2024-09-02 07:04:00The light on Zen’s phone blinked, pulling him back to reality. He picked it up and answered with a quiet, “Yeah?”
Keisha’s voice came through, slightly muffled. “Malia has eaten the bait.” Zen's lips curled into a sly smile. “Perfect,” he replied coolly. “Thanks, Keisha.” Without another word, he hung up, his smile lingering as he thought about the next steps in his plan. Almost immediately, his phone buzzed again. It was Willow. “Tom, your suit is ready,” she said cheerfully. “You forgot about the big four families’ party tonight, didn’t you?” “Shiiii!” Zen cursed, realizing he’d almost let it slip his mind. “Thanks for the reminder, Willow.” Sensing an opportunity, Willow's tone became teasing. “So... when should I be ready?” she asked, trying to sound casual. Zen chuckled. “Sorry, Willow, but I already have a date for the night.” He could almost hear her pout through the phone.
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The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 35
As Zen and Rosalia drove through the bustling streets toward the event hall, a tense silence filled the car. Rosalia’s eyes fixed ahead, seeming lost in thought. Zen, however, couldn't help but glance at her every now and then. He finally broke the silence, his voice was low. "Rosalia," he began, "what’s the real deal with this Big Four gala?"Rosalia turned her head slightly, a faint smile playing at her lips. "The gala?" She echoed. "Well, on the surface, it’s a charity event. But in reality, it's more about maintaining the balance of power. The Big Four families—they need the world to see them together, to remind everyone that their alliance is still strong, still in control."Zen nodded slowly, processing her words. "So, it's more like a show of strength than an actual charity event," he said.Rosalia chuckled. "Exactly. They have to appear united, to let the public know that their power isn't waning. It’s about reassurance—both to the people and to themselves."Zen frowned, glanc
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 36
As they weaved through the bustling crowd, Rosalia led Zen with a firm grip on his arm. The grand hall echoed with laughter and chatter, but the moment she approached a group of older men standing at the center, the noise seemed to diminish. Zen could feel the weight of every gaze in the room. "Come," Rosalia whispered, pulling him closer. "I want you to meet my grandfather, the patriarch of the Albrecht family."Zen’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t say a word. He followed her with a relaxed posture. As they reached the group, Zen found himself standing before the Big Four—powerful men whose influence stretched across the country.Rosalia's grandfather, a tall man with a deceptively cheerful face, stepped forward, his smile was wide. “Rosalia, my dear,” he greeted warmly, his voice carrying an air of authority. “Grandfather,” Rosalia said, with a respectful but light tone. “I’d like you to meet Tom.”Zen stood his ground, unbending, unbowed. No gestures of respect, no nods. J
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 37
Zen leaned over to Rosalia. “Hey, could you point me to the restroom?”Rosalia nodded and stood up. “I’ll take you there.”Zen gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “No need to stress yourself. Just point me in the right direction.”She gave him a small smile and pointed down a hallway. “It’s straight down there. The last door on the left.”“Thanks,” Zen replied, giving her a nod before making his way toward the restroom.___As he finished washing his hands and stepped out of the restroom, he almost bumped into two men waiting outside—Silas Wales and his friend, Dave. Zen’s eyes met Silas's, and he recognized the familiar sneer. Silas, whose ego Zen had bruised in a previous encounter, clearly hadn’t forgotten.“Long time no see,” Silas said with a forced smile, his tone dripping with condescension.Zen raised an eyebrow, with a calm expression. “It’s been a while, Silas,” he replied evenly, not showing any hint of concern.Dave smirked, leaning against the wall. “Still
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 38
As Silas approached Zen, his hand extended, ready to search him, a smirk played on his lips. Zen’s gaze was steady, though his eyes were sharp with amusement. Silas’ hand brushed against the necklace, and his smile broadened. “Gotcha!” Silas whispered triumphantly, drawing out the diamond necklace. “Here it is—”Before he could finish, a loud crash echoed through the hall. Glass shattered from above, and the lights abruptly went out. Smoke bombs went off and suddenly the room was filled with a thick fog and gasps of shock as chaos erupted.Zen’s hand trembled, his face paling. “I finally had the chance to—” His voice wavered, barely audible. “I finally had the chance to have some fun.” The hall plunged into darkness, and the room was enveloped in a higher degree of chaos, broken only by distant shouts and hurried footsteps. From the shadows, Sinclair appeared, his voice cutting through the confusion. “Chief. Looks like there’s trouble.”Zen’s eyes darted around as the invaders, clad
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 39
“Well, now that the excitement is over,” Silas began loudly, trying to regain his composure and draw attention back to himself, “there's still the matter of the missing jewelry—”The woman earlier, in a lavish gown suddenly stepped forward, holding up a glittering diamond necklace. “Oh, Silas!” she exclaimed, interrupting him. “I found it! I must have kept it in my purse without realizing.”The crowd let out a collective sigh of relief, with some chuckling nervously. But Silas wasn’t satisfied. He opened his mouth to argue, “But—”“Silence!” the Albrecht patriarch's voice boomed through the hall, cutting Silas off sharply. His face was stern, his eyes narrowing with impatience. “Enough of this nonsense! We have had more than enough drama for one night.” He turned to the Wales patriarch, who stood nearby, and his voice softened slightly but remained commanding. “See to it that your grandson knows his place and keeps his mouth shut.”The Wales patriarch sighed and turned, giving Silas a
