As Zale, Ace, and Leia left Luca's bar, the atmosphere around them was charged with the aftermath of their encounter. The gatekeepers, now conscious but still bearing the marks of their defeat, instinctively stepped aside as Zale approached.The three of them reached the vehicle and took their seats.Leia couldn't contain her admiration for Zale's prowess. "You're amazing, sir. I watched how you handled everything. You're really amazing."Ace, equally impressed, chimed in, "You did great. You are better than I imagined."Zale, modest in the face of their praise, responded, "It's no big deal. Luca is a total pushover, so convincing him wasn't that hard."Leia, undeterred, insisted, "Regardless, you're still amazing." With that, she started the truck's engine, and they sped off into the street.As they navigated the streets, Zale wasted no time getting down to business. "Who's our new target?"Ace, showing confidence, chuckled. "Take a break, sir. I'll handle this one."Zale, surprised
The grandeur of Maya's mansion enveloped Zale and Leia as they stepped through its majestic entrance. Crystal chandeliers cast a gentle glow over meticulously chosen furnishings, and the opulence of the surroundings spoke volumes about Maya's wealth and taste. The head of security, a silent escort through the corridors of luxury, led them toward the heart of the mansion.As they walked through the grand hallway, its polished marble floors reflecting their every step, Leia couldn't help but marvel at the sheer splendor that surrounded them. The walls adorned with expensive artwork whispered tales of a life steeped in extravagance.Finally, they arrived at the seating room where Maya awaited, perched regally on a plush sofa. Her initial delight at Zale's presence dimmed slightly upon noticing Leia accompanying him. In the momentary pause before their greetings, Maya's mind raced with unspoken questions about the relationship between Zale and Leia.The first thought that came to her
In the lingering aftermath of their passionate embrace, Maya found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Zale's proximity had ignited a fire within her, leaving her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. The room seemed to pulsate with an energy that mirrored the rapid beats of her heart.Breathless and still tingling from the lingering touch, Maya managed to utter a shaky "Okay," her voice betraying a mix of vulnerability and anticipation. The air between them held the electric charge of unspoken desires.Zale couldn't help but say, "I must admit, Maya, this wasn't what I anticipated when we agreed to this alliance."Maya chuckled, "Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it? But it's not bad, is it?"Their laughter echoed in the room, a harmonious blend of two individuals embracing the unpredictability of their entwined fates.Breaking away from the hug, Zale's eyes met Maya's, and he sensed the intensity of the moment. "Maya, I have to get going now," he said, a hint of regret ta
The sudden blockade caught Zale and Leia off guard, the abrupt halt turning into a claustrophobic confrontation. In no time, four cars had strategically surrounded them, forming an impenetrable barrier around the truck. Leia, still recovering from the initial shock, remained oblivious to the encircling threat.As the tension escalated, Zale's instincts kicked in. His gaze darted between the menacing cars, recognizing the danger they posed. "Are you alright, sir?" Ace inquired from the other end of the line, his voice laden with anxiety and concern. He had heard the screams, therefore he was worried.Zale had already forgotten he was in a phone before that happened, but upon hearing Ace's voice, he put the phone back to his ear.His tone was calm and collected as he replied, "It's nothing serious, we're fine. Let's continue the conversation when I get back."With that, he ended the call straight away, not waiting for any other response from Ace.He turned to Leia, urgency etched acro
The onslaught of gunfire resumed, and the air crackled with tension as bullets relentlessly pounded the truck. Zale, now outside the protective confines of the vehicle, moved with calculated agility, using the lifeless body as an improvised shield against the incoming onslaught.The assailants, fueled by anger of losing one of their own, intensified their attack. Bullets pierced the makeshift barrier before Zale.Zale, retaining an eerie calm amidst the storm of bullets, swiftly assessed the situation. With a sudden burst of energy, he lunged towards the nearest assailant, using the body as both shield and distraction. In a seamless motion, he disarmed the assailant, reversing the momentum of a confrontation that had initially appeared overwhelmingly against him.Dispatching the assailant by snapping his neck, Zale took possession of the body, utilizing it as a makeshift shield, just as he had done with the others.Now confronted with an unexpectedly resilient opponent, the assaila
Leia's heart raced as she heard the chilling order from the assailant leader. The realization that Zale might be gone hit her like a tidal wave, but she couldn't afford to crumble under the weight of grief just yet.The sound of approaching footsteps drew closer to the truck. Leia quickly assessed her options. Panic surged, but she forced herself to stay composed. Gripping a shard of shattered glass from the truck's window, she prepared for whatever awaited her outside.As the door swung open, Leia's eyes met the cold, calculating gaze of a tall, burly young man.Without hesitation, she drove the glass shard towards him, catching him off guard. The makeshift weapon found its mark, slicing across his cheek.A yelp of pain escaped him as Leia seized the opportunity to make a run for it. She darted away from the truck, seeking cover behind another vehicle.The leader, enraged by the unexpected resistance, ordered his men to pursue Leia.Before Leia could gain enough distance, she was g
Leia emerged from her hiding spot, her eyes wide with disbelief after she witnessed Zale's massacre.Normally, she would have attempted to stop him, but after what those criminals did to them, she couldn't help but think they deserved whatever came their way.The leader's fear intensified as he faced the resurrected threat before him.Zale, his expression cold and determined, locked eyes with the leader. "Your reign of terror ends here," he declared, each step echoing a relentless determination.The leader, desperate to salvage control, fumbled for his weapon, but fear paralyzed him. Leia, emboldened by Zale's return, stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension, "You despicable scoundrel! How does it feel to be ensnared in your own twisted game?"Zale closed in, the leader's trembling attempts at resistance futile. "I suggest you surrender peacefully, otherwise, I'll give you a very painful death." he urged, his tone calm yet full of menace.Cornered, the leader reluctantly
The mercenary Ethan set to get Zale still hasn't made any progress yet.They've searched and looked all over the city for Zale, yet haven't been able to make any progress.This greatly puzzled Cumbo as he hadn't been faced with something like this before.Usually, it takes him only a couple of hours to locate his targets no matter the part of the world the person is.Faced with something like this, he couldn't help but get annoyed and frustrated.He has employed all the tracing techniques he had up his sleeve yet no progress has been made.The only thing he has been able to find so far was the last location where his target's phone was used.As he sat on his bed in thought and contemplation, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.For a moment, his eyes widened in shock."What if he isn't in this city? What if he's in a location where no one can trace him?" Cumbo pondered aloud. "What if he sensed our pursuit and sought refuge there to evade us? Though the likelihood is low, it's still a
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