"It took you quite a while to wake up," Ruth remarked. "Well, if I were you, I wouldn't be eager to wake up either with such beauty in my arms."From Eric's voice, she gathered that he hadn't gotten up yet.Eric sighed. "Do you know how the antagonists in novels usually meet their end?"Ruth paused momentarily and asked, "How do they meet their end?""They meet their demise from talking too much. Anyway, what's up? Have you reached Salt City?" Eric asked.The previous night, Eric had learned from Pierce that Ruth had arrived in Salt City with a group of grandmasters from the Combat Department."Yes, we're in Salt City now," Ruth replied. "We're gearing up for our operation after a short break. If you're not busy, lend us a hand."It was clear that the Combat Department had acquired some information, as Ruth wouldn't have made such a request otherwise. Given the circumstances, Eric couldn't decline.Dealing with this group of people could bring peace to Salt City.-After brea
Beside her, a member from the Combat Department exclaimed, "The numbers don't match!"Ruth's brows furrowed deeply. "Two people are missing!" She hadn't anticipated this unexpected development after launching the operation with precise information."Take them down!" She waved her hand. "Immediately interrogate them and extract the whereabouts of the other two from their mouths!""Yes, Ma'am!"The personnel swiftly escorted the individuals away.Observing Ruth's serious expression, Eric commented, "Only two people are missing. It shouldn't be a big problem, right?""Only two people are missing?" Ruth scoffed, "These people have done all sorts of evil, and they must be exterminated. Do you know the severe impact the Crimson Order has caused in King City these days?"Eric shook his head, unaware of the Crimson Order's activities.Ruth elaborated, "Numerous casualties, severe injuries, and massacres of entire families—all linked to them!"Eric's face turned pale. He had no knowl
"They're the Orlandos," Henry explained. "The head of the family is Paxton Orlando. He has a son, Wince Orlando, a younger brother named Kayden Orlando, and his wife, Madam Orlando. They left Salt City more than 40 years ago, and it seems, with such a grand gesture, they're planning to return."As Henry introduced them, the Orlandos approached.Paxton warmly greeted, "Mr. Williams, welcome, welcome! Your presence adds tremendous value to tonight's banquet!"Henry replied courteously, "Mr. Orlando, that might be an exaggeration."Meanwhile, Irvin and his family arrived. Being among the most prominent families in Salt City, the Orlandos invited them to take their seats.After everyone settled, Paxton smiled and explained, "Originally, I wanted a small gathering, but Wince insisted on a banquet. Since he's my only son, I went along with it."His words clearly conveyed his affection for Wince.Irvin chuckled. "Young people are always like this. My son also enjoys hosting banquets fo
Both nodded at Wince.-The banquet wrapped up smoothly, and by a little 11:30 p.m., the guests had dispersed, leaving the Orlando manor in a quiet state once again.Paxton's expression turned somewhat solemn as he remarked, "It's a bit troublesome. I didn't expect the Sonnexes and Williams to have become in-laws."This revelation was something he only learned after arriving in Salt City. As the former largest family in Salt City, the Orlandos naturally desired to reclaim that position. However, the current situation in Salt City raised concerns for Paxton."There can't be two alphas in one pack." Kayden squinted and commented, "I see that the Williams and Sonnexes get along quite well."Despite some overlapping industries, the lack of fierce competition between the Williams and Sonnexes perplexed Paxton and Kayden. When the Orlandos were in Salt City years ago, they engaged in intense rivalry.Paxton nodded. "It's indeed puzzling, but there's some good news. Wince, what do you
Back at the Rosewood Estate, Eric asked Ruth about the two remaining grandmasters. However, the Combat Department hadn't yet located them.Eric wasn't too concerned. They didn't pose much of a threat to Tiger and the team.The Combat Department's operation wasn't exactly a success, given that two individuals had slipped through the cracks.Nevertheless, Eric had his hands full with the ongoing technological advancements within the Innova Group. While the technical department handled most issues, some tricky problems required his personal attention.After work, he and Sylvia planned to have dinner with Andy to discuss the company's recent developments.With Andy recovering and Michael overseas, only Eric and Sylvia were left as key figures in the Innova Group.Leaving the office, they bumped into Wince, who, having seen Eric at the banquet, approached them with a gentlemanly demeanor."Ms. Williams, may I invite you to dinner to discuss the business plans for Salt City? Would you
Wince's plan to wait for Sylvia at the Williams residence had hit a snag.Henry glanced at him and remarked, "Wince, I get your intentions, but word is that Ve has someone in her heart, and her decision won't budge.""Is that so...," Wince murmured, convinced he could change Sylvia's mind, even if she had someone she loved.Disappointed, he left after dinner.Amelia expressed her displeasure as the others departed, saying, "Honey, you should've just said Vee is married! You're causing trouble for Eric."Henry explained, "You don't get it. The Orlandos won't smoothly do business in Salt City. To thrive here, they must go through us and the Sonnexes."Brook and Misty are married. Paxton must see our deep ties. They covet Sylvia's CEO position and aim to sow discord between us and the Sonnexes. Their plan is ambitious, but calculations don't always work. I have a son-in-law! Hehe!"Amelia sighed. "Still, it's troublesome for Eric.""Don't worry," Henry assured. "Eric can handle it
Sylvia orchestrated the matter and called Paxton the next morning on behalf of the Innova Group. She expressed the intention to visit the Orlandos in the afternoon after work.The Orlandos were delighted.Recognition was something people craved, and Sylvia's call undoubtedly symbolized the Innova Group's acknowledgment of the Orlandos. Sylvia's connection with the Williams also hinted at the Williams' recognition of them.Wince felt even happier, as it seemed Sylvia recognized him as well. Wince had an imaginative mind, but why would she visit if Sylvia didn't acknowledge him?-In the afternoon, Ruth dressed remarkably, catching everyone by surprise."You're so stylish," Eric remarked, praising Ruth for the first time. He wanted to use different words but was afraid of upsetting her."No choice," Ruth explained. "The Crimson grandmasters have a high status. They likely have information about me. I'm afraid they might recognize me if I don't put on heavy makeup. In that case, it
Paxton nodded. However, Wince continued escorting the three out of the Orlando residence. While getting into the car, he seized the opportunity to slip a note into Ruth's hand.Ruth pocketed the note, and Wince appeared pleased.As the car left the Orlando manor, Ruth tossed the note to Sylvia, remarking, "That scoundrel actually has the nerve to make a move on me. Did he also slip a note to you?"Sylvia picked up the note. It contained Wince's phone number, implying his romantic interest. This revelation allowed Sylvia to see through Wince's character.Despite openly displaying affection for Sylvia, Wince seemed romantically interested in Ruth, who remained uninterested in him.Uninterested in Wince, Eric asked, "So, any discoveries?"Ruth shook her head. "I only found out that Paxton and Wince both know martial arts, but their appearances don't quite match the two missing Crimson grandmasters.""Not quite?" Eric asked.Sylvia suggested, "Perhaps those two grandmasters aren't