Emily's eyes contracted fiercely, and slowly, she turned her back, a layer of unsettling emotion roaming across her face. " Sarah." A young girl with dim eyes in an halter neck gown, inclined her head downward.Silently, Sarah tightened her grip on the teddy bear in her hands, her eyes gradually becoming red." Sarah. Please, what you heard is rubbish." Emily skipped forward to hold her daughter, who was standing right beside the door, while trying to clarify things immediately. However, Sarah shuffled a step back from her mother, a muffled sob escaping from her mouth. She knew her grandparents didn't like her from the start, but is this how much they despise her? They don't even want her anymore......" This isn't rubbish!" Steven sneered, his face contorting in contempt. He was seriously getting annoyed at Emily's stubbornness. His businesses were failing, and he needed urgent funds, which couldn't be delayed. Only Wei Zhao was ready to help, but it comes with a cond
After receiving the call, James refused to waste any time and headed straight to the car with his long legs. He needed to get to the described location as possible. Voom! The car roared terribly like a lion king after it prey! Staring at the fading figure of James at a distance inside the secret house, Kyle sighed, his expression inexplicable. He knew this was all his fault.But what made him feel helpless was knowing there was nothing he could do about it. " Your guilt won't take you anywhere." Jessica walked behind and offered a polite smile. " I think you should fight along side with him." Kyle glanced at Jessica, his expression moving between surprise and confusion, as if struggling to say something. .Jessica could perfectly comprehend Kyle's turmoil. So, she said nicely, " I can take care of James and Emily. Don't forget I am not only a medical expert but a martial art experts also." Yes, she was not just a renowned doctor, who had worked in the military for years but
Sounds of hurried footsteps dominated the hospital reception as a man bustled in a frenzy manner, exhaling heavily. " Mr. Zhao! They have located this place!" One of the henchmen, who was rushing forward, halted right in front of Victor. Victor was still with Zhao, and they were about to conclude their discussion when the henchman arrived unexpectedly. Wearing a quick frown, Zhao snapped irritatedly, " What are you saying?! Who the hell are you?! Get lost!" He didn't hesitate to scold the henchman as he disliked being interrupted. However, Victor was much more sensible. He raised his brows and glanced at the henchman.." Who located this place?" In a collected way, he questioned him. The henchman tried to steady himself, reducing his heavy breathing, and he parted his quivering lips. " The rumored god of war......" Hearing this, both Victor and Zhao's expressions changed instantly! ...Forest" Yes! General, I can finally see the hidden hospital!" President Richard shoute
The instant, James was able to crack open the giant steel blocking the entrance, he jumped in order to avoid any attack that might come unexpectedly. Descending from the sky like a god about to save a little princess, his facial expression was frightening, and he landed ruthlessly on one of the guards. The guard didn't see this coming, and his bones got shattered!Now, it was uncertain if he would survive or end in hell. Wei Zhao was so scared, watching this that he shuddered like sieve and turned to Victor, standing beside him. He didn't want to believe James could be the rumoured god of war but looking at the formidable strength, and how he just manually busted a giant steel, the thought was hard to push away. Is he really the god of war? But isn't he just a penniless son in law, who only trained in the military for some years? " We have to stop him at all cost. The end won't be favourable." Victor's eyelids were unstable, but he agreed to Zhao's words. There was no going b
Suddenly, a frail voice called out, although light but weak..." Daddy!" Immediately, James was charged up, his ears perking! He didn't waste a time and lifted his head, scanning the walls around. " Sarah!" His deep voice echoed out strongly like thunder rumbling the building, and he skipped away from Victor and Zhao, who was writhing on the ground. " Victor!!" Rolling on the ground, Zhao screamed and managed to stretch his hand forward, as if wanting to stop James. " Where are the men?! You better stop him now! If he gets his hand on his daughter, we are doomed, especially you! The Tarlose family will be wiped out, and you would be gone!" Victor, upon hearing this, tried to regain his composure and adjusted himself. He took out a small cloth to wipe away the beads of sweats on his forehead and quickly made a call. " Where are the men?! I want them here within minutes unless y'all want to be finished!" He threatened in an unfamiliar voice and hung up instantly, exh
After Zhao finished his order, Kyle appeared in the building, striding in as if he was ready to strike anyone that comes his way. Without saying anything, he stood by James' side and rolled his long sleeves from his hands. " Just like the old time." A playful grin tugged the corner of his lips.The trained men ordered by Zhao, didn't waste a second and attacked both Kyle and James swiftly! From their first move, it was glaring they were skilled, and this made James' gaze to narrow. Zhao was quick to caught this slight move on James' face, and he made a ludicrous laughter, clapping his hands together amusingly. " Haha! I know this will be your end! Look at you, you are even nervous about the men I just got.You are doomed! I'm sure you will beg me for mercy and roll on the ground, crying! Haha! Now, kneel on the ground and kow kow to me! Slap yourself a hundred times, then I will consider sparing you or not..." He suddenly went mad and shouted excitedly, taking James' facial move
It all seems to die down when James left the building with Sarah and Kael. The drive all the way to the secret house was rendered in silence, although president Richard wasn't with them. He had went to attend to other activities since the battle was over. Some minutes later, James and Kael arrived at the secret house, which was located almost at the outskirts of the city. Tall, large trees with their long leaves rustling as the breeze blew, stood like a guard around the secret house. They wholly casted dappled shadow on the plain but unique design of the house."Good that you are back." Jessica welcomed them as soon as they arrived, walking out to receive them. " She is just waking up," she informed James and glanced briefly at Kael. The impassive expression on James' face changed instantly when his ears perceived this. A warm look latched on his face. " Thank you Jessica," he expressed his gratitude and looked down at Sarah, who was in his arms. " I need you to check her also.
