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The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 113
Catherine finally glanced at him over her shoulder. “Do you know about Shen Lian?”Zen arched a brow. “No.”“A historical painter from the Chinese dynastic era.” She turned to face him fully, her gaze flickering over him. “His brushwork was so divine, they said he could steal the breath of any woman who laid eyes on his work.”Zen’s stare didn’t waver. “And?”Catherine took a step closer, the sharp click of her heels the only sound in the room. “And I see a similar quality in you.”He exhaled lightly, unimpressed. “Didn’t know I was in the business of painting.”“You’re not.” She stopped just in front of him, so close that he could smell the floral notes in her perfume. “But you are in the business of stealing attention.” She tilted her head slightly, eyes flickering with amusement. “Women can’t seem to look away from you, can they?”Zen remained silent.Catherine smiled, running a finger down the lapel of his suit. “How can a man be so charming and so tough at the same time… also cut
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 114
Zen’s lips barely lifted. “I don’t entertain. I ask questions.”Her eyes glimmered with amusement. “Well, I like a man with curiosity.” She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, watching him carefully. “Alright, I’ll bite. Where to?”“My place.”Her smirk widened. “Oh? That’s bold.”Zen turned, already walking toward the car. “Get in.”Catherine hesitated for only a second before following.**The moment they stepped into a penthouse, Catherine barely had time to admire the lavish interior before her instincts screamed at her.She spun, aiming a sharp kick at his side.Zen leaned back effortlessly. The air split as her foot cut through it, missing him by mere inches.He exhaled. “Phew. What’s with women and fighting these days?”Catherine didn’t answer. She twisted her body, throwing a precise punch toward his jaw. Zen tilted his head slightly, the blow grazing past him.She clicked her tongue. “Not bad.”Zen sighed, stepping back as she followed up with another attack—a feint toward
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 115
She hesitated, then shook her head. "No, It's just... striking."Zen studied her for a moment, noting the slight tension in her shoulders. "You may go."Once the door closed behind her, Sinclair let out a low whistle. "She's lying, I don’t know Keisha to be that easygoing.""Obviously.""Want me to look into that too?"“Come to think of it, Catherine dropped a message that you will be following her to Paris soon,” Sinclair added.Zen shook his head. "Gosh, I’ll look into that, and I'll handle Keisha." He turned his attention to the briefcase, entering a complex code into its digital lock. The case opened with a soft hiss, revealing a collection of documents and a single USB drive."Is that what I think it is?" Sinclair asked, leaning forward with interest."Tom's private records," Zen confirmed. "The ones he kept separate from everything else."Sinclair whistled again. "How'd you find those?""I didn't. He did." Zen pulled out a leather-bound journal. "He left coordinates in his perso
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 116
The Charity Gala was in full swing by the time Zen arrived. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the grand ballroom of the Atherton Hotel, reflecting off designer gowns and carefully polished cufflinks. A string quartet played softly in the corner, providing a sophisticated soundtrack to the wealth and power circulating through the room.Zen adjusted his custom tuxedo cuffs as he surveyed the crowd. He had postponed his Paris trip by two days—not because of the gala, but because he wanted additional intelligence on Catherine before committing to international travel with her. Tonight was an opportunity to gather information from other sources."Mr. Diel," a familiar voice called out. "Fashionably late as always."Zen turned to find Bernard Kensington approaching, champagne flute in hand, his round face already flushed from alcohol. As one of the city's leading investment bankers, Bernard had access to financial information that could prove useful."Bernard," Zen acknowledged with
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 117
The evening had taken a turn that even Zen hadn't anticipated. What should have been a simple information-gathering mission at the charity gala had evolved into a public dismantling of Gregory Harrington's carefully constructed facade. Now, as he stood beside Catherine at the bar, he could feel curious eyes tracking their every move."Your reputation has just shifted dramatically," Catherine observed, signaling the bartender for another champagne. "From Tom Diel, the uncertain whom with calculating force keeps dangerous secrets on his enemies."Zen's expression remained neutral. "I don't care about reputation.""Everyone cares about reputation," she countered. "The difference is whether you control it or it controls you." She accepted her fresh glass with a nod to the bartender. "Tonight, you seized control."Before Zen could respond, a slim, elegant woman in a midnight blue gown approached them. Her silver hair was styled in a sleek bob that framed a face that had aged gracefully int
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 118
