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The Return of the Hades 117
117Gangatsu chuckled coldly. "I highly doubt that. But by all means, amuse me with your brave last stand."At a nod from Gangatsu, the room erupted into chaos. Men surged forward, weapons drawn. Darien moved with a fluid grace that belied the danger, drawing his gun and firing in swift, precise shots. One by one, Gangatsu's men fell, their attacks futile against Darien's superior speed and skill.As the gunfire echoed off the walls, Gangatsu's face twisted into a mask of fury and disbelief. "Impossible!" he hissed, stepping back as his men continued to drop.Darien's smirk widened. "You should've brought more men," he quipped, dodging a desperate punch and countering with a brutal strike to his attacker's neck.From the shadows, Kaida emerged, her eyes narrowing as she watched Darien dismantle their carefully laid plans. Stepping forward with a cold smile, she called out, "You're quite the performer, French. But this dance isn't over yet."Darien turned to face her, his back to Ganga
The Return of the Hades 118
118Darien kept his gun trained on gangatsu, his sense sharp, ready for any move the crime Lord might make.Gangatsu, though visibly frustrated maintened a veneer of calm arrogance."You've made your point, Mr. French," Gangatsu said, his voice laced with disdain. "But you underestimate the lengths I'm willing to go to protect what's mine."Darien's grip tightened on his weapon. "I'm not underestimating anything, Gangatsu. I know exactly what you're capable of. That's why I'm here."Gangatsu smirked, his eyes glinting with a dangerous edge. "Oh, you think you do, do you? You are not the first to come seeking what I possess, and you won't be the last. But mark my words, you'll regret crossing me."Darien scoffed, his tone dripping with defiance. "I don't regret anything. I came to do what's right, to reclaim what's been misused. And I won't let anything–or anyone–stand in my way."Gangatsu smile turned sinister. "Bold words for a man staring down the barrel of my gun."Darien jaw clenc
The Return of the Hades 119
119 Darien crumpled the mocking note in his fist, his anger boiling over. How dare Gangatsu toy with him like this? He was seething as he pulled out his phone with trembling hands and called Lavinia. She picked up after the first ring. "Darien? What happened? Are you okay?" "I'm fine," he growled through gritted teeth. "But Gangatsu got the slip on me. He gassed me and left me here as some sort of twisted game." Lavinia sighed in exasperation. "I tried to warn you it could be a trap. What did that note say?" Darien recounted Gangatsu's taunting words, his jaw clenching tighter with each mocking sentence. Lavinia made a sound of disgust. "Ugh, what an arrogant fool. He really thinks he's got you beaten, doesn't he?" "Not for long," Darien seethed, balling his free hand into a fist. "I won't let him get away with this." "Calm down, we'll figure something out," Lavinia soothed. "Where are you now?" Darien took a deep breath to steady his frazzled nerves. "Still at the mill. Mee
The Return of the Hades 120
120Darien's mind reeled as the pieces came crashing together. A daughter? All this time and she was only just now telling him? His hands trembled with a torrent of emotions—shock, anger, confusion—as he stared into the eyes of the little girl smiling back from the photos. "Why are you telling me this now?" he demanded through gritted teeth. Cynthia wiped tears from her eyes. "I was young and scared back then. Didn't think I could raise a baby on my own." She reached for his hand again but he yanked it away. "So you kept my child from me for five years? How could you do that?" His voice shook with barely contained rage. "I know I have no right to ask anything of you anymore," she sobbed. "But Sophia deserves to know her father. Please, just meet her. That's all I'm asking."Darien's mind was reeling, trying to process this bombshell. A daughter. All this time he had a daughter and didn't even know. Did he dare open his heart to the possibility of parental love after being betrayed
The Return of the Hades 121
121The weekend arrived with a weight of anticipation and uncertainty for Darien. As he prepared himself for Cynthia's party at the Leveling Fiesta Bar, his mind was consumed by conflicting emotions and unanswered questions.Arriving at the bar, Darien couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu as he stepped through the familiar entrance. The pulsing beat of music and chatter of the crowd surrounded him. His heart pounded in his chest, nerves and anticipation intertwining within him. As Darien scanned the room, his eyes darted nervously, searching for Cynthia amidst the crowd. He spotted her in a corner, surrounded by friends, but his attention was abruptly diverted when he felt a gaze burning into him. He turned slowly, dread pooling in the pit of his stomach, to find Ryan's eyes locked onto his.Ryan's presence was like a dark cloud overshadowing the room, his disdain for Darien palpable even from across the bar. Darien clenched his fists, trying to quell the surge of anger that threat
The Return of the Hades 122
122As Darien and Ryan faced off, a ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd. People turned their heads, drawn by the brewing confrontation like moths to a flame. Some whispered in hushed tones, others exchanged knowing glances, eager for the drama unfolding before them."I knew something was going to go down tonight," whispered one bystander to another, eyes glued to the scene unfolding before them."Whoa, looks like both of them are about to throw down," remarked a nearby patron, excitement evident in their voice."I can't believe they're doing this here," muttered a concerned onlooker, glancing around nervously."I bet Cynthia is regretting inviting both of them," speculated another, shaking their head in disbelief."Should we intervene?" asked one person, casting a worried glance at the bouncers stationed nearby."Nah, let them sort it out themselves," replied their companion, leaning in closer to catch every word of the exchange."I wonder what started all this," pondered a cur
