Back in the van where the Numbered faced off against Jolene's shadow guards, chaos ensued as the battle intensified. The shadow guards displayed remarkable combat skills, leaving the Numbered at a disadvantage.Six, still reeling from the blow to his face, attempted to regain his footing. He knew he couldn't afford to stay down for long, not when the safety of his team depended on their collective strength.Seven and Nine continued their relentless assault on the shadow guards, but it was clear that they were outmatched. The shadow guards moved with a precision and fluidity that made it difficult for them to even land a hit.Amidst the chaos, Four managed to recover from the initial attack, but his recovery was short-lived as he was caught off guard by Jolene once again. This time, her attack was ruthless, targeting his bones with exactitude. The excruciating pain left him incapacitated, his screams echoing within the confined space.The shadow guards recognized Jolene's intention to
Despite the initial surprise, the shadow guards immediately moved into action. With ruthless efficiency, they carried out Jolene's orders, ending the lives of the remaining Numbered with a swift and merciless execution.The hacker, overwhelmed by the gruesome scene and the ruthlessness of the shadow guards' action, fainted under Jolene's strong grip. Jolene discarded him without a second thought and continued with her business, deep in contemplation."These are the same people who attacked the young master. Their boss is currently inside the auction venue," she mused aloud, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But why did they choose to attack the young master? That leaves one question unanswered; who the hell sent them?" The shadow guards exchanged silent glances, their expressions inscrutable."Let's go. We need to inform Duke so he can keep an eye out for any suspicious individuals," Jolene ordered, her decisiveness unwavering.Jolene and the two shadow guards returned to their v
In the blink of an eye, Zale had transported himself and now stood before Three and One.This sudden appearance sent a jolt of terror through Three. For One, the scene was utterly confounding."How did he—" Three's voice quivered as fear overtook her.One interrupted, his gaze locked on Zale. "He was right behind us just moments ago. How can he be here now?"The situation was beyond belief."What do we do next?" Three whispered, fear dripping from her words.Zale remained still as a statue, neither lifting his head nor uttering a word. It was as though he existed in a realm of his own."Let's change our direction. This guy is giving me the creeps," One suggested, his eyes never straying from Zale's enigmatic presence.He grabbed Three's arm again and tried to veer away, but as before, Zale materialized in front of them before they could advance even a couple of steps.They repeated this desperate dance several times, yet Zale continued to outmaneuver them.After their seventh failed at
One's heart pounded, and his mind raced as he grappled with the precarious situation. He had to tread carefully to convince Zale of his loyalty and secure his own survival. Taking a deep breath, he responded with determination, "I'll do whatever it takes to prove my loyalty, sir. Tell me what you want and I will get it done without hesitation." He even lowered his head in a bow.Zale's smile widened when he saw that gesture. Who would have thought that the once rebellious assassin would turn out to be a loyal servant? It was unbelievable. However, he expected nothing less from One. No one wants their life to be taken.Despite the smile on Zale's face, his voice was hostile, "Very well, I have a task for you, One. You see, some people have wronged me, and I want them eliminated. If you carry out this task without question, I may consider sparing your life."One nodded eagerly, relief washing over him at the possibility of escape. "I'll do it, sir. Just tell me who they are, and it will
Zale and Amelia, just like everyone else, headed outside the auction room.Amelia and Zale, like the other guests, made their way outside the auction room, but their paths diverged from the majority's."I want to introduce you to my friend. Afterward, you can go ahead and join the others in the dining…" Amelia was still speaking when Zale gently interrupted her."I want to introduce you to my friend, and afterward, you can go ahead and join the others in the dining room," Amelia began to explain, but Zale interjected gently, his bright smile prevailing."I don't have plans to join the others for a meal. I'm perfectly fine. Let's go meet your friend."Amelia, sensing Zale's resolve, retorted, "Well, I don't have plans to do that either. Let's go, then." Zale followed Amelia deeper into the mansion's opulent halls.Along the way, Amelia took a few moments to make phone calls, ensuring that Sophia was indeed present at their intended destination, and fortunately, she was.Zale remained s
Zale found himself momentarily taken aback by Sophia's last statement.He had to look at her closely, studying her demeanor to be sure she wasn't under the influence of alcohol before he could accept her words. Her eyes were clear, her posture firm, and there was a sense of determination in her expression; with all these, he would rest assured that she was fully sober.After a brief but intense study, he finally spoke, his tone firm and assuring, "Sophia, I may not fully comprehend why you trust me in this situation, but I can promise you this: nothing bad will happen to Amelia under my watch."Sophia met his gaze with unwavering confidence, her words carrying the weight of her conviction, "You don't need to tell me. I trust you implicitly. And the fact that Amelia already places her trust in you only solidifies that trust."Zale nodded, appreciating Sophia's unwavering faith in him. He turned to leave the room, fully intending to attend to the unconscious Amelia and make sure she was