"What do you mean, stolen?" Zen's voice remained level, but Sinclair recognized the dangerous stillness that had settled over him.Keisha glanced around to ensure they weren't overheard. "Security alerted me ten minutes ago. Your penthouse was breached while you were here. The painting was the only thing taken."Zen's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Show me."They moved swiftly through the hotel's service exit, avoiding the paparazzi gathered at the main entrance. Keisha's sedan was waiting, engine running. Within moments, they were speeding toward Zen's building, the city lights blurring past."Security footage?" Zen asked."Wiped," Keisha replied, her hands gripping the steering wheel. "Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing."Sinclair let out a low whistle from the backseat. "Professional job.""The alarm system?" Zen pressed."Bypassed," Keisha said. "They used some kind of electromagnetic pulse device to temporarily disable the electronic security, then manually
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 119
The Carmichael Hotel stood like a gleaming sentinel in the heart of the financial district, its art deco façade illuminated by carefully positioned lights that accentuated its architectural details. At this late hour, the lobby was quiet, staffed only by the night manager and a discreet security guard who nodded respectfully as Zen entered.He had changed from his tuxedo into a more casual dark suit—still impeccably tailored but designed for movement rather than show. The Presidential Suite was on the top floor, accessible only by a private elevator that required a keycard.Zen had no such card, but that was a minor inconvenience."Mr. Diel," the night manager greeted him, hurrying from behind the reception desk. "This is unexpected. How may we assist you?""I need to see Ms. Caldwell," Zen replied, his tone making it clear this wasn't a request.The manager hesitated. "I'm afraid Ms. Caldwell left strict instructions not to be disturbed.""I understand," Zen said, reaching into his p
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 120
Dawn broke over the city skyline as Zen stood in his office, reviewing the final security measures for his departure. The wall of monitors before him displayed various data streams—flight plans, weather reports, threat assessments, and surveillance footage from key locations.Keisha entered, carrying a sleek leather portfolio. Dark circles under her eyes suggested she had worked through the night."The dossier you requested," she said, placing it on his desk. "Everything we have on Catherine Caldwell, cross-referenced with what we know about Marcus."Zen opened the portfolio, scanning the contents. "You found a connection?""Several," Keisha confirmed, pulling up additional information on the nearest monitor. "Catherine first appeared in the art world seven years ago, seemingly from nowhere. But before that, we found traces of her under a different name—Catherine Mercer—operating in Eastern Europe.""Doing what?""Officially? Art restoration and authentication." Keisha pulled up a gra
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Chapter 137
The press conference was a masterclass in corporate theater. Zen stood on the podium at the future site of Skyline, the skeletal framework of the unfinished building rising behind him like the bones of a slumbering giant. Construction equipment gleamed in the afternoon sun, workers in Mega-branded safety gear positioned strategically in the background.Camera flashes punctuated his arrival as journalists frantically took notes. The city's most prominent business reporters had rushed to the site following Mega's cryptic announcement of "significant developments regarding the Skyline project."Zen adjusted the microphone, his expression betraying nothing of the calculated vengeance driving his actions. Sinclair stood to the side, scanning the crowd with practiced vigilance, while Keisha managed the press at the perimeter."Good afternoon," Zen began, his voice carrying across the assembled media with commanding precision. "Thank you for joining us on such short notice. Today marks a sig
Chapter 136
Night had fallen across the city as Zen sat alone in his office, the only illumination coming from his desk lamp and the soft glow of his computer screen. The Rossi loan documents were spread before him, each page meticulously annotated with his observations. The evidence was damning—predatory terms, hidden clauses, and what appeared to be deliberate manipulation of financial projections to ensure default.Mrs. Rossi had overplayed her hand, and now Zen had everything he needed to take control of the Skyline project.A soft ping from his security system alerted him to movement in the outer office. Zen glanced at his watch—11:47 PM. The cleaning staff had already finished hours ago, and his assistant had left shortly after six.He wasn't expecting anyone.With calmness, Zen closed the folder containing the loan documents and slid it into his desk drawer. He then pressed a concealed button beneath his desk, activating the silent recording system he'd installed for exactly this type of s
Chapter 135
The Skyline project dominated the horizon, its partially completed towers rising like monoliths against the afternoon sky. Construction cranes swung in choreographed precision, while teams of workers navigated the massive structure with efficiency. Despite being 15 percent complete, the development already commanded attention—a testament to Tom's architectural vision and business ambition.Zen stood at the edge of the site, ostensibly reviewing progress reports while actually conducting a far more strategic assessment. Following Wilson's revelations about the underground infrastructure connections, a personal inspection had become necessary."The north tower foundation is proceeding ahead of schedule," James Wilson explained as they walked the perimeter. "Structural integrity tests exceeded specifications by twelve percent.""And the sublevel excavation?" Zen asked, his attention focused on the massive pit that would eventually become the project's underground parking and service are
Chapter 134