Night fell and darkness was beginning to approach the city. This was the time Sarah found herself awake in a strange but bright room. Her eyelids trembled, as she struggled to wake up. Her puny eyes roamed across the whole of the room, and she adjusted herself on the bed. Silently wondering where she was, she didn't hesitate to opened her lips and called out for her mother. "Mummy!" In that instant, the door clicked open, and a tall slender figure advanced in. " You are awake." Sarah's eyes fell on the figure who just stepped in and approached her. Her brows pulled in confusion. " Daddy?" She called out with a tone of uncertainty. James chuckled, shrugged his shoulders. " Who else?" " It's Daddy!" Her face lightened, illuminating her excitement, and she raised her eyes! Without warning, she hopped from the bed and jumped on James' arms, who caught her accurately. "It's okay, baby. You are safe now," he assured her, patting her back lovingly and promised in a serious
Inside the sleek, high-ceilinged ballroom, laughter and the clink of champagne glasses filled the air.The opulence of the gala contrasted sharply with the fire burning inside James.He and Kael stood among the guests, dressed sharply in tuxedos, blending effortlessly with the crowd of Zhao’s top allies and influential business partners.Winter’s intelligence had led them here, and James was ready to use it to his advantage.Kael leaned closer, his voice barely audible.“This is it. Benjamin’s hosting the event, but we can’t make our move too early. We need to get close.”James’s gaze swept over the room, scanning the crowd for any signs of Benjamin.He could feel his pulse quicken, the tension in his chest building.“Patience,” he muttered, his voice low.“He’ll slip up. He always does.”The two of them positioned themselves near a group of businessmen laughing too loudly, all too eager to make their way into Benjamin’s good graces.James barely listened to their chatter, his eyes fo
The anger that had been simmering beneath the surface of James’s composure suddenly surged to the forefront as the name Benjamin echoed in his mind.His pulse quickened, his fists clenching at his sides. He had never thought he’d face the betrayal of someone he once trusted so deeply.Yet here it was—Benjamin, now one of Zhao’s most valuable allies, a man who had once been a brother in arms, now pulling the strings in Zhao’s sprawling empire.Kael had been silent beside him, letting James process the revelation.Winter, though, had already found what they needed. Her voice was calm, a stark contrast to the storm raging within James. “I’ve located Benjamin,” she said, her fingers typing swiftly on her tablet.“He’s staying in a luxury villa on the outskirts of the city. He’s under heavy guard. We’ll need to move fast.”James’s eyes hardened as he absorbed the information.He knew better than anyone that Benjamin was no ordinary adversary.His cunning had always been a weapon, one that
The sun had barely risen when Kael cracked open the encrypted files from the bunker. They sat around the dimly lit room, the harsh light of the laptop casting shadows across their faces. Kael’s fingers flew over the keys, deciphering the coded messages, unlocking a series of detailed communications.James stood behind him, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the screen.“This is it,” Kael muttered, scrolling through the list. “A network of collaborators—dozens of people working under Zhao. Some familiar names, others not so much. But here…” He paused, pointing to a name on the screen.James’s blood ran cold. His jaw tightened as he leaned forward. “No. It can’t be.”Kael looked at him, brow furrowed. “What? Who is it?”James’s fists clenched. “Derrick Bishop.”Kael’s eyes widened. “Bishop? The same one who—”“Yeah,” James cut him off, voice low, each word heavy with the weight of betrayal. “The one who sold me out years ago. I never thought I’d see his name again, let alone linked to Zhao
The sounds of gunfire echoed across the island as James and his team charged through the compound’s defenses. Explosions illuminated the night sky, and the cries of Zhao’s men mixed with the sharp commands from Kael and James.“Push forward!” James shouted, his voice steady even amidst the chaos.Kael crouched behind a stone wall, reloading his rifle. “They’re falling back, but it feels too easy,” he muttered, scanning the area.James nodded, his instincts warning him of a trap. “Stay sharp. This is Zhao we’re dealing with. He doesn’t retreat without a reason.”Winter’s voice crackled through the earpiece. “James, I’ve hacked into their communication channels. There’s a bunker near the southern edge of the compound. It’s heavily guarded, which means it’s important.”“Understood,” James replied. “Kael, we head south. Jason, hold this position and cover our exit.”Jason nodded, gripping his weapon tightly. “Be careful. This place is a deathtrap.”As James and Kael approached the bunker,
