't worry too much, Emilia. I won't let them touch the Adonis family—not even a bit."

Emilia turned to look at Matthew, catching only his stern profile. He had always been exceptional, from childhood to adulthood. His promises were always fulfilled. Emilia trusted Matthew's words, but a question lingered in her mind:

"Matthew, why are you so good to me?"

Her father and brother were both gone, leaving her as the only survivor—a lone girl. No matter how strong the ties between the Adonis family and Matthew had been, Matthew now had every opportunity to use that connection to absorb the Adonis family's influence into his own. That would make managing everything much more manageable.

But Matthew hadn't done that. Instead, he protected her and sought to return the family's assets to her safely. Why? She had never even managed the family's holdings in Matthew's presence. How could Matthew be so kind and trusting toward her?

Even if she didn't want to, Matthew's constant kindness and gentleness toward her made her unable to stop herself from imagining things!

Matthew didn't look at Emilia, perhaps because he was focused on driving. But the real reason was something only he knew.

Finally, Matthew gave the answer Emilia had already guessed:

"Nothing special, Emilia. Curtis was my best friend. Mr. Adonis was kind to me. And you and I... we grew up together. Do you think I'm that cruel in your eyes?"

Emilia remained silent, feeling momentarily speechless. Matthew spoke as though he were harmless, but if that were true, he wouldn't have risen to his current position as a mafia boss feared by many.

In the end, she said nothing more. She had suspicions, but years of unrequited feelings had taught her not to overthink. She was afraid it was all just her imagination. If she spoke her thoughts, things might never return to how they were now. Instead, they'd face only awkwardness, and she would have no choice but to quietly leave Matthew's life.

"We've arrived." Matthew's voice broke through Emilia's thoughts.

She closed her eyes tightly, pushed away the chaotic thoughts, and opened the car door to get out.

But Matthew stopped her, pressing her back into her seat. Surprised, Emilia looked up at him, confusion evident in her eyes.

"Stay in the car. Hold onto the gun," he said firmly before stepping out, giving her no chance to respond.

By then, Matthew's subordinates had already surrounded the warehouse, awaiting his orders.

Louis approached him and quickly reported, "The intruders have been cornered inside the warehouse, but our workforce is insufficient. They might break through the encirclement at any moment."

Matthew's face turned cold, his sharp gaze like a pack leader's. "Half of you stay outside and lie in wait. The rest will go in with me."

He took the lead as soon as he finished speaking, moving forward without hesitation. The others had no choice but to follow quickly.

Inside the car, Emilia watched Matthew's back disappear into the warehouse. She pressed her lips together, unease filling her eyes.

Finally, she suddenly opened the car door and ran out.

The ambushers outside were stunned to see this. Some wanted to step forward and stop her, but their comrades held them back. They couldn't risk exposing their positions. All they could do was hope this foolish and pitiful girl wouldn't meet her death.

Emilia didn't know that she was as good as dead in Matthew's subordinates' eyes. Since no one stopped her, she quickly entered the warehouse.

The warehouse was dust-filled, looking every bit like an abandoned factory.

Emilia's nose twitched; she could smell gunpowder and dust. However, her ears caught no gunshots—likely because the intruders were using silencers. They were probably still far away.

Determination filled her eyes as she ventured deeper into the warehouse.

At this moment, Matthew had no idea Emilia had disobeyed him and entered the warehouse.

"Bang!"

The sound of a door being kicked open echoed. The slightly ajar door fell to the ground, and Matthew's men swarmed in like a swarm of bees.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Gunshots rang out continuously. Matthew's aim was precise, taking down the intruders one by one.

There was no denying the sheer number of enemies. This was likely why his subordinates had called for reinforcements.

The warehouse was packed with large containers. After an initial exchange of gunfire, both sides quickly took cover. The silence that followed was eerie—no sound, not even footsteps.

"Hiss!"

Suddenly, a faint hissing sound emerged. Dense clouds of smoke quickly filled the warehouse, so thick it was almost impossible to see anything.

Matthew immediately heard the soft, faint sound of footsteps.

The intruders were well-prepared. Their goal wasn't the warehouse—it was his life.

Otherwise, they would have used the smoke bombs earlier to escape rather than waiting until he arrived.

Matthew had anticipated this possibility but had still chosen to enter the warehouse. After all, how could he catch a tiger without entering its den?

Matthew never ran from his enemies. He faced them head-on. Emilia was the only person he couldn't bring himself to be honest with.