Zale nodded in acknowledgment of Jolene's words, and he led her into the villa, to a more private area where they could discuss matters without interruption. As they settled inside, Zale's thoughts were still grappling with the events of the previous night."Jolene, what's so pressing that you came this early in the morning?" Zale asked, his voice betraying none of the thoughts racing through his mind. His usual air of casual confidence masked his thoughts.Jolene hesitated, her usually unflappable demeanor wavering. "It's about last night," she began, her voice laced with an undercurrent of urgency, "I want to begin by apologizing for not being there when those criminals attacked you."Zale raised an eyebrow, his eyes never leaving hers. He didn't reply, but the tension in the room grew more palpable.Unfazed, Jolene continued, recounting the events of the previous night in a meticulous and detailed manner. She provided every piece of information, sparing no detail, even relaying Duk
Unbeknownst to Zale and his grandfather of the spreading rumors about them, they proceeded to the Adair ancestry mansion.During the journey, Cyprus couldn't resist commenting on Zale's transformed appearance and demeanor. "You seem remarkably different now, my boy. Has something occurred that I'm unaware of?"Zale was slightly surprised by the question but replied with a wide smile on his face, "Nothing happened, Grandpa. I didn't realize I looked different until now.""You certainly do. It's as if..." Cyprus paused, observing Zale before adding, "It's as if I'm gazing at someone with five decades of life experience."Zale chose not to respond, fully aware that this transformation likely resulted from the artifact and his newfound abilities, opting for silence.The journey continued in silence until they reached the Adair mansion.Both Cyprus and Zale stepped out of their car.Ace led Cyprus to his chamber, while Zale decided to take a walk around the mansion.Zale wished to allow th
As Zale and Ace ventured beyond the gate, the air hung heavy with tension. They arrived in front of the mansion, which was guarded by three security guards.The guards were slightly taken aback when they saw Zale and Ace.Their comrades at the gate hadn't informed them of the arrival of any guest, so they were confused.They didn't have the slightest idea of the fight that had taken place outside; they were completely oblivious.The guard, who appeared to the leader, stepped forward and asked, “Who might you be, sirs?” His voice was polite and respectful.He thought that if his companion had allowed Zale and Ace entry, it meant they were esteemed guests of honor.Ace glanced at Zale and upon seeing the hidden smirk on his face, he understood what was going to happen.“We are honorable guests of your boss. Should you really be standing here asking questions or just step out of the way?” Zale asked, his voice stern.The guard shivered slightly when he felt Zale's gaze on him. “I…I’m so
The guard's eyes widened in shock, his expression transforming into a lethal glare directed at Zale."Who the hell are you, you bastard?" Despite his astonishment, fury seethed in his voice.Zale chuckled softly before responding, "I'm just someone who wishes to see your boss. We can avoid all of this if you tell your colleagues to let me in."The guard's eyes ignited with rage as he retorted, "Bullshit! If you don't want to leave peacefully, I will make you leave myself."The tension escalated, drawing the attention of the other guards who became alert to the hostility emanating from Zale.They stood ready, poised to open fire at a moment's notice if the need arose.Ace moved in closer to Zale and whispered in his ear, "I don't know what you're trying to do, but these guys are well-armed. I trust your decisions, but I must admit we are clearly at a disadvantage here. The shadow guards are nearby. I can send them a message, and they will take out these guys."Zale nodded, seemingly in
In the aftermath of the charged meeting, Zale and Ace headed outside the building, toward the mansion.Zale's mind swirled with a mixture of determination and uncertainty, while Ace, ever stoic, maintained a vigilant presence.As they arrived in front of the mansion, Zale’s phone vibrated in his pocket. It was his grandfather."Zale," Oracle's voice resonated. For the first time in a long time, he called Zale by his name. "I've been monitoring the meeting. Bane's words have validity. Are you certain about this path you're taking?"Zale, undeterred, responded, "I've made my choice, Grandpa. This is a battle I must face, not just for myself, but for those who've suffered unjustly."The last part was talking about Oracle. The old man had gone through a series of emotional breakdowns after his son and his daughter-in-law died. It was one hell of a torture at that time.Oracle let out a sigh, a blend of regret and understanding in his simulated eyes. "I cannot dissuade you, but remember th