Winter sat at her workstation, her face illuminated by the glow of her monitors.Lines of code streamed across the screen as she dug deeper into Zhao’s network.With every passing second, the pressure mounted. Sarah’s life depended on what she could uncover.Jason stood behind her, arms crossed. “Anything yet?” he asked, his tone tense.“Patience,” Winter replied without looking away. Her fingers flew across the keyboard. “Zhao’s encryption is top-tier, but he’s not invincible.”Kael entered the room, carrying a fresh cup of coffee. “We don’t have time for invincible. We need results, now.”Winter suddenly froze, her eyes narrowing. “Wait. I’ve got something.”James, who had been pacing the room, stopped abruptly. “What is it?”“A series of communications routed through a private server. It’s linked to a property—an island, privately owned by one of Zhao’s shell companies.”James stepped closer. “Coordinates?”Winter nodded, sending the data to James’s tablet. “It’s heavily fortified,
The house was eerily silent when Emily stepped inside, her heels clicking softly on the tiled floor. “Sarah?” she called, setting her bag on the counter. The absence of her daughter’s usual laughter unsettled her.She walked into the living room, expecting to find Sarah playing or reading. Instead, her eyes landed on a folded note on the coffee table.With trembling hands, Emily unfolded the paper. The message was written in bold, jagged letters:“Your family pays for its arrogance.”Her heart stopped. The note slipped from her fingers as the gravity of the words hit her. “Sarah!” she screamed, running through the house. She tore through each room, searching desperately for any sign of her daughter, but Sarah was nowhere to be found.Her knees buckled, and she collapsed on the floor, dialing James’s number with shaking fingers.James was in his office when the call came. The moment he heard Emily’s panicked voice, he was on his feet.“They took her, James! They took Sarah!”“Who?” he
The room was a sea of sharp suits and scrutinizing gazes.Emily stepped to the podium, her heart pounding in her chest.The summit’s audience consisted of corporate giants, political influencers, and some of Zhao’s allies—wolves disguised in tailored clothing.She cleared her throat and began.“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I stand before you not just as a representative of my company but as someone who believes in accountability and integrity.”The room remained silent, the weight of anticipation pressing down on her.“As we forge ahead in this industry,” Emily continued, her voice steadying.“we must address the pervasive influence of corruption and unethical practices that threaten to undermine everything we strive for. These actions do not just tarnish reputations—they destroy lives.”Whispers rippled through the crowd.Emily caught sight of Zhao sitting near the back, his lips curling into an amused smirk. He didn’t appear threatened, but tha
The flash drive glinted faintly under the dim light of James’s office, a small but crucial piece of the puzzle left behind during Leonard’s hasty retreat.James sat at his desk, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the wood as Winter worked tirelessly at her laptop.“Anything yet?” James asked, his voice steady but edged with impatience.“Almost,” Winter replied, not looking up.“This encryption is sophisticated, but nothing I can’t crack.”Kael leaned against the wall, arms crossed.“If Leonard left it behind, he either underestimated us or wanted us to find it.”“That’s what worries me,” James muttered.With a triumphant exhale, Winter hit a final key. “Got it!” The screen filled with files and folders, each bearing ominous labels like Project Revenant and Corporate Sabotage.“What are we looking at?” James asked, moving closer.Winter scrolled through the contents, her eyes narrowing. “Plans to infiltrate Emily’s company. Zhao’s targeting her directly.”James’s jaw tightened.
Jason sat in a dimly lit cell, his wrists shackled to the cold metal chair.Blood trickled from a cut above his brow, a testament to Leonard Tarlose’s ruthless interrogation methods.Across from him, Leonard leaned casually against the table, his perfectly tailored suit untouched by the chaos around him.“Still holding out, are we?” Leonard drawled, his tone mockingly polite.“It’s admirable, really. Misguided, but admirable.”Jason glared at him, his jaw clenched. “You’ll get nothing from me.”Leonard chuckled, a sinister gleam in his eyes.“I don’t need you to talk, Jason. I already know enough. Winter, James—they’ll come for you. It’s what makes people like them so predictable.”He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.“And when they do, I’ll be ready.”Jason’s expression didn’t falter, but Leonard caught the flicker of worry in his eyes.“Ah, there it is,” Leonard said with a smirk.“You’re not worried about yourself. You’re worried about her. Touching, really.”Jason sp