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The Return of the Hades Fight
13The underground parking lot echoed with the sounds of scraping boots and grunting men as the old man and gang leader dueled. Their weapons flashed in the dim halogen lights as each looked for an opening on the other.The gang leader struck first, slashing wildly. But the old man was surprisingly nimble, dancing back just out of reach. "Come on gramps, stand still!" The gang leader taunted. He lunged again, knife stabbing where the old man had been a moment before.A small smile played at the corner of the old man's mouth. "You'll have to be faster than that, sonny," he goaded in return. He parried the next attack, their blades meeting with a metallic ring. They pushed against each other, muscles straining. The gang leader was bigger and stronger, but the old man had experience and cunning on his side. With a grunt, the old man twisted, throwing the gang leader off balance just long enough to slip away. A well-aimed boot to the back sent his opponent sprawling.The watching gang
The Return of the Hades Shoot in cold blood
14 The old man looked up calmly into the barrel of the gun, his hands still raised in a gesture of peace. But inside, his heart pounded in fear. One wrong move and this volatile woman could end him without a second thought. "Ma'am, please listen to reason," he said in a low, steady voice. "Put the gun down before someone gets hurt that doesn't need to." Cersei's eyes blazed with fury and pain. "Don't tell me what to do!" she screamed, her hands shaking. "You've caused enough trouble already." Her hands shook with adrenaline and rage. Cersei glared down at the old man who was pleading in front of her. The cold steel of her gun pointed directly at his heart. His eyes were wide, filled with a mix of fear and desperation. He was trembling, but not from the chill of the underground garage. "Please, ma'am," the old man, Darien, pleaded, his voice hoarse and broken. "You have to understand. It's for my granddaughter. She's sick, very sick. I heard...I heard that the Golden Apple could
The Return of the Hades Press events
15Cersei arrived at the press event, flanked by her assistant Lillian and security guards. She plastered on a confident smile despite her disheveled appearance. The crowd was restless, buzzing with questions about the evening's events. A reporter called out, "Miss Smith, what happened to your clothes? It looks like you've been in a fight!"Cersei waved dismissively. "It was a harrowing encounter, but I'm fine now. As for my attire, well..." She chuckled lightly. "Let's just say I had an unexpected wrestling match with those ruffians!" The crowd murmured in surprise. As Cersei approached the podium, a hush fell over the audience. She leaned into the microphone, her lip curled in a confident smile. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I'm sure you all have many questions after the distressing news from the underground garage. Let me assure you, I am perfectly well."A reporter shouted from the crowd. "Miss Smith, can you tell us what happened? We heard gangs were involved and shots we
The Return of the Hades Mayor's deception
16After wrapping up her press conference, Cersei headed straight for the Mayor's office, her mind racing. As cunning as she was, anger and greed often got the better of her. She saw people as playthings to be manipulated for her own gain. Upon her arrival, the Mayor welcomed her with open arms, "Miss Smith, it's a relief to see you unharmed after such an ordeal!" he exclaimed, his eyes reflecting his sincere worry.Cersei offered a slight, almost imperceptible smile, hiding her big feelings of anger and greed raging within her. 'This man has no idea how simple it will be to deceive him,' she thought. Aloud, she played her part flawlessly, "I was lucky to escape. But it's made me realize we can't wait any longer. We should speed up our plans for the Golden Apple project."The Mayor's brow furrowed in confusion, his tone reflecting his bafflement. "Speed up the plans? We've not even settled on a price, and the gala is still days away." Cersei's eyes sparkled with cunning and she sp
The Return of the Hades Unmasked
17As Darien voiced his bold claim, a wave of gasps and murmurs swept through the air, the tension was palpable. The crowd, eager for drama, leaned in, their eyes darting between Darien and Cersei, hungry for her response."Miss Smith, is this true?" someone called out, their voice laced with a mix of curiosity and disbelief."Are you lying to us?" another voice added, the suspicion clear in their tone."How do you respond to the accusation that you fabricated the story of fighting off the gang single-handedly?"'Darien? What's he doing here! And how did he know I killed that old fool.'A flurry of questions flashed through Cersei's mind as she took two deep breaths to ease the panic that washed over her.As she looked at the unknowing masses, an evil thought welled up from her mind."Darien! Even though I divorced you and I know you have a grudge in your heart, you have to keep slandering me at a time like this?"Darien didn't react for a moment to why Cersei's attitude changed so qu
The Return of the Hades Lies
18"You think you can fool everyone by hiring an actor? This old fool can't prove anything! ""It is true that he alone is not enough, but what if you add this! "A video with Darien's words from was played on the big screen behind Cersei, Cersei's icy voice came out from it. Her coldness, her mockery of the old man, all things were laid out for all viewers to see."Oh my god! ""How could she do that. "There were bursts of emotion and whispers from the crowd, a sceptical gaze swept over Cersei, forcing her to continue speaking:"This isn't real! You guys have to believe me-"A heavy gunshot interrupts Cersei's pale defence, and the video behind her plays just in time to show her firing the gun and then spitting on the old man."Pathetic."The word silenced everyone in the room, and Cersei, under the big screen, looked like a sinner being judged by the crowd.The silence of the crowd weighed heavily on Cersei, like a mountain pressing down on her shoulders. She fixed her gaze on Dari
The Return of the Hades two slaps
19Cersei's heart skipped a beat as Lavinia stepped forward, the crowd parting like the sea for Moses. This couldn't be the same Lavinia she had crossed swords with just days ago. That slap still stung, Turning to the mayor, her voice quivered, betraying her rising panic. "You... you know her?" she stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief.Mayor Thompson, looking somewhat puzzled by Cersei's sudden unease, nodded. "Yes, Miss Smith, I've had the pleasure. I'm acquiring the Golden Apple as a gift for Miss Lavinia Luciano," he said, his tone proud, as if announcing this was a coup for him.Cersei's mind raced, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. 'Lavinia? A big shot? But how? Last I knew, she was nothing, a nobody,' her thoughts screamed. Her fists clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms as she fought to maintain a semblance of composure. "I...I had no idea," she managed to say, her voice a mix of confusion and fear. 'This changes everything. If Lavinia is the one behind the G
The Return of the Hades Hand the combination!
20As the spotlight shone on Darien, surprised murmurs rippled through the crowd. Darien stood tall yet calm, meeting Lavinia's steady gaze with gratitude. Lavinia turned to Cersei, her eyes hard. "You have shown your true colors, Cersei. Accusing an honest man while peddling your own lies." With a swift motion, Lavinia raised her hand and struck Cersei across the face. The sharp crack of impact rang out across the silent plaza, followed by collective inhales of surprise from the gathered crowd. Cersei cried out, more in shock than pain, as she reeled backwards. Her hands flew up instinctively to clutch her reddening face, unable to believe what had just transpired. Warm tears sprang unbidden to her eyes, spilling unrestrained down her ashen cheeks. This was no mere slap - it was a brutal blow, charged with venomous fury. Cersei's skin burned as if branded, the heat spreading through her entire being. She had felt Lavinia's wrath once before, just days prior, but this strike far
Latest Chapter
- 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
166
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
165
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
164
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
163
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
162
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
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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?
