As silence engulfed the room, Pierce spoke up. "I know some folks back home might have weak spines, some of you might even be among them! But in our department, we can't afford to be weak!"Of course, I consider spinelessness a disease. Luckily, we have excellent doctors in our department. Perhaps they can cure your weak spines. Whoever wants treatment, speak up. I'll ensure it happens!"A chill ran down someone's spine!Was that even a cure? Who dared to speak up for treatment?!Someone immediately chimed in. "Heh, General Fischer is mighty, boosting our national pride!" Although they might have wanted to take down Pierce, he wasn't someone they could handle. In fact, he had the power to turn the tables on them!Glancing at the time, Pierce remarked, "It's late, everyone should rest. You don't need to worry about the cruise missiles' launch. We will handle this matter with Catellon."People started to rise.Now they understood why Pierce had ordered the cruise missile's launc
Smith was also brought down.Breaking a couple of ribs might have been a minor affair for him, but he could no longer make any waves.Pierce glanced at Smith, waving his hand. "Take him back to King City. Once we return, immediately initiate his trial!"Smith struggled, but the two men restraining him weren't to be trifled with, locking his hands and causing him unbearable pain.He glared at Eric. "You killed Catellon's elite shadow warrior, a member of the Luminous! They will come after you sooner or later!"Eric remained silent.Meanwhile, Pierce kicked Smith. "Worry about yourself! I'll settle the score with you first! Take him away!"-At King City.Pierce personally arranged a reception for Eric and his companions.Sylvia asked, "Big Boss, what is this Luminous?"Setting down his glass, Pierce explained, "Unlike the Crimson Order, the Luminous is an organization many are aware of. From what we know, both the Luminous and the Crimson Order are essentially the same, aimin
The days of Eric and Sylvia quickly returned to normal. For the couple, those were all things they ought to do, nothing to boast about.-Back home, Sylvia cradled Yvette in her arms.Amelia earnestly advised, "Taking care of Yvette is my responsibility since both of you are busy with important matters!"Amelia felt gratified.What if Sylvia was a girl? The tasks she performed might not be any less significant than those of men!Looking at the four siblings in the family now, Sylvester, the eldest, and Sylvia, the youngest, stood out as the most promising. Sylvia had indeed brought honor to the Williams family."Let me take care of Yvette. You guys should go to work," Amelia said, looking at Sylvia. "The Innova Group can only thrive under your leadership, after all."Sylvia said, "Mom, there's no need for my leadership. The Innova Group is already very stable. Revenue is increasing every year, even every quarter. Everything's fine."Amelia insisted that she go to work.Andy a
Eric handed the phone back to Lora. "Could there be someone else like me in Catellon?" His suspicion of Lora intensified. How else could she have acquired these photos? Logically, such images wouldn't linger online for long—they'd be promptly removed.Lora grinned. "Mr. Johnson, don't try to mislead me. I've checked with Cody and Max. They confirmed you've recently been abroad."I assume you were on a covert mission. Otherwise, Catellon wouldn't have sent that compensation package, nor would this Smith fellow have faced justice."These matters were common knowledge in Naturia.Lora's admiration for Eric grew. She found him too enigmatic. Eric effortlessly resolved many seemingly insurmountable problems in just a day or two. This time, it was even more astonishing—he had headed straight to Catellon to apprehend people!During their conversation, Eric also messaged the Combat Department, requesting an investigation into Lora. He suspected her of espionage.Soon, the Combat Depart
Sylvia didn't elaborate on that statement, leaving Eric to ponder it on his own.-Back at the Williams residence, evening life consisted of taking care of the children, allowing Amelia to rest. After all, one couldn't let the grandmother be busy from dawn till dusk, could they?With a moment to spare, Amelia found it easier to have a chat.Approaching Sylvia, who was entertaining the children, Amelia glanced around to make sure they had privacy before speaking in a hushed tone. "Sylvia, please don't forget about Eric when you're caught up with work. I was concerned when he left for Catellon."Sylvia chuckled. "Mom, what are you worried about? Eric is quite capable. Otherwise, he wouldn't have successfully brought Smith back for trial."Amelia gave Sylvia a knowing look. "That's not what I mean. You wouldn't understand as an insider, but I'm well aware. For women, youth spans from 18 to 30, maybe a bit high till 36 or 37. But once they've had children, it's downhill. However, for
Sylvia had no inkling of what Eric was really asking.She presumed he suspected her of peeking into the Combat Department's secrets, so she retorted, "Hey, listen, I'm practically part of the Combat Department, right? I even earned some credit on our trip to Catellon. Combat Department stuff is within my purview, even though I haven't actually looked, mind you!"Eric raised an eyebrow. "That's not what I meant. I was wondering how... you managed to... have so many... techniques after giving birth to Yvette?"Instantly, Sylvia blushed."O-Oh..." she stammered, taking Eric's hand. "Why ask so many questions? Just tell me if you like it or not!"Eric cleared his throat, gazing at Sylvia. "And what about you?"The body's reactions never lied. But Eric was simply curious how Sylvia had learned of those things.However, no matter how he probed, Sylvia remained tight-lipped. It seemed speaking of it would tarnish her image.But then again, Eric knew her inside out. What image mattered
Even Andy noticed Eric's unusual demeanor."Eric, any good health recommendations?" he asked.They were both in their 30s. Typically, software engineers at this age would be balding. Fortunately, Eric and Andy had lush hair, but precaution was still necessary.Eric chuckled. "There are plenty of health experts online. Why not listen to them?""Hah!" Andy smirked. "Listening to them might just hasten our demise! Speaking of which, last month, a very famous health expert, only 51 years old, passed away!"In my grandfather's day, they smoked and drank and lived into their 70s!"Eric couldn't help but smile wryly. A health expert at 51, yet gone. What was the point of health then?He first took Andy's pulse and then tailored some health regimens based on Andy's physical condition, different from what Andy had seen before.Andy's curiosity was piqued. "Eric, you're also a remarkable holistic physician. How much would someone of your caliber charge? I've heard that the appearance fee
Eric was prepared to use Andy as a shield, fearing that Lora would entangle herself further in trouble."Alright," Andy agreed.No matter how one sliced it, he was the stepfather of two children. When the teacher needed to confer with the parents, it was still preferable for him to attend.Eric heaved a sigh of relief, thinking he could avoid encountering Lora for now.-After work in the afternoon, Andy headed to the school to pick up the two children.Handing the children over to Andy, Lora scanned the area, inquiring, "Mr. Bikman, isn't Mr. Johnson coming today?"Not spotting Eric, Lora appeared somewhat disappointed.Andy easily grasped Lora's thoughts—she harbored feelings for Eric!He chuckled and remarked, "Ms. Kensington, perhaps Eric won't be able to make it in the future. He's rather occupied too."Lora nodded, her demeanor somewhat downcast.Andy paid little attention, proceeding to take Cody and Max home.-At home, Melinda tended to the children while Elly pre