Following a brief discussion, they decided to host a press conference the next morning, drawing attention from all sides.The intrigue lay in the focus of the Innova Group's conference. They had recently presented a new product, and speculations had arisen about the possibility of another launch.The buzz intensified.-Although Sylvia had returned for just a day, she stayed home, letting Michael handle the arrangements.After sorting out matters with Andy, Eric and Sylvia visited the kindergarten. The principal sighed, assuming Sylvia might not return. The kids had noted Sylvia's absence.-After an afternoon of play, Eric bought groceries and cooked Sylvia's favorite dishes.Faced with a table of delicious food, Sylvia relished the flavors. "It's been ages since I had something this good."Eric smiled. Sylvia was easy to please. A few home-cooked dishes and some seafood made her day.Sylvia had a restful night and was energized.-Early the next morning, they went to the
Sylvia publicly denounced those responsible for her detention in Phoenix City, revealing that her adversaries aimed to strike against the Innova Group.The press conference was a live broadcast, quickly seizing the headlines and dominating the news.Reactions were mixed, with some applauding in relief while others grew concerned. Unbeknownst to many, Sylvia had returned to Salt City.In King City, the Hernandez and Montgomery families were influential, yet they still held a slightly lower status compared to the city's top four families: the McClains, Larsons, Watsons, and another one.-The living room inside the grand Larson mansion seemed somewhat empty, housing only two individuals.Owen Larson, the family head, sat with someone who, at first glance, bore a resemblance to Michael—none other than Shadow.The Combat Department never anticipated Shadow's return to King City, concealed within the Larson family.Their expressions turned grim upon learning of Sylvia's return thr
In the late evening.As the Innova employees gradually dispersed, Michael bid farewell to Eric and the others and arranged for a designated driver to take him back to his villa.The Innova Group, with its millions in annual salary and a luxurious villa, had fulfilled all of Michael's requirements. However, the value he brought to the company surpassed his compensation and living arrangements.Michael felt content and somewhat inebriated. He opened his villa door and immediately sensed something amiss, prompting him to become alert."Who goes there?" he demanded.Surveying the villa, Michael noticed someone on the sofa but remained composed despite the intrusion. After pouring a glass of water and taking a sip, he looked at the person on the sofa."Ms. Williams returned from Phoenix City, and the company held a celebration for her. Do you want some water?"The person on the sofa, bearing a resemblance to Michael, sighed. Despite Shadow's silence, Michael sat down, seemingly unfaz
Michael had interacted with Eric frequently, but he never anticipated that Eric could harm Shadow."Do you realize your mistake?" Shadow sneered. "You're aiding the enemy against me!"Michael remained unfazed.He sighed. "Brother, stop this. It won't end well. Do you really think you can control the world? In reality, you're just a pawn!""What about you? Aren't you just a pawn for the Innova Group as well?" Shadow retorted angrily.Before Michael could respond, Shadow attacked again. "As your elder brother, I'll teach you a lesson for Mom and Dad!""How dare you bring them up?!" Michael retorted with fury.The two brothers engaged in a fierce battle."You only care about the Crimson Order and martial arts! Mom and Dad were calling your name before they died! And what did you do?" Michael was indignant.After a punch that sent Shadow reeling, Michael didn't relent, shouting, "You self-centered fool! Mom and Dad never got to see you! You don't have the right to teach me a lesso
Sylvia had just made a joke. Growing up in wealth, she didn't place much value on money. During her time at Williams Corp., her salary and benefits surpassed what she received at the Innova Group.Eric remarked, "By the way, I noticed that Michael suffered internal injuries just now. I didn't expect him to know martial arts."Eric was puzzled because Michael wasn't a local in Salt City. So, who had he clashed with last night?Sylvia smiled. "Well, Michael came from an international company. Knowing martial arts is quite normal. Besides, it's not a bad thing. Many people want to harm us, so having some martial arts skills for self-defense is good."Eric agreed with Sylvia's perspective. However, he still had many doubts. When Shadow came to Salt City, Ruth suspected that Michael was Shadow.Considering their strikingly similar silhouettes, Eric wondered if Michael had some connection with Shadow. After all, until now, the three giants hadn't come looking for trouble with Michael.
Eric boldly speculated that the three major international giants and the Crimson Order were affiliated.In response, Michael nodded and sighed, stating, "You're right. He is my brother."With this confirmation, Eric sighed with mixed feelings. Ruth's suspicion wasn't baseless—Michael's silhouette resembled Shadow's.Michael clarified, "He didn't send me to infiltrate the Innova Group. Although we are related by blood, we have different perspectives."He has been obsessed with martial arts since a young age. I never thought he would join the Crimson Order and become an important figure in it."What surprised me even more was that the Crimson Order is also behind the three giants."While Eric had long known that Michael was not an ordinary person, he never expected him to be so well-informed. From Shadow to the Crimson Order and then to the three giants, Michael seemed to know everything inside out.A sense of danger enveloped Eric. The consequences would have been unimaginable if
"Michael Ortega and Shadow... they're biological brothers!""I knew it! Their silhouettes are too similar!" Ruth exclaimed. "But I checked his background. His parents passed away several years ago, and his brother, Lucius, supposedly died five years ago in a car accident."It finally dawned on her that Lucius didn't truly die. He had faked his death to deceive them."Lucius faked his death. I wonder how many others are faking their deaths like him…" Ruth voiced her concern.Reflecting on it, Ruth felt fear. Some of the people they investigated and confirmed as dead were exceptional martial artists. Were those individuals really deceased?Ruth felt it necessary to follow this lead, investigate further, and verify certain things. She quickly ended the call with Eric.-Meanwhile, Michael continued to work diligently for the Innova Group.After Sylvia's safe return, he planned to expand to overseas markets and lead the effort personally. The threat of detention by their opponents
Matteo could not dispute the analysis' accuracy, leaving him no choice but to accept it. Immediately after concluding the call with Matteo, Tiger called Eric."Mr. Johnson, the underground scene in King City is under siege! It appears someone is attempting to seize control of the streets and bring unity. Several influential figures have already fallen victim!""Tiger, I'm already aware. Remember Matteo from King City? I've asked him to seek refuge in Salt City. Unfortunately, I need to trouble you," Eric explained."Mr. Johnson, it's no trouble at all," Tiger reassured.King City's multitude of gangs was the reason Salt City hadn't succumbed to their influence. Tiger understood that if King City's streets were consolidated, Salt City would undoubtedly become a target. Although it was not as affluent as King City, it still held its allure."Is it because of that book?" Sylvia asked.Eric had briefed her on the matter in Phoenix City. Last night, she had witnessed Eric diligently w