He didn't fully agree with her act and she could tell but it seemed that he had accepted it, even though reluctantly, and she appreciated that.As she continued on her way, she couldn’t help but wonder what their stories were. Arthur had mentioned hiring new staff to help manage the growing workload, but he had been unusually tight-lipped about their backgrounds. Luna pushed the thought aside, deciding it wasn’t her place to pry.As far as she was aware they were recommended by Henri Lefevre during the business trip Arthur had accompanied him on aside from that she knew nothing more than their names and what she could see about them like their appearances.But she trusted him and she knew he trusted her, so if he wished to tell her about it, he would. He probably kept it from her because he didn't deem it important or had other good reasons.Inside the study, Arthur sat behind his large mahogany desk, his attention momentarily focused on the conversation between Luna and the new recr

The room waited in tense silence as he finished reading. He closed the file and looked up, his gaze sweeping the room once more."What I’m about to share with you is classified," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Agent Marlowe here has been sent by the capital to oversee this operation. She is not alone."He turned slightly, gesturing toward the door. "We have also been assigned a special operative by the emperor himself. This operative will be leading the task force that we are proposing."“Another taskforce?” One of the men on the table stated and the tension only grew further.There was a sole reason for that, as the statement not only jabbed at the ones who had lost their subordinates, but it questioned the commissioner’s role as a leader.None present forgot, the death of every member of the last taskforce assembled to disband the Hughes' families criminal allies. It was an operation meant to secure them a win but unfortunately, it brought nothing but pain and sufferi

While the rest of the world did consider the Merchant dead, she knew she couldn't let her guard down, especially not since she had pledged her loyalty to the war god.But Charles, upon noting her reaction, offered a reassuring nod. “I trust you will, Arthur. But be careful, gaining information on them is almost impossible. This unit is different; they’re not easily deterred.”As Arthur stood, signaling the end of the meeting, he stated. “Thank you for the warning, Charles. I’ll keep it in mind.”Charles rose as well, offering a firm handshake. “Good luck, Arthur. And remember, if you need anything, my resources are at your disposal.”With a final nod, Arthur turned and led his team out of the office, the weight of the new information settling on them as they made their way back to the vehicle. Briar remained quiet, her mind clearly racing with thoughts of the special unit, but Arthur’s calm presence seemed to steady her, a silent assurance that he had everything under control.As the

The dim glow of the city lights flickered in the rearview mirror as Laura sat in the back seat of the sleek, armored vehicle. Her brother Ian’s words echoed in her mind, but she pushed them aside. She knew her decision to meet with an information broker was necessary, despite the potential risks. Ian had secured a meeting with the patriarch, a crucial step in their plans, but Laura couldn’t shake the gnawing uncertainty about the identity of Arthur Smith, the man Jon had revealed to be the Reaper. She needed answers, and she needed them now."Lady Laura, are you sure you want to do this alone?" her bodyguard asked, his voice low but laced with concern."I won’t be alone," she replied, her tone steady. "You’ll be with me, and Charles has a reputation to uphold. He won’t try anything foolish."The driver pulled up to an unassuming building on the outskirts of the city. It looked like any other warehouse in the district, blending seamlessly into the industrial landscape. But Laura k

Laura stepped out of the study, her heels once again clicking against the marble floor as she moved briskly through the corridor. The conversation with Ian and their uncle still echoed in her mind, but she couldn’t afford to dwell on it now. There were more pressing matters to attend to.As she stood by the car that had brought her, she began to consider her next course of action. While she was granted authority over the Hands of the Hughes family due to her father, the patriarch's current state as well as her older brother, the heir apparent’s view on handling things, her authority was limited.Something as drastic as handing over information on the group whose identities were the most secured amongst all of the seven great families was not something she had the clearance to do, so in that case, she needed to seek who could.This was a one in a million opportunity and she was sure no one else but Charles could grant her the information that would help both her and the rest of the Hug