One left the auction venue that day with a mix of emotions.The loss of his entire team weighed heavily on his conscience, but he couldn't deny the overwhelming relief that coursed through him. Zale could have easily killed him, but instead, he spared his life, albeit with a daunting condition. Now, he had to prove his unwavering loyalty to Zale to ensure the arcane man wouldn't change his mind and come for him.Zale's task was a chilling one, a testament to the darkness that now enveloped One's life. He was ordered to abduct and torture the very man who had initially hired him to assassinate Zale – Xavier's father, Raynott. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on him, and it gnawed at his conscience.After that harrowing night at the auction, One woke up the next morning feeling every ache and pain that came from Zale's merciless beating. Bruises adorned his body like badges of loyalty, a constant reminder of the price he had to pay for his survival. He gazed around the now-emp
One had gone outside the room after he splashed water on Raynott's face, leaving the captive in a state of confusion and dread. He wanted to ensure that no one was around the vicinity, that this dark secret would remain hidden from prying eyes.As he was done assessing the surroundings, he smiled victoriously and began to walk back to the room. Each step was calculated, filled with the anticipation of what was to come.Entering the room, he saw that Raynott was already awake, his eyes darting around the room, searching for answers that would only bring despair.One had made sure to bond Raynott tightly to the steel chair, every restraint meticulously fastened, as it would be necessary considering the amount of torture the latter would soon endure.Raynott's eyes locked onto One, and the old man's first response was to give an order, a feeble attempt to maintain some semblance of authority in this dire situation. "What are you standing there for, you idiot?! Quickly unbond me right thi
Raynott's heart raced as One tightened the screw around his trembling fingers. The pain was excruciating, and he could feel the bones in his hand being crushed. He let out a guttural scream, his voice echoing through the empty room.One seemed unfazed by Raynott's suffering, his eyes cold and calculating. "You brought this upon yourself, old man," he said, his voice devoid of any remorse.Raynott's vision blurred with tears as he gasped for breath, trying to endure the pain. "Please, One, I beg you, stop this! I'll do anything you want. I name anything you want, I will do it for you. I'll make sure that you don't get to work again for the rest of your life. Please just stop!" He pleaded, his voice a desperate plea for mercy.But One continued to tighten the screw, causing Raynott's fingers to contort in unnatural angles. The pain was overwhelming, and Raynott's body convulsed in response."You should have thought of that before sending me and my team to destruction," One retorted col
Zale glanced at Leia, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Your willingness to share your past speaks volumes about your character, Leia. I like your honesty."Ace, ever vigilant, interrupted, "We can discuss this later. It's not safe here, and we need to move."Zale nodded, acknowledging the urgency. "Agreed. Let's wrap this up quickly."As they finished their meal, Zale turned to Leia. "Your experience might prove valuable. I'm considering your offer of support when dealing with Williams Adair."Leia smiled, a mix of gratitude and determination in her eyes. "I'm ready whenever you are, sir."After settling the bill, the trio quietly departed from the motel's restaurant. Alone, Zale ascended to their motel room, exchanging his attire for the new clothes Ace had got for him. Upon descending, they departed the motel, headed back to the truck they used for arrival, and drove off.As Leia drove into the bustling streets of the underworld, she inquired, "Where are we headed, sir?""Orac
Ace's eyes widened in shock as he turned around, only to find a lifeless body convulsing in blood on the ground. Concern etched across his face, he rushed to Zale's side, questioning urgently, "What happened, sir? Are you alright? Why did you kill him?" His eyes pleaded for an explanation.Zale, still composed, met Ace's gaze and calmly replied, "I guess he is among the spies you talked about earlier. No, he is more like an assassin than a mere spy. He attempted to kill me just now."Ace's shock deepened, grappling with the sudden revelation. The weight of the situation hung in the air as the truth unfolded in the aftermath of the swift and deadly encounter.Leia, standing nearby, observed the tense exchange, her eyes darting between Zale and Ace. She interjected with a mix of disbelief and curiosity, "An assassin? How did he even get in here? And why target the young master?"Zale, still holding the dagger that had ended the threat, spoke with a hint of certainty, "He is likely work
The servant's eyes widened as he realized he had been caught, a cold sweat forming on his forehead. The balcony fell into an eerie silence, punctuated only by the distant sounds of the city beyond the ancient duplex's walls."I...I... can explain..." he stammered, desperation lacing his voice, but deep down, he knew there was no explanation that could absolve him from the dire situation he found himself in."Explain?" Zale scoffed, his voice cutting through the tension as he took a deliberate step closer. The servant instinctively took a step back, fear etched across his face. He had witnessed Zale's brutal efficiency in dealing with threats before, and the memory lingered like a haunting specter."I wanted to surrender back then...." the servant began to explain, his words trembling with anxiety. However, Zale wasn't ready to entertain lies. He halted the servant midway, a dismissive glare in his eyes."No need to lie. Your fate is already sealed," Zale declared, his tone devoid of m
Zale strolled back into the mansion, a subtle smile playing on his lips. The unexpected turn of events had granted him another player in the intricate dance of alliances. Loyalty, or at least a semblance of it, seemed within reach.Entering the grand foyer, he noted the absence of Ace and Leia. "Leo must have taken them to their rooms," Zale mused as he ascended the staircase, curiosity piqued.The first-floor hallway greeted him with a few scurrying servants. Zale halted one, his eyes focused. "Have you seen Leo and the others I arrived with?"The servant, visibly intimidated, stammered, "Uh … they're on the second floor, sir. I can take you there."Zale nodded, and the servant led the way. As they entered the second-floor hallway, Leo emerged from one of the doors.Dismissing the servant, Zale approached Leo. "Have you shown them to their rooms?"Leo nodded, "Yes, I just showed the young Miss to her room. May I take you to your room now, sir?"Zale declined, shaking his head. "Let's
Far away from the Oracle estate, in a mansion that stood in the very heart of the underworld, protected by one of the strongest thugs the underworld had to offer, a middle-aged man stood in front of the window of his room, seemingly looking outside and enjoying the view of the twilight. Albeit, that wasn't entirely the case.The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of a single lamp casting long shadows across the ornate furniture.The walls, adorned with dark mahogany panels, held an array of antique weapons – a silent testament to the power that resonated within these walls. A rich, burgundy carpet stretched across the floor, muffling footsteps and absorbing the weight of whispered conversations that had echoed in the dimly lit room. The air, tinged with the scent of aged leather and cigar smoke, held the secrets of countless clandestine dealings.The man, although middle-aged, appeared to be in his late forties. His curly brown hair, now streaked with strands of silver, framed
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