As Frank got out of the car, he inspected all the truck wreckages left after the fire."Eh?" he murmured, as he discovered a button lying on a patch of grass that no one would have noticed."What…"Noel was gaping in astonishment—how did Frank notice the tiny button lying there so inconspicuously?As she looked on, Frank studied the buttons and their surroundings. "Let me guess—judging from the make, I'd say it was torn off when the saboteurs were dragging the truck drivers out here."However, the saboteurs proved to be really careful, as there were no other traces left aside from that button.Still, that was enough—with that button, Frank quickly took Noel back to Zamri and headed to a major fashion design company.And with monetary persuasion, a female supervisor eventually spoke, "It's a unique sleeve button used specifically for suits, and it fits the style of Longham Garments, a local manufacturer here in Zamri.""Thank you," Frank said and turned to leave with Noel.The
Chet Jonas was a total bloodsucker, and if not for his connections to the Lionhearts, Urian would have had his men dismember him.Still, before Chet left, Urian's assistant knocked on the door and announced, "Mr. Reno, there's a man and a woman outside, asking to see you.""Asking to see me?"Urian did a double take but soon pursed his lips and huffed. "Tell them to leave! Do I look like I'd meet just anyone?""But, sir…"The assistant appeared awkward. "I don't recognize the man, but the woman is Noel York.""Noel York…"Various looks alternated over Urian's face.After all, Noel was the top actress of Draconia, and her name was a bombshell to every Draconian citizen.No man could resist like her—even Urian was gulping unwittingly even as he thought of her face.Glancing at Chet, he flashed an apologetic smile. "Sorry, it seems that Ms. York must be here to talk business, like ordering some clothing. I won't bug you to stay in that case.""What are you saying?"Chet, howev
Although Frank tried to get the men's attention, they were still transfixed on Noel and ignored Frank's voice.Having no choice, Frank barked so loud that the golden lion on the desk shook. "Gentlemen!""Huh? What?!"The two men finally came to their senses, and Frank looked between them. "This is Longham Garments, correct? Who's the owner?"Urian promptly raised a hand and smiled. "That's me—I'm the owner. Just call me Mr. Reno."Frank then turned toward Chet. "And you are…?" Chet cleared his throat. "Oh, right. I'm… ahem. I'm Chet Jonas… A fashion designer, I guess."His words left Urian cursing inwardly at him again—designer? More like a lapdog of the Lionhearts, conning everyone everywhere with their influence."Ahem…"Urian then smiled at Noel. "Welcome, Ms. York! It's an honor of a lifetime that you would visit my humble factory."While Urian was stunned by Noel's looks and figure, he knew his place.Such a well-billed star celebrity most certainly had backing—whoever
"What do you want?"Noel frowned as she backed away, surprised that Chet was so bold that he was ready to make a move in public."Oh, don't misunderstand."Chet stopped and smiled smugly. "I don't mind telling you that I'm assistant to Sil Lionheart, vice chief of Volsung Sect's Caudal Hall. It must therefore be fate that brings us together, Ms. York… Why don't you consider a partnership with Lionhearts?""Sure, the Lionhearts do not have a monopoly on showbiz like the Soranos, but with me here, you will have protection. Just join us Lionhearts, and I'll ask Sil to invest in you, elevating you to unprecedented heights. How about that?"Chet thought that his offer was very attractive, since people were always terrified and respectful every time he mentioned the Lionhearts.As such, even Noel—who was famous throughout Draconia—was just another girl in Chet's eyes.After all, would she dare go against the Lionhearts?That was when Frank strode up, staring at Chet in amusement as h
Chet spoke politely, "Mr. Lionheart, we have a situation here, and I need some assistance from Caudal Hall.""That dozenish men in Zamri are all we can spare there," Sil growled unhappily from the other end. "They are martial elites, but you know why they are important. We can't compromise the operation.""I know."Chet smiled viciously. "Don't worry, sir, I'm just resolving a little personal issue. I promise we won't be exposed."Silence ensued for a while, until Sil sighed from the other end. "Fine. Remember—those men are there to deal with Lanecorp and sabotage their operations. Do not let Lanecorp see them. Do you understand?""Don't worry, sir!" Chet said as he hung up and smiled viciously while glancing at the office door behind him. "Oh Noel… Don't blame me for trying when you showed up here. Blame your pretty cheek and body of yours for being so tempting!"Even as Chet sneered, he remained oblivious.After all, the martial elites of Caudal Hall were exactly the saboteurs
Stilling his pounding heart, Urian did his best to look calm. "Where did you get this button?"However, he had no idea that Frank's sharp eye noticed the flicker of panic he showed for a second.He had a hunch right then that Urian was connected to the saboteurs who attacked Lanecorp's transport trucks.In fact, he was in the loop and not just a supplier of clothes, or he would not panic like that.It was just an instant, but Frank could see through Urian.Bang!Frank slammed his palm on Urian's desk, projecting an invisible pressure as he leaned close to Urian's pudgy face. "Mr. Reno, I'm asking you a question! Now, tell me—did you manufacture this button?!"While Urian flinched from Frank's threat, he gulped.Still, he came to his senses before he said anything—this was not right!This was Longham Garments, his turf!And since this place was his turf, why would he allow anyone to threaten him here?!Even if he was up against Noel, Chet had already said it—Noel did not have
Noel carefully tucked the button into her pocket, patting it. "And since you're not the manufacturer, I shall excuse myself."One could expect nothing less from her, getting into character even when she was not filming at the moment.There was a mix of sadness and disappointment on her face, and it was almost not an act the way she looked at the button—she looked just like a maiden who had just found an object of affection.And now, she appeared in a dilemma but nodded at Frank to leave Urian's office together.At the same time, Frank had a hunch that Urian would stop them when they reached the door.After all, Frank had observed that Urian was fickle, and it would take an idiot not to take an opportunity to make money.There was no way he could resist that, just as it was such a major bragging point that his factory would not even need any other publicity efforts after this.The influence of Draconia's top actress was no joke—it was very likely that he would receive orders from
Seeing Urian's earnest, fawning smile, Noel smiled too.Her expression almost drained Noel of his soul, like he was suddenly taken to paradise.However, that all came to a screeching halt as Noel said, "Well, I'm afraid I'd have to say no."Urian flinched and came to his senses, and asked in confusion, "But why? Don't you like that button, Ms. York?"Noel shook her head."I know a thing or two about fashion, Mr. Reno—I've designed clothing myself."Pausing, Noel then smiled. "I know that buttons appear to be a simple part of clothing, but everything from the manufacturing process and materials matter, so most factories can't perfectly imitate any button they come across. Even if they do, it'd be second best… and I need the original manufacturer urgently, so I must apologize, Mr. Reno."Urian panicked as Noel strode around him toward the door."One day!"He cried as he pressed his weight against the door. "I swear by my name, Ms. York. If your price is right and you believe me,