The Return of the Hades 123
123"Yes, I’m positive. I personally witnessed it!” the manager affirmed, his tone grave with concern.“Who would have expected that he revealed his true colors so quickly?” Nat, his right-hand men in The Usatti Army, narrowed his eyes, scanning the room suspiciously.Darien spoke up, his brows furrowing in contemplation. “Ron, are you sure about this? He spiked her drink?”The manager nodded solemnly, his expression mirroring Darien's concern. "Yes, I saw it with my own eyes."Nat leaned in, his voice low and assertive. “Hades, you should not let this slide. Do you need me to teach him a lesson?”“No, I will handle this myself.” Darien's jaw tightened as he made up his mind, his resolve unwavering.With a determined nod, Darien got up and left the booth immediately, his steps purposeful as he headed towards Ryan.Meanwhile, across the table, Ryan passed a glass of wine to Cynthia. “Cynthia, this is a token of my apology. Cheers!” He lifted his glass with a charming smile.“Alright. A
The Return of the Hades 124
124Darien was stunned by Cynthia’s hurtful words and furious outburst. Drops of wine rolled down his cheeks and to the ground. He was in a miserable state. Apparently, it was wishful thinking that their relationship had improved. In actual fact, there was nothing left between them.“What? So you thought that I was falsely accusing him?” Darien’s brows were deeply furrowed as he stared at Cynthia. “Am I that despicable of a person in your eyes?”“Yes!” Cynthia blurted out. She felt a tinge of regret immediately. Yet, she could not take her words back now. She had too much pride for that.“Finally! You have spoken what you truly thought of me.” Darien had a disappointed look on his face as he put on a wry smile.“I have overstepped my boundaries. Who knew that after so many years, you still have feelings for Ryan. And after begging me to take you back?”“What nonsense are you spouting?” Cynthia frowned as well.“Am I wrong? You said that you would not contact him anymore. Having said t
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- The Return of the Hades
167
167The mayor's eyes widened in surprise at Lavinia's bold declaration, a flicker of fear crossing his features before he quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Of course, Ms. Luciano," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I'll do everything in my power to assist you in your investigation."But as Darien and Lavinia left the mayor's office, they knew they couldn't trust him. As Darien and Lavinia exited the mayor's office, their minds still reeling from the encounter, they were suddenly confronted with an unexpected sight. Standing before them, blocking their path, were Cersei, her brother Bennett, and their mother Marcela.Darien's jaw clenched instinctively as he locked eyes with Cersei, the source of so much turmoil in their lives. He could feel Lavinia tensing beside him, her anger palpable in the air.Cersei's lips curled into a malicious smirk as she regarded Darien with contempt, her eyes flashing with animosity. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the noble
- The Return of the Hades
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164One week had passed since Darien's intense battle with Gangatsu. The victory had left him physically exhausted but emotionally elated. As he sat in his study, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on his mind, he poured over maps and scrolls, searching for any clue that could lead them to Emma.Lavinia entered the room, her expression grave and her brow furrowed with worry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of how Darien would react to the news she bore."Sir French," she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "there's something you need to know."Darien glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What is it, Lavinia?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension. "What's happened?"Lavinia took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Darien's heart skipped a beat, a cold feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "Try me," he re
- The Return of the Hades
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165One week had passed since Darien's intense battle with Gangatsu. The victory had left him physically exhausted but emotionally elated. As he sat in his study, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on his mind, he poured over maps and scrolls, searching for any clue that could lead them to Emma.Lavinia entered the room, her expression grave and her brow furrowed with worry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of how Darien would react to the news she bore."Sir French," she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "there's something you need to know."Darien glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What is it, Lavinia?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension. "What's happened?"Lavinia took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Darien's heart skipped a beat, a cold feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "Try me," he rep
- The Return of the Hades