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 40
The room was tense, the air thick with anticipation. The old man's eyes, sharp as ever, studied Zen intently. "You know," the old man began, his voice gravelly but commanding, "there are five major units in the military. Each one is capable of producing soldiers with the kind of strength you demonstrated tonight." He paused, letting his words hang in the air. "So, tell me, young man, which unit are you from?"Zen remained silent, his expression calm and unreadable. The old man’s smile widened, his curiosity piqued."You’re not going to answer? Or are you just being cautious?" he pressed. "You must be aware that anyone who shows such ability is usually affiliated with one of these units. It’s rare to see someone outside the military capable of such feats."Zen's eyes flickered slightly, but he kept his composure. "I’m not affiliated with any unit," he finally said, his voice steady. "I’ve always worked alone."The old man raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Alone, you say? That’s q
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 41
The next day, sunlight was streaming through the windows as Zen drove up to the hospital. He pulls into a parking spot, the engine of his car purring to a stop. As he steps out, a familiar voice cuts through the morning air.“Well, well, well. Look who’s gracing us with his presence,” Tasha teases, a playful smirk on her face. She’s leaning against a nearby wall, her arms crossed over her chest, clearly having been waiting for him.Zen glances over, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Tasha,” he acknowledges with a nod. “What are you doing out here so early?”“I could ask you the same thing,” she retorts, pushing off the wall to walk over to him. “Or maybe you’re just another rich kid who likes making a grand entrance?”Zen chuckles softly, shaking his head. “I didn’t realize driving a regular car was considered grand.”“Oh, please,” Tasha rolls her eyes. “That’s not a regular car, and you know it. I bet there’s a lot more to you than you let on. Probably some trust fund you’re hiding
The Useless Son-In-law is a God of War Chapter 42
Zen and Tasha walked through the hospital entrance, their footsteps echoing in the bustling hallway. The scent of antiseptic in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of activity. Nurses and doctors walking around, their faces set with the seriousness of their duties. Zen is scanning the surroundings, still thinking about the run-in with Sonia, when a familiar voice calls out. “Tom!” Zen turns and sees Nia approaching, her face lighting up with a smile. She was wearing yunusual vibrant scrubs, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. Zen’s surprised to see her here; he hadn’t expected to run into Nia today. He stops in his tracks, and Tasha glances between them, sensing an old connection. “Nia,” Zen says, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “What are you doing here?” Nia shrugs, a playful glint in her eyes. “I could ask you the same thing. But I guess you’re not here for the same reason as everyone else—you’re probably trying to save the world one patient at a time.” Z
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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
Chapter 112
The city lights flickered outside the limo windows, casting a soft glow on the leather seats. Zen leaned back, his fingers tapping idly against his knee as Sinclair sat across from him, reviewing some notes on his phone. The silence stretched for a moment before Sinclair smirked, shaking his head.“So, Lady P finally cracked, huh?” he mused. “Didn’t think she’d fold that quick.”Zen exhaled through his nose, his gaze steady. “She didn’t have a choice. Once fear sets in, it’s over.”Sinclair chuckled, locking his phone and slipping it into his pocket. “Well, can’t say I’m not happy. We finally got our first major clue.” He leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Catherine Caldwell. Now that’s a name I didn’t think we’d come across this soon.”Zen’s expression remained unreadable. He glanced out the window as they approached the venue. “You know her well?”Sinclair let out a low whistle. “Oh, very. She’s not just an art curator—she’s a damn empire. Her connections s
Chapter 111
People started to gather. The boutique was dead silent. The saleswoman’s face had drained of all color, her lips parting like she wanted to say something—anything—but no words came out. The manager, sensing the tension thick in the air, cleared his throat and forced a professional smile."Sir, if you'd follow me, I'll ensure you get the best service."Zen didn't move immediately. His gaze remained on the woman, watching her discomfort stretch until the air felt suffocating. Then, with an exhale of amusement, he finally stepped forward, his movements unhurried as he followed the manager deeper into the store.Behind him, he could feel the saleswoman’s stare burning into his back, but she didn’t dare say a word.The store’s private fitting area was as luxurious as expected—plush seating, a full-length mirror framed in gold, and a velvet curtain to section off the changing space. The manager personally brought over the suit Zen had requested, along with a selection of others that, in his
Chapter 110