Back in Zen’s Home country, after the whole heat has died down.Evelyn Rossi's office occupied the entire top floor of the Rossi Enterprises headquarters, a testament to both her inflated sense of importance and desperate need for the appearance of power. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a 360-degree view of the city, including—Zen noted with satisfaction—a perfect sightline to the Skyline project rising in the distance. A project she'd foolishly leveraged her company to infiltrate."Mr. Diel," she greeted as he was ushered in by her assistant. Her voice carried the brittle warmth of someone trying to mask anxiety behind social pleasantries. "What an unexpected pleasure. I was beginning to think you were avoiding me."Zen moved into the spacious office with confident strides, each step calculated to remind her who truly held power in this room. He didn't wait for her invitation before settling comfortably in the chair opposite her desk."Avoiding you, Evelyn? Quite the contrary. I've
Chapter 133
The yacht cut through darkening waters, its engines humming at three-quarter power as it navigated away from Saint-Malo's harbor. Security personnel had settled into cruising positions—two on the aft deck, one on the forward observation point, and two inside the main cabin with Zharkov and Nia. The remaining guards were likely positioned on the bridge and in the engine room, maintaining operational security throughout the vessel.Zen and Henri remained concealed near the outer deck storage compartments, using the shadows cast by the yacht's exterior lighting to avoid detection. The increasing distance from shore worked in their favor—intervention from harbor authorities becoming less likely with each passing minute."Approaching optimal position," Henri noted quietly, checking the GPS coordinates on his tactical device. "Five minutes to designated extraction point."Zen nodded. They had identified a stretch of water approximately three nautical miles from shore—far enough to avoid imm
Chapter 132
Saint-Malo's ancient granite walls rose against the darkening sky, silhouetted by the setting sun as it dipped into the English Channel. The medieval fortifications had withstood centuries of sieges and storms, but now they served as mere backdrop to a far more immediate conflict. NiaZen studied the waterfront property through high-powered binoculars, his position on a neighboring rooftop offering optimal surveillance while maintaining adequate distance. The target—a modernist villa constructed with obvious disregard for the historic surroundings—sat directly on the water, complete with private dock where a sleek yacht waited, engines idling."Preparations for immediate departure," he noted, observing increased activity around the vessel. "Security detail?"Beside him, Henri adjusted his own observation equipment. "Eight visible. Professionally positioned. Two on the main approach, two patrolling the perimeter, four on the property itself.""Armed?""Concealed, but evident from their
Chapter 131
"Eighty-five seconds," the commander announced with professional detachment. "More than enough time for my departure, but rather challenging for yours."Zen maintained his aim, mind calculating options with cold efficiency. The commander held a decisive advantage with Catherine as hostage, but his announced departure suggested a tactical opportunity—he needed to move, which meant a moment of vulnerability."Your men upstairs?" Zen asked. "They're aware of Protocol Omega?"A flicker of something—annoyance, perhaps—crossed the commander's face. "My team understands operational necessities."Expendable assets, then. The commander had no intention of extracting his full team. Only himself, with Catherine as insurance, and the evidence they'd recovered.Catherine had remained silent, her posture tense but controlled. Now she caught Zen's gaze with deliberate intent, her eyes flicking briefly toward the ceiling—a message.Zen followed her glance, noting a specific pattern in the cellar's ov
Chapter 130
The chateau had transformed from elegant estate to tactical battleground in a matter of minutes. Emergency systems filled corridors with obscuring mist while strategic power failures created a disorienting environment of alternating darkness and strobing emergency lights. The cacophony of alarms, sprinklers, and intermittent gunfire completed the sensory disruption Sinclair had engineered."Status?" Zen asked as Sinclair emerged from the safe room, moving with obvious discomfort but determination."Mobile, armed, and extremely irritated," Sinclair replied, accepting the weapon Zen offered him. "Evacuation route?""Compromised," Zen stated, gesturing to the bound Marie. "She's been working with Marcus. Likely provided the layout and security details."Sinclair's eyes narrowed as he took in the situation. "Dr. Benoit?""Uncertain. Claims loyalty to Catherine."Benoit straightened, indignation overcoming caution. "I've served Catherine faithfully for years. Marie is the traitor, not me."
Chapter 129
Zen assessed their deteriorating tactical situation with cold precision. The intruders had effectively split their forces—one team maintaining pressure on him and Henri, another moving toward Sinclair's location, and likely a third searching for Catherine and the evidence drives."We need to reach Sinclair," he told Henri. "Before they do."Henri nodded grimly. "Secondary passage through the library. Concealed door behind the east bookcase."They moved in coordinated retreat, covering each other's movements while maintaining suppressive fire to slow the intruders' advance. The smoke provided useful cover, but it would dissipate soon, eliminating that advantage.As they reached the library, a sudden burst of gunfire from another section of the chateau confirmed Zen's assessment—the attack was proceeding on multiple fronts simultaneously."That came from near the kitchen," Henri noted, concern evident in his voice. "The safe room...""Sinclair's armed," Zen reminded him. "And Marie is w