From the sidelines, Benjamin waited, a look of anticipation on his face. Enoch, the tavern owner, brandished a cleaver, positioning himself between the approaching ruffians and Andrea. Recognizing their intentions, Andrea yelled: "Benjamin, Enoch! You needn't get involved. Let me handle them alone!"With those words, she threw off her jacket and rolled up her sleeves, her belt tightened with resolve. Seeing her unwavering stance, Benjamin silently stepped back. However, Enoch hesitated, wanting to advise caution."Andrea..."But Benjamin stopped him with a gesture: "Let her be! As long as I'm here, she'll be alright." His words seemed to carry a certain magic, and Enoch nodded in silent agreement, retreating a few steps back. A pleased smile touched Benjamin's lips.As the gang closed in, they encircled Andrea, leaving her no path of escape. Yet, her demeanor remained cool and unflinching. There wasn't even a hint of fear in her eyes; instead, they blazed with determination."Attack!"
Hearing her father's poignant portrayal of her mother, Andrea was deeply moved. She stood there, silent and pensive, letting his words sink in for what felt like an eternity. Eventually, she cast a glance at her father, her voice laden with emotion and urgency: "Why didn't she come back, Dad?"Mr. Aylmer struggled to find words, taking a few sips of his tea for courage before he could muster a response: "Perhaps, she encountered some troubles she didn’t want us to be embroiled in." he suggested somberly.Hearing this, Andrea's grip tightened, determination flaring in her eyes: "Dad, I will make sure she comes home safely." she declared, her presence suddenly becoming more formidable, as if some latent power within her was about to burst forth. Yet, she wasn't fully aware of this transformation herself. After a few more exchanges with her father, Andrea retired to her room.Meanwhile, in a hotel bedroom, Benjamin was seated in a meditative posture on the bed, eyes tightly shut. A myste
For a moment, Benjamin was lost for words, his gaze transfixed on the hotel's main entrance.Standing there was a familiar figure, Isabella, adorned in an off-shoulder white dress that showcased her exquisite beauty. In comparison, even with Andrea standing next to him, it was clear that Isabella's beauty, combined with her inherent elegance, was unparalleled, especially in such attire.In the realm of intertwined destinies and shimmering intrigue, Andrea, the fierce-hearted policewoman, donned her uniform with a spirit that few outfits could truly complement. Should she stand beside Benjamin in her police regalia, a distinctive aura would certainly surround them. Yet, in that very moment, the depths of Benjamin's thoughts were far removed from such trifles.His gaze, laden with a plethora of complex emotions, was firmly anchored on Isabella. And in her close proximity was another man, an unexpected presence: "Isabella, have you been waiting long for me? My sincerest apologies, I was
"Benjamin, let's move to a conference room." Caroline swiftly beckoned, her urgency palpable: "This situation is graver than you can imagine." Her demeanor alone hinted to Benjamin the gravity of what was about to unfold.In but a fleeting moment, within the confines of the exclusive meeting room of the Royalty Hotel, there began an influx of myriad individuals whose faces were well-recognized in the capital.Furthermore, the majority of them were undoubtedly martial artists, skilled in the ancient art of combat.Amongst the congregation, Benjamin's discerning eyes caught sight of a man whose demeanor held a shadow of familiarity, an elusive echo from the past, perhaps.However, much to his chagrin, Benjamin could not place the man's identity. Yet, there were instances when the stranger's gaze would stealthily drift toward him, suggesting some sort of underlying sentiment or opinion he held about Benjamin."Permit me a momentary introduction." a voice broke the silence: "I am Finn Arn
"Alright, please, let's maintain our composure. While the theft of the artifact is indeed an oversight on our hotel's part, everyone here knows the true reason why we auctioned off that particular treasure. Our main aim for today's auction was to unveil the hidden secret within the treasure. However, due to the greed of a few, we'll have to postpone this quest. For this, we deeply regret."Feeling the room's tension, Finn finally couldn't resist stepping in to address the crowd. At his words, everyone fell into a contemplative silence.For some reason, Benjamin felt that Finn's glances, unintentional or otherwise, kept straying his way. Though discreet, Benjamin, being a former operative, trusted his keen observations implicitly. He wasn't mistaken about this."I understand most of you are here for the stolen artifact. However, the auction was announced earlier, and we can't halt it just for that one item. If you have no objections, I can have my staff prepare the rooms and invite you
"Benjamin, you recognize the man in this image, don't you?"Upon witnessing Benjamin's expression, Lord Arnold shifted his gaze, his face bearing a hint of amusement.Although Benjamin didn't verbally acknowledge, his reaction spoke volumes to everyone present.However, Benjamin found it hard to swallow.Momentarily, he hesitated, then turned to Finn."Although I recognize the man in the photograph,Why would he be there? Moreover, I've never heard mention of him practicing any arts?"Hearing Benjamin's skepticism, Lord Arnold simply shook his head."No, you surely must know why he was there.Your presence here, isn't it also more than mere coincidence?"Upon this retort from Lord Arnold, Benjamin stood slightly taken aback.At this moment, all eyes converged on him.Even Ancel and Caroline couldn't resist and fixed their gaze upon him."This matter…"Benjamin seemed at a loss for words, struggling to find an explanation.Moreover, the circumstances were indeed uncanny, and no matter
But soon enough, Griselda, unable to suppress her laughter, chuckled heartily: "Ah, how could I forget? Such a disgraceful defeat and you expect people to never speak of it?”The moment these words left Griselda’s lips, the fury festering within Patrick Jones could no longer be contained. His roar resonated throughout: "You dare?”In a heartbeat, like a tempestuous whirlwind, he lunged at Griselda, hand outstretched, transforming into a tiger's claw, swiping fiercely at Griselda's delicate face. This attack, though not lethal, could scar Griselda’s visage beyond repair. A fate, for a young maiden like her, possibly worse than death.Witnessing this terrifying scene, the color drained from Griselda's face, her eyes widened in sheer terror. Unsure if it was his speed or the menacing threat of Patrick Jones, Griselda was paralyzed, only able to stare as the impending doom closed in.“Hmph!”But by Griselda's side stood Benjamin, unwavering. How could he stand by and watch the grandchild
At that moment, it was as if Keelin had peered into the very souls of those present.With a chilling look, she surveyed each person.Then, her voice dripped with a threatening undertone."I know, gentlemen, the thoughts that dwell in your minds.Yet, as long as life courses through Keelin's veins, should I ascend to the helm of the Jones dynasty, I shall never forget the debts I owe you all.However, any soul bold enough to depart at this very moment, be warned: every captured frame and clip bearing evidence of our shared past will find its way onto the web.By that time, the James lineage need not act.I fear that Big Brother Patrick and the entirety of the Jones clan will not let such transgressions slide.So, gentlemen, I beseech you to ponder deeply - do you wish to meet your end alongside me?"The moment Keelin's words escaped her lips, a palpable dread gripped every soul present, including Dempsey."Keelin, you've surely lost your mind!Your actions doom not only us but our very