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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
The Return of the Hades 125
125Burning with anger, Darien clenched his fists tightly to restrain himself from lashing out at Ryan. The sight of Ryan's smug smirk only fueled his fury further. As he turned away, he couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal gnawing at him. Cynthia's pleading eyes haunted him, but he couldn't bear to hear any more lies."Darien, what's going on?" Ron's voice cut through the tension as he emerged from their booth, concern etched on his face."Forget it, Ron. I was just meddling where I shouldn't have," Darien replied bitterly, his frustration evident in his tone."Ryan has always been a troublemaker, stirring up trouble wherever he goes. Don't let him get to you," Ron advised, trying to offer some solace."The problem isn't just Ryan, it's Cynthia too," Darien sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. "No matter how hard I try, she's just too stubborn to see reason.""Darien, don't waste your time on one woman. There are plenty out there," Ron said dismissively, a confident smirk
The Return of the Hades 126
126The next morning, they met at PC Costa When Darien entered the cafe, he noticed a burly man standing beside Amelia. His bulky muscles rippled under his clothes, and his knuckles were covered with calluses. This man was obviously an experienced fighter."Mr. French, sorry to bother you. I owe you one," Amelia walked up to Darien."It’s all right, I don’t mind helping out a friend in need. Besides, they had even specified my name in the note. I have no other choice," Darien smiled wryly.Amelia's bodyguard had left a ransom note which had Darien's name on it. He was to go with Amelia to save Camilla."Mr. French, let me introduce you toTegan Stavenger, one of the best fighters from the Fairchild family," Amelia pointed toward the man standing in silence."Mr. Stavenger, a pleasure to meet you," Darien nodded in acknowledgement."You’re Darien?" Tegan sized him up. "Was it you who took the men of the Crimson Shadows down?""In a way, yes," Darien nodded again."What do you mean, in
The Return of the Hades 127
127Marco's lips curled into a predatory smile, his eyes glittering with malice. "Ah, yes. Camilla," he mused, his tone dripping with mockery. "She's quite the prize, isn't she?"Darien felt a surge of anger rise within him at Marco's callous words. Without a word, he took a step forward, his fists clenched at his sides."Enough games, Marco," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Release her, or face the consequences."Marco's smile widened, his gaze flicking between Darien and Amelia with amusement. "Oh, I intend to release her," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "But first, let's see if you're willing to pay the price.""You admit to holding Camilla hostage because she caused a scene at your party?" Amelia's voice quivered with barely contained rage, her fists clenched at her sides.Marco chuckled, his eyes glinting with malice. "Your sister was a nuisance, destroying my property and insulting me in front of my guests. She deserves to be punished for her actions."A
The Return of the Hades 128
128But just as the tension reached its peak, Amelia spoke up. "Wait," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Before we agree to anything, I want my sister released."Marco's smirk faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Very well," he conceded, gesturing for his men to release Camilla.After a few moments, they came back with Camila.As Camilla stepped forward, relief flooded through Amelia. She rushed to her sister's side, wrapping her in a tight embrace."Are you okay?" Amelia asked, her voice filled with concern.Camilla nodded, her expression weary but relieved. "I'm unharmed, sis," she reassured her sister. "It was all a trap, Amelia. I didn't do anything wrong, I have not cause any troubleAmelia's heart sank at the revelation. Marco's cruelty knew no bounds, and she couldn't bear to see her sister caught in the crossfire."Go rest," Amelia urged, guiding Camilla away from the unfolding chaos. "I'll handle this."With Camilla safe, Marco wasted no time in rev