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164Darien's heart pounded in his chest as he dodged Gangatsu's lethal strikes, his muscles burning with exertion. He couldn't afford to lose focus now, not when victory was within reach.Gangatsu's lips curled into a cruel smile as he lunged forward once more, his movements swift and deadly. "You can't escape, Darien," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Your fate is sealed."Darien gritted his teeth, his mind racing as he searched for a way to turn the tide. He couldn't let Gangatsu win - not after all they had been through. With a determined growl, he launched himself at his opponent, fists flying in a desperate flurry of blows.Each strike landed with satisfying force, driving Gangatsu further back with every blow. But the villain was relentless, his attacks coming with ferocious speed and precision."You think you can defeat me?" Gangatsu sneered, his eyes burning with hatred. "You're nothing but a foolish child."Darien's blood boiled at the insult, fueling his determina
- The Return of the Hades
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163Darien made his way back home, the weight of the night's events heavy on his shoulders. With each step, his mind churned with thoughts of Emma and the dangerous journey ahead. He couldn't afford to fail her, not after everything she meant to him.As he entered his home, Lavinia approached him, her expression a mix of concern and hope. "Sir French, did you find her?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.Darien's heart sank as he met her gaze. "Unfortunately, no," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But I promise you, Lavinia, I'll do everything in my power to bring her back safely."Lavinia's eyes brimmed with tears, her hands trembling at her sides. "Oh, sir French," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "She's like family to us. I can't bear the thought of her in danger."Darien's chest tightened with emotion as he reached out to comfort her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I know, Lavinia," he murmured, his voice soft with empathy. "But we have
- The Return of the Hades
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162Gangatsu staggered backwards under the force of Darien's onslaught, surprise and fury mingling on his bloodied face. "How?!" he spat through clenched teeth. "The poison should have weakened you!"Darien drove forward with relentless intensity. "It'll take more than that to keep me down," he growled. Gangatsu rallied, blocking the blows with growing desperation. But Darien was in his element now, striking with lightning speed and laser focus. Gangatsu's defenses slowly crumbled under the assault.Finding an opening, Darien landed a crushing blow to Gangatsu's jaw, followed by a punishing kick to his midsection. Gangatsu crashed to the ground, gasping for breath. But he was far from beaten. With a roar of rage, he swept his leg in an attempt to trip Darien. Darien leapt nimbly over the attack and responded with a flurry of punches, driving Gangatsu further back. "Give up!" Darien demanded through gritted teeth. But Gangatsu only snarled, launching himself back into the fray with
- The Return of the Hades
161
Darien squared his shoulders, his gaze unwavering as he met Gangatsu's chilling stare. "I'm here, Gangatsu," he replied, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "Ready to settle this once and for all."Gangatsu's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Bold words, Sir French. But words won't save you now." He gestured towards the clearing where they stood, surrounded by the towering trees of the forest. "Shall we begin?"Darien nodded, his hand hovering near the holster of his gun. "Let's not waste any time."Without a word, Gangatsu lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. Darien barely had time to react, ducking and weaving to avoid the flurry of blows raining down on him. His heart pounded in his chest as he fought to keep pace with Gangatsu's relentless assault."You're not bad, French," Gangatsu taunted, his voice dripping with condescension. "But you're out of your league here."Darien gritted his teeth, his muscles burning wi
- The Return of the Hades
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160Darien made his way back home, the weight of the night's events heavy on his shoulders. With each step, his mind churned with thoughts of Emma and the dangerous journey ahead. He couldn't afford to fail her, not after everything she meant to him.As he entered his home, Lavinia approached him, her expression a mix of concern and hope. "Sir French, did you find her?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.Darien's heart sank as he met her gaze. "Unfortunately, no," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But I promise you, Lavinia, I'll do everything in my power to bring her back safely."Lavinia's eyes brimmed with tears, her hands trembling at her sides. "Oh, sir French," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "She's like family to us. I can't bear the thought of her in danger."Darien's chest tightened with emotion as he reached out to comfort her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I know, Lavinia," he murmured, his voice soft with empathy. "But we have
- The Return of the Hades
159
159As Darien left the room, his mind swirled with thoughts. He knew trusting Barnet was a risk, but finding Emma took priority. He strode through the halls, footsteps echoing with purpose.Barnet scrambled after him, still shaken. "The Shadow Broker frequents The Drunken Rogue tavern at dusk," he informed. "I'll send word of your meeting. But come alone - he's paranoid."Darien stopped and turned, eyes boring into Barnet's. "This had better not be a trap. For your sake."Barnet nodded fervently. "I want this nightmare to end as much as you. Please...just spare me once you have her." Without waiting for a reply, he scurried away like a frightened rat.Darien sighed heavily. As much as he hated it, Barnet may be his only lead. He had to take the chance.Night fell as he entered the tavern. Patrons drank and gambled rowdily, paying him no mind. Scanning the dim room, his eyes fell upon a hooded figure in the corner, sipping alone.He approached cautiously. "The Shadow Broker, I presume?
