A new development?Austin's heart sank. Ezra's reaction made it clear that this wasn't good news.Trying to stay calm, Austin asked, "What's the change?"Panting and terrified, Ezra handed Austin his phone with a trembling hand.Just like before, the message was simple and direct. The dark web content was clearly visible.Austin frowned as he found the Shadow Web Syndicate's assassination order on himself.His brows furrowed even more deeply. The content now included an image of a scythe, similar to the one held by the Grim Reaper."What does this scythe mean?" Austin asked, his brow furrowed.Ezra's eyes flickered with fear."This is the Death Scythe, symbolizing the harvesting of lives. In the Shadow Web Syndicate's assassination orders, if a Death Scythe appears, it means that a top assassin from the Death List has taken an interest. Each scythe represents one top-tier assassin from the Death List."Austin's pupils contracted sharply.He suddenly understood why Ezra, usu
If they only knew that a Death List assassin was watching the mission, it would be like waiting in the dark for the Grim Reaper's scythe to fall."Mr. Campbell just told me this news. He's looking into it," Ezra said."It's not too difficult for him to find out, but it will take some time. We should have results soon."Austin raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't he tell me directly?"Ezra sighed. "Mr. Campbell didn't want to add to your stress, so he had me pass on the message. He thought it would be easier this way."Easier?Austin found it somewhat amusing.To him, it made no difference at all.Taking a deep breath, the fear in Austin's eyes suddenly vanished, replaced by a calm, almost serene demeanor."Let's eat."Ezra was momentarily stunned, his pupils contracting in surprise.Austin's composure was shocking.Ezra prided himself on his steady temperament thanks to years of experience and maturity, but even he had been shaken by the news.Austin was the target of this assas
Charon.In ancient mythology, Charon was the ferryman who carried the souls of the newly deceased across the river Styx.With a codename like that, it was clear this person had to be from their territory.Sure enough, Ezra nodded."Yes, she's from our region. And she's a woman, but extremely mysterious. Mr. Campbell used the Campbell family's intelligence network, along with the Clark family, Cooper family, Redmont family, and Reed family, but they couldn't find much about her."Austin wasn't surprised.The dark web was rife with bloodshed and shadows.The Shadow Web Syndicate listed countless assassins, with the top 100 on the Death List being the most notorious. These individuals were ruthless killers in the dark web.But in everyday life, they blended in as ordinary people.Few would want their identities as top assassins to be public knowledge."Do you think she'll come for me?" Austin asked, his heart pounding.The Death List ranked the top 100 assassins, and anyone who
Cecily replied quickly."Alright, I believe you. Handle your business well, and I won't disturb you. Also, remember to miss me. I'm already missing you (heart). Good night."Austin chuckled softly, typing back, "Good night."Setting down his phone, he leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head.Just a few texts had eased his tension. With Cecily's comfort and encouragement, even the biggest problems seem smaller.Austin yawned as he stood up, ready to head to the bathroom for a shower before bed.But as he stood, a cool breeze suddenly blew into the room.It was already autumn, and the wind at this time of night carried a chill.Austin turned to close the window, but as he approached it, he heard a sharp whistling sound.His expression tightened, and in an instant, his scalp tingled with a strong sense of impending danger.Almost instinctively, he moved to the side, pressing against the wall by the window.At the same moment, a gleaming arrow whizzed past him like a lig
"I'm sorry, Mr. Campbell. Your mother has late-stage liver cancer, and …"When Austin Campbell saw the doctor in front of him shaking his head, he felt dizzy, and his eyes reddened at once.Ever since he was a child, all he and his mother had were each other. To raise him and fund his education, she'd worked so hard that her health suffered. Before she even got to enjoy a better life, she had fallen severely ill."Doctor, please save my mother. I'm begging you, please. Is there really no way to save her?" Austin pleaded hoarsely. He was choking up.The doctor hesitated briefly before replying, "There's one last option—a liver transplant. We do have a suitable match here at the hospital …"Pausing, he studied Austin. Having treated Austin's mother for some time now, he was aware of Austin's financial situation.In the end, the doctor decided to continue saying, "But … the surgery won't be cheap. At the very least, it'll cost 200 thousand."200 thousand?Austin's eyes lit up. He
Urma was not done with her tirade yet."Look at you now. Nancy gave us the money because she loves us, but you're shameless enough to ask for it back! Why are you such a leech? Well, Harvey's about to get married. We're giving him the 200 thousand as a down payment on a house for him and his future wife. You won't be getting a single penny from me!"The call was cut off.Austin froze in shock. Did Urma not understand a word he said?"Austin! Have you gone mad?" Nancy grabbed Austin by the collar frenziedly. "How could you do that? Is it so wrong of me to give money to my parents?"Feeling defeated, Austin stared at Nancy with reddened eyes and asked, "Is my mother's life worth less than a down payment for your brother's new house to all of you?""You're full of bullshit!"Nancy released Austin and began to throw everything in the living room she could get her hands on.In mere seconds, the living room was a mess.Sitting on the couch, Nancy whimpered, "Austin, you heartless ma
As the car cruised down the streets, Austin remained in shock. It all seemed like a dream.He and the old man, Ezra Lockwood, went up to the ICU ward at Legacy Hospital.It was not until Austin saw his mother, Dahlia Emerson, that he fully registered what was happening. Dahlia had just come out of the operating theater.Joy, gratitude, and other overwhelming emotions washed over Austin."I'm happy to report that the liver transplant surgery was a success, Mr. Lockwood," a doctor came over and said respectfully.Austin was stunned. The doctor, Isaac Navarro, was Dahlia's attending physician. He was one of Legacy Hospital's most well-known doctors and also an expert in the medical field.Isaac was the one who suggested performing the liver transplant surgery to save Dahlia.It went without saying that such an esteemed doctor would have no qualms treating even the most powerful beings as his equals. Despite that, he was showing such courtesy toward Ezra."Thank you, Dr. Navarro,"
"He has been doing this to protect you and your mother," Ezra said."And now, he finally holds the power in his family. He has always cared about you and your mother. He feels guilty, so that's why he sent me over to visit you and try to make up for everything he owes you over the last 20-odd years.""Make up for everything? How's he going to do that?" Austin snarled through gritted teeth.Tears pooled in his reddened eyes as he declared, "It's been over 20 years. Does he know the life my mom and I have led? Ever since I was a kid, people called me a bastard child. "To raise me, my mom had to work all day and all night. She got sick because of how hard she had to work all these years!"Ezra passed a black debit card with a purple orchid design on it to Austin. "This is a token of your father's sincerity."Austin stared at the debit card he was holding.It was his first time seeing one like that.In an instant, his rage bubbled over.Could over 20 years of neglect be forgiven