The following day, Zale gathered his closest allies in a private meeting. The meeting took place in one of the buildings in Oracle's estate.The atmosphere was charged with tension as he addressed them, laying out the challenges they faced and the imminent battle against Asper.A middle-aged man interjected, "I don't harbor personal grudges against Asper, but I'm willing to assist you."Another guest joined the conversation, expressing disdain, "That kid is a rude brat. I recall the first day he invited me to his place. He subjected me to the worst humiliation of my life. I can never forget that day. Count me in; I'm ready to join and bring him down.”"While I don't hold a personal grudge against Asper, many of his allies are my enemies. Participating in this battle, I aim to indirectly confront my enemies.” Gradually, each person in the room consented to join the battle.Zale sat at the table's forefront, wearing a smile.Once he explained the purpose of the gathering, he observed as
About an hour or so later, Zale arrived at Oracle's estate.Zale went straight to his room the second he entered the mansion.He freshened up and changed his clothes. When he was done, he headed downstairs and had his breakfast.“Where were you last night, sir?” Leia inquired as they strolled out of the dining room.As usual, they were the only ones in the dining hall. Ace was said to have gone out of the mansion early in the morning.Zale chuckled mischievously. “Why, you miss me?”“Cough!” Leia feigned a cough and changed the subject.“Anyway, how did last night go?” She asked, curious.“If you're talking about your performance, I must admit; you did….” Zale began, but Leia cut in."Not that, sir. Ace has already filled me in on that a million times," Leia interjected with a pout. "You know what I'm referring to.”Zale paused as if thinking about it. “Are you by any chance asking about what happened between me and my girlfriend?” His smile had taken a mischievous glint.Leia let out
Zale headed straight back to Oracle’s estate. He needed to have a serious conversation with Ace.He couldn't wait any longer. Asper had begun his move and he wouldn't just sit back and watch.“Now I have stopped to think about it, what later happened to Adams? I didn't see him again last night. I guess the security threw him out. After all, he had attacked me,” Zale muttered, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.‘Does this mean others now know about me?’ Zale mused excitedly.It was pretty easy to guess; Adams wouldn't keep what he saw last night to himself.Zale made it pretty clear last night that he was the one behind all of Jenkins's misfortune, so Adams would most certainly not keep quiet about it.“I’m glad things turned out this way. Although I doubt Adams' words would be enough to convince them.” Zale seemed pleased by the fact that he stumbled upon Adams last night.He didn't plan to suddenly show up claiming to be the new chairman of Adair Group. To him, that wouldn't be
The atmosphere in the room shifted, with Oracle grappling with the unexpected revelation. Zale, still chuckling, tried to ease the tension."Well, Grandpa, surprise! We kept it low-key for a while," Zale said, grinning. He wanted to gauge his grandfather’s reaction.Oracle sighed, shaking his head. "You always find a way to keep me on my toes. I hope you're serious about this, Zale."Zale's smile softened. "I am, Grandpa. Maya means a lot to me."Oracle studied Zale for a moment, then nodded. "As long as you're sincere and treat her well, that's what matters."Zale was a little taken aback when he heard that. He was confused, more like shocked.He had expected the old man to be greatly against the relationship but that didn't seem to be the case.“Seriously?” Zale couldn't help it. “Are you really not against our relationship?” He didn't expect such an outcome.“I mean, why?” Oracle pretended not to know anything.Zale gave the old man a dry look. “You're very bad at acting. You shoul
Before long, Zale was ready to leave. He intended to head directly to his family mansion to visit his grandfather.“I will get going now, darling. Take care. I will call you later in the day.” Zale gently planted a kiss on Maya's forehead before he departed.Maya arranged a car to drive him there, therefore as soon as he arrived outside, he entered the car and left the mansion.Maya’s head guard, despite having the urge to wave at Zale while he was departing, had decided against it.What if all of this was a ploy to make him let his guard down? He couldn't help but think.“I have to be completely sure he isn't going to harm my young Miss. Only after then will I be at ease around him,” the head guard muttered to himself.The journey was long and full of silence. Adams was occupied with his thoughts, and thankfully, the driver wasn't interested in striking up a conversation with him either, so none bothered to say a word to each other.“I don't think I will be able to enter the Adair ma
The room fell into a stunned silence upon hearing Elsher's speculation about Zale's possible connection to Adair Group. The family members exchanged bewildered glances, grappling with the implications of this unexpected twist. Azazel, breaking the silence, furrowed his brows and questioned, "Adair Group? What does that have to do with our troubles?"Elsher, maintaining her composure, explained, "Adair Group has substantial influence and connections. If Zale is indeed associated with them, it explains how he gained the resources and power to orchestrate our downfall.”"I discovered that Ace is aligned with the Adair family when I was researching the mysterious chairman of the Adair Group. Consider this – why would Zale have any association with someone like Ace if they weren't collaborating? It raises questions, especially regarding our acceptance of a contract from Adair Group. After mysteriously losing the contract funds, they still extended a substantial loan to us. Have you ever w