Sylvia avoided contacting Eric through her usual number to evade any tracking by the Combat Department.In her message, she informed him about Dante's recent visit to the Montgomerys, urging them to sign an accusation document. Sylvia conveyed that no one had signed it, and she had returned to Salt City.It appeared that Dante hadn't decided to cause trouble for them yet.Receiving this message somewhat alleviated Eric's concerns. He messaged Sylvia. Eric: [Stay safe.]-Meanwhile, Dante exited an office building with a frown. The meeting outcome left him dissatisfied. He needed irrefutable evidence to take action against Pierce, as a mere video wouldn't suffice to convict someone of Pierce's stature.What frustrated Dante even more was that the influential figures had explicitly stated that, even if guilty, the most they could do was remove Pierce from the Combat Department and proceed with a lifetime sentencing. The death penalty was not an option.Dante couldn't comprehen
The email's subject line, "Read and Delete," caught Sylvia's attention, highlighting the message's importance. Upon opening it, she discovered two video attachments.After downloading and watching them, shock gripped Sylvia, and she instinctively covered her mouth. The dark images revealed only two figures."I knew you would contact me." The unfamiliar first voice was followed by one that left Sylvia pale with astonishment—Dante."Tell me about your plan. Dealing with Pierce isn't a walk in the park, and the Combat Department is brimming with experts. They hold Pierce in high regard. Changing their minds won't be easy," Dante explained.As Sylvia continued watching, she was further surprised. The other person in the video was Shadow, the elusive figure the Combat Department had been trying to capture.Both meetings between Dante and Shadow were recorded, and the footage ended up in Sylvia's hands—an unexpected turn of events.However, Sylvia realized that the videos were part of
"Most people overwhelmingly agree with this matter and enjoy seeing it unfold. We don't have the upper hand in the situation," Sylvia explained.The more Lionel listened, the more confused he became."Hold on for a second," he interrupted. "What exactly do you want by coming to my place? It seems to me that you're not here to ask for help.Sylvia glanced around and asked, "Mr. McClain, can we find a place with no one around? I need to discuss something with you privately."Lionel knew Sylvia must have learned something. He walked outside for a moment, then returned to ask everyone in the living room to leave.After that, he turned to Sylvia and said, "Please come to my study."Lionel's study was quiet. He closed the door and turned to Sylvia. "Mrs. Johnson, did you discover anything?"Sylvia nodded and took out a USB drive from her bag, placing it in front of Lionel. "Mr. McClain, take a look at this."After inserting the USB drive into the computer and watching the two videos
Lionel greatly admired Sylvia for her meticulousness. Initially, he perceived her as merely a decorative figure, not as remarkable as his daughter.However, he witnessed Sylvia's extraordinary capabilities today. She fearlessly faced danger and considered all possibilities, potentially holding the key to turning the tide for Eric and his companions."Thank you for your compliment, Mr. McClain," Sylvia said with a smile. "I just want to help my husband."Lionel nodded. "He is indeed fortunate to have a wife like you. Alright then. Let's go with your plan. We shall let Dante enjoy his moment before we completely crush him."Understanding the importance of not hastily revealing the video, Lionel recognized the potential for unforeseen consequences. It was crucial to wait until they were almost certain and the voiceprints matched Shadow and Dante.Suddenly, Lionel had another idea. "Mrs. Johnson, Dante also used a video to frame Eric and the others. Mr. Fischer and Eric spoke in the v
At the Innova Group.Sylvia indulged in a hearty lunch. Although she missed Eric, she recognized that maintaining frequent contact at this juncture might not be wise.After lunch, she readied herself for a nap, understanding the importance of adequate rest for sustaining the energy required for subsequent tasks.Before she could take a break, Mell entered and informed her, "Ms. Williams, a man named Mr. Vernon is looking for you."At the mention of the surname, Sylvia became alert, realizing that Dante had sought her out. -After Mell served coffee and departed, Dante asked, "Last night, you went to King City and met with Mr. McClain. Was it an attempt to seek help from the McClains for your husband?"Sylvia didn't deny it. "Yes, I went to see Mr. McClain. We discussed some crucial matters. Lieutenant General Vernon, is there any law forbidding me from meeting him?"Dante sneered and warned, "I advise you not to waste your efforts."With that, he presented the document again,
Sylvia was aware of Dante's desire to harm her. This indirectly confirmed that the two people in the videos were indeed Dante and Shadow. As long as she had these two videos in her hands, Dante would not dare to do anything to her. She told Dante, "Knowing I visited the McClains last night, you probably assumed I handed the videos to Mr. McClain. Yet, he's not the sole recipient. Given your current role in the Combat Department, I'm worried about potential harm. Hence, I made copies, distributing them to people unknown to you but whom I trust."I won't trouble you if you leave me be. However, any harm you inflict will expose these videos online. While many rejoiced over the fate of Pierce and Ruth after betraying our nation, I'm sure you'd prefer not to alter public sentiment now."Dante's expression darkened, realizing Sylvia's threat.Although he was unaware of how she obtained the videos, he was certain Shadow had recorded them. Despite his successful plan, Shadow's cunning tri
Sylvia had no confidence in dealing with him after what he did to Pierce, Eric, and Ruth. The fear lingered that Dante might suddenly turn hostile, and it took her quite a while to regain her composure.Her victory in the second confrontation with Dante was hard-won. Although he had reluctantly agreed not to harm her friends or family at the moment, Sylvia needed to proceed cautiously. Sylvia retrieved a voice recorder from her drawer—she had recorded the entire conversation with Dante.Listening to the recording, she gradually smiled. She promptly called Matthew and said, "Come to my office. There's something important I need you to do."-Matthew swiftly arrived, and Sylvia handed him the voice recorder. "Matthew, inside is my recent conversation with Dante. I want you to compare Dante's voiceprint from the recorder with the one in the videos. Just let me know the results for now. Don't produce any official proof."If the voiceprints matched, Sylvia would have another card in
Sylvia and Lionel frequently exchanged information. Lionel could discern that she had exerted tremendous effort for Eric and others.Sylvia's voice reassured Lionel, affirming that Dante's influence from the Combat Department hadn't affected their communication much. It marked a partial victory for both. Armed with two video clips, they felt immune to Dante's actions.Lionel said, "Ms. Williams, Dante contacted me recently, likely to discuss the video matter. I suspect he might use my daughter to coerce me into abandoning the investigation."Whether Ruth committed treason or not, her fate appeared to be under Dante's authority.Lionel anticipated Dante using Ruth as a bargaining chip. He sought advice on responding to such an approach, considering they were on the same ship now.Sylvia suggested, "If Dante decides not to pursue your daughter's case, it might be better to have her return. Currently, our hands are tied, and we need someone capable to help us."Sylvia had many consi