Zen parked his car smoothly in front of a luxury boutique, stepping out with the usual unhurried grace that made people second-guess his every move. The store’s exterior gleamed under the city lights, the gold-plated logo above the entrance screaming exclusivity. Through the glass, he could see the meticulously arranged displays—elegant suits, designer dresses, and accessories that probably cost more than most people’s rent.He wasn’t in a rush.Pushing the door open, he stepped inside, his entrance barely acknowledged by the employees. A quick glance told him why—most of the workers were focused on the impeccably dressed customers browsing the racks. The kind of customers they assumed had money.Zen adjusted his cuffs and walked toward the suit section, his eyes scanning the options. He needed something sleek, something commanding. His fingers trailed over the fabric of a deep charcoal suit, the material smooth beneath his touch.“Excuse me, sir.”A clipped voice cut through the air,
Chapter 109
Zen pulled out his phone and dialed Sinclair. The call connected almost instantly.“Yo, boss,” Sinclair answered. “What’s up?”“I need everything you have on Catherine Caldwell,” Zen said, his voice even.Sinclair let out a low chuckle. “Catherine, huh? Interesting choice. You planning on buying art or something else?”Zen ignored the jab. “Just tell me what you know.”“She’s an influential art curator. Runs in high society circles, big money connections. Collectors love her, and so do men with a certain... taste.”Zen’s fingers drummed against his knee. “And her history?”“She used to be real close to you—well, the old you,” Sinclair said. “Back when you were obsessed with Malia Rossi. Catherine, though? She was obsessed with you.”Zen narrowed his eyes. “How close are we talking?”“Close enough that she’d know things no one else would. If anyone has answers about your past, it’s her.”There was a pause before Sinclair added, “Funny thing is, she’s hosting an exhibition tonight. I’ve
Chapter 108
Zen kept his grip tight, pressing Lady P against the wall. Her breathing was uneven, her sharp eyes scanning his face, searching for something—anything—that would confirm her growing suspicion."You’re not him," she muttered, her voice laced with certainty. "Tom would never look at me like this."Zen didn’t flinch. He leaned in slightly, his tone even. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."Lady P let out a dry laugh. "Oh, please. You really expect me to believe you’re Tom Rossi? The same man who used to walk in here all cocky, pretending he had everything figured out?"Zen stayed silent.She tilted her head, studying him. "You move differently. You talk differently. Hell, even your eyes… There’s something in them that wasn’t there before." She narrowed her gaze. "So, tell me. Who the hell are you?"Zen exhaled through his nose, loosening his hold just enough to let her breathe properly. "I already told you. I’m Tom.""Bullshit.""I lost my memory," Zen said flatly.Lady P’s expres
Chapter 107
Zen stormed through the building’s front entrance, his gaze steely as he approached the security desk. The two guards at the reception stood up immediately. They exchanged quick glances before one of them stepped forward, trying to block Zen’s path."Sorry, sir, you can’t go through," the guard said, voice shaking. "Please wait here."Zen didn’t even break his stride. His eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a brief, humorless smirk. "You don’t want to do that," he said calmly, but the menace in his voice was undeniable.Before the guard could respond, a loud, commanding voice rang out from behind him. "Let him through."The woman who spoke appeared out of nowhere, striding forward with an aura of authority that made the guards hesitate. She was tall, sharp-eyed, and dressed in a dark, sleek suit. Her presence was magnetic, and the guards, caught off guard, stepped aside at her command."That’s right," the woman continued, her tone cool and unbothered as she approached Zen. "If you w
Chapter 106
Zen arrived at the meeting location and was led to the spacious, modern office where Mrs. Evelyn Rossi sat, her arms folded, her gaze hard. She didn't rise to greet him when he entered, and Zen didn’t expect her to."Tom," she greeted sharply, her tone cold and stiff, as though this encounter was one of many long, drawn-out confrontations.Zen didn’t respond immediately. He simply walked past her, taking a seat at the sleek glass table, his expression unchanging. "I assume this isn't a social visit," he said, the flatness of his tone cutting through the tension in the room.Mrs. Evelyn remained standing, glaring at him as if daring him to flinch. "You’ve made a terrible mistake," she began, her voice trembling with restrained anger. "You have no idea what this is going to cost us, what this will cost you."Zen leaned back in his chair, maintaining an air of calm that only seemed to infuriate her more. "I know exactly what I’m doing.""No, you don’t," she snapped, taking a step forward
Chapter 105
Zen walked into Willow’s office, the door clicking shut behind him. She was already looking up from her desk, a slight smirk forming on her lips."Chief," Willow greeted with an air of familiarity and subtle amusement. "It’s been a while. You look… different."Zen’s eyes flicked over to her, but he didn’t immediately respond. He slid into the chair across from her, setting his iPad down on the desk. His voice was cool when he finally spoke. “Been busy.”Willow leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms, studying him. “I noticed. You’ve been avoiding me?”Zen’s gaze remained steady. “Avoiding is a strong word.”“Not if it’s the truth,” Willow replied, raising an eyebrow. “I’ve barely seen you around. You know, I thought I’d have to send a search party to find you.”“I don’t need searching,” Zen said with a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He picked up the coffee mug Willow had placed on the desk earlier. “I’m here now.”Willow’s smirk widened. “Yeah, you are.” She lean
