Francis was keenly aware of the involvement of the Combat Department in the outbreak in Dortmund City. He maintained confidence that the evidence would not implicate the Oberdeens. However, he harbored concerns that even a mere suggestion of Oberdeens' involvement could trigger the Combat Department's intervention. He was well aware that the department's actions did not hinge on concrete evidence."It's not impossible," Ivan said. "The Association will definitely curry favor with the Combat Department and spill our secrets to them. Although there is no evidence pointing to our family, the drugs produced by the factory are highly suspicious. Besides, I'm afraid the Combat Department will requisite them!"The requisitioning of drugs implied their distribution to Dortmund City and Salt City without charge, resulting in a substantial loss for the Oberdeens.Francis began strategizing. "Are the Montgomerys leading this charge? That resolute woman. Extend an invitation to her, stating o
Francis smiled as he glanced at Julius, who remained composed."If the Oberdeens successfully pass the review, they'll assuredly gain entry into the Association. If not, my hands are tied," Julius remarked. "Mr. Oberdeen, to be frank, had the Hernandezes not secured Association membership by now, our prospects might be similarly bleak."Aware of Eric's investigation into the Oberdeens and his intention to provoke them, Julius chose his words carefully to indirectly slight Francis.Francis sneered inwardly, fully grasping Julius' implications. In truth, he held a low opinion of the Hernandezes. Once a leading family, they had regressed to a lesser status.Were it not for the Association's patronage, Francis believed the Hernandezes would have been ousted from King City long ago. Yet, here they were, presuming superiority?Though irritated, Francis maintained a facade of friendliness.Turning to Grace, he inquired, "Madam Montgomery, the Association's influence has expanded. Have t
"Isn't this a trap?" Grace voiced her confusion as they left the Oberdeen residence. Francis had failed to join the Association, and Grace had anticipated their move for the night. Eric shared her expectations. After all, the presence of numerous grandmasters signaled imminent action. Yet, to their surprise, the Oberdeens allowed them to leave.It was late at night, and there weren't many vehicles on the streets, so they were driving faster than during the day.Eric also felt perplexed. However, considering that people from the prominent families would have professional bodyguards, he assumed that once they left the Oberdeens, there wouldn't be any further action from them.However, just as Eric began to relax his vigilance…The car collided with an obstacle, hurtling into the air before crashing heavily onto the ground, its wheels spinning wildly.The force of the impact left Eric disoriented momentarily, but he swiftly regained his composure, only to find Grace unconscious b
The impact knocked Grace unconscious without sustaining any injuries, while the driver suffered only minor cuts and bruises.After handling the situation, Eric promptly contacted the Combat Department to have the assailants apprehended before calling Jessica.Upon hearing about Eric's ambush, Jessica became worried."We're all fine," Eric assured her. "But check if anyone else has been attacked immediately!"Relieved to hear Jessica was unharmed, Eric's concern shifted to Grace's and his own safety. The fact that the Oberdeens hadn't targeted Jessica suggested they weren't aiming to harm everyone present that night.Upon learning of the attack on Eric and Grace, Jessica swiftly contacted the other prominent families while rushing to their location. By the time she arrived, Eric had already tended to Grace and the driver.Seeing their overturned car, Jessica rushed over anxiously. "Madam Montgomery, Eric, are you both okay?" she asked.Eric shook his head. "We're fine. Have you m
The man chuckled, and Eric sensed something was amiss."Julius Hernandez was too arrogant for looking down on the Oberdeens! Mr. Oberdeen originally planned to take down Madam Montgomery, but Julius was too arrogant! Most likely, Julius has already met his end by now!"Eric was rendered speechless. Just because Julius offended the Oberdeens, they wanted to take him down? It was ridiculous!Meanwhile, the members from the Combat Department arrived.The captain in charge saluted Eric and said, "Sorry for the delay, Lieutenant General Johnson!"Eric waved his hand. "Three out of four are dead, and this one's still alive. Treat him. He will be living evidence to take down the Oberdeens!"After realizing they were willing to take such risks, Eric was eager to take down the Oberdeens. He had the driver take Grace back to the Montgomery residence and left several subordinates to assist him. To ensure the success of the operation, he also called in reinforcements overnight.Seeing Eric
Surely enough, as soon as his voice fell, his phone rang. As anticipated, they had successfully captured Julius."Excellent! Bring him directly here! How dare he look down on us! I'm going to teach him a lesson first and demonstrate how we will rise and become an elite family!" He laughed hysterically.However, when Julius was brought back, there was still no news from the other team.Francis furrowed his brow. "Could it have failed? It shouldn't have! The plan was so meticulous! How could it fail?"Meanwhile, Julius spat out a mouthful of blood and declared, "Francis, you fool! You and your family are doomed!"Francis glanced at Julius. "Still defiant even after being beaten like this? Come on! Give him a few more slaps!"Someone from the Oberdeens stepped forward and delivered several slaps to Julius, knocking out his teeth."Go! Send someone to find out what's going on! We couldn't even capture Grace with four people?" Francis commanded."Yes, Mr. Oberdeen!"Someone promptl
Francis was astounded. The figure collapsed to the ground, blood spilling from their lips, and cast a fleeting glance at Francis before exhaling their final breath.How could someone die without a sound amidst the vigilant experts guarding the villa tonight?!"Who's there?!" Francis bellowed, attempting to steel his resolve.Before his voice could echo, a resounding bang reverberated through the air. The courtyard gate was forcefully thrust open.Eric and his entourage strode in, prompting Francis to furrow his brow. While Eric wasn't familiar to him, the looming shadows outside hinted at a sizable group. Several experts were following Eric, advancing directly toward Francis.Eric fixed his gaze on Francis. "Francis, the leader of the Oberdeens!"Francis gulped, a flicker of recognition stirring within him. After a moment of contemplation, it dawned on him."You... You're... Derek from the Association's team?" Eric nodded. "Indeed. Seize him!"Francis' expression contorted in
Francis found his mind overwhelmed. Logically, Eric shouldn't be present in King City at this time. To ensure the plan's smooth execution, he had dispatched Queenie to handle Eric, attempting to sow discord between Eric and the Williams. Unfortunately, the attempt had failed.Eric didn't respond directly to Francis' question. Instead, he surveyed the house and asked, "Who assaulted Mr. Hernandez?"Francis' heart skipped a beat as he realized Eric sought revenge for Julius. He hastily gestured toward the two men who had previously guarded Francis and replied, "Those two attacked him!"Eric nodded. "Drag them out and break their shins!""Understood!"Several individuals behind Eric stepped forward and forcibly removed the two men. Within moments, their agonized screams pierced the air, sending shivers down Francis' spine. Relieved that Eric didn't press for further details, Francis heaved a sigh.At that moment, the captain of the Combat Department approached. "Lieutenant General