“Whether he trusted you before or not, what about now?“Dozens of his men are dead. Even his closest confidante barely made it out alive. With the explosion causing such a scene, the authorities will demand answers. All this will force Casius to burn through significant resources to keep things under control.“And you’re the reason he’s suffered all these losses, Leron. “What do you think Casius’ attitude toward you will be like after today?”Leron sneered. “Kaze, even if Casius doesn’t trust me anymore, do you really think I’d betray him and side with you?”“I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding.”Kaze shrugged casually. “Honestly, your only value to me is in answering a few questions I’m interested in. As for you yourself, frankly, I don’t consider you all that important. Even if you wanted to join me, I’d need to think it over.”That was the truth.Leron was undoubtedly a sharpshooter. He was possibly one in ten thousand. If Kaze genuinely needed a marksman, one word
To say that Leron was absolutely loyal to Casius would clearly be a joke.The two had always been in a mutually beneficial relationship. Casius valued Leron's sharpshooting skills and connections in the underground world. Hence, Casius brought Leron under his wing and treated him like a VIP.On the other hand, Leron saw Casius as someone who could protect both him and his family from being arrested by the authorities or hunted by enemies.So, for Leron, betraying Casius was not a matter of loyalty. It was simply that previously, Kaze had not held enough leverage. For Leron, this leverage was not about power or wealth. It was about ensuring the absolute safety of his family.While Casius may have claimed to protect Leron’s family, one could argue that he was merely using them as hostages to exert control over him. Having worked under Casius for so long, Leron was fully aware of the kind of person he was.Casius was stubborn. He was outwardly generous but inwardly suspicious.
Another specialist sighed. “Mr. Gwake, with the current outlook, perhaps you should consider discussing final arrangements with your wife. “One option might be to transfer her to a country where assisted euthanasia is legal. After all, it would be a far less grueling end than remaining in a vegetative state. It might bring peace for you both.”This blunt suggestion drew a collective sigh from the assembled doctors and specialists. As compassionate doctors, all of them wished to help Faith.However, at this point, they could not even determine the cause of Faith's condition. Random treatment was risky. if it worked, all would be well. What if she died? These doctors, each with a reputation to uphold, knew Jude’s status and temper well. None wanted to face his potential wrath if things went wrong.Jude’s brows knitted tightly together. After a long pause, he said gravely, “All of you are top experts in the medical field across Riverbank and the West State. With so many of you
Jude’s gaze grew even darker. After a moment of silence, he spoke, “I’ve heard that Dr. Wright has close connections with Dr. Notthingham and Dr. Hardy. Could you invite both of these esteemed doctors to Riverbank for me? I would be eternally grateful!”He had previously sent people to invite both Leo Notthingham and Xaxier Hardy. However, Leo was notoriously eccentric and reclusive. Besides, the person Jude had initially sent was a disciple of the Viper’s Den. He had relied too much on his status and failed to show the appropriate respect. As a result, Leo kicked him out. Later, Jude sent people to apologize, but Leo refused to even see them, shutting his doors entirely. With such an esteemed doctor, even noble families trod carefully. Jude did not dare use force, so he had left it at that.As for Xavier, he was invited to the Midstate at the time to treat a high-profile figure. Jude also lacked the right connections to arrange an invitation to Xavier.“Doctors are meant to
“Alright.”Holfman and the others cupped their hands respectfully.Jude then called over Serene. “Didn’t Casius mention he sent people to deal with Kaze earlier? Tell him that if captured Kaze, don’t kill him just yet.” Though Jude had no intention of pleading with Kaze, he was more than willing to use force if it meant securing treatment for Faith.However, Serene's expression was uneasy as she reported, “Master Gwake, we just received news. Casius’ assistant, Neely, led a group of dozens to seize Kaze at Jade Lake Mansion. “Turns out, not only had Kaze already left in advance without notice, but he also set a dust explosion trap in the villa.“The moment Neely and her team stepped inside, the place blew up. The explosion killed or injured dozens of them. Even Neely barely made it out alive!”“What?!”Jude’s face twitched in shock, his eyes widening in disbelief. Casius made his move. Surprisingly, he failed.He did not just fail. He failed miserably.Casius had sent doz
The doctor quickly stepped forward to comfort her, his expression anxious, worried that Faith might collapse at any moment.“I’ll speak with her. You all can take a break.” Jude gestured for the others to leave. He stayed behind with Faith. The medical team relaxed slightly. The pressure of treating such a high-profile patient had weighed heavily on them.Once alone, Jude gently took Faith's cold hand. “Faith, I’ve already asked Dr. Wright to contact Dr. Nottingham and Dr. Hardy. “They'll come as soon as they can and treat you.“You have to hang on!”Faith shuddered and weakly whispered, “Jude, don't lie to me. I overheard what you said outside.“We’re not even certain those two famous doctors will agree to help.“And even if they do come, if Dr. Wright couldn’t save me, can they do it?“Jude, I'm terrified. I don’t want to end up as a vegetable. You're the only one who can help me now!”Faith sounded almost like she was pleading. She was no longer carrying the authority
Although Jude had come to value Kaze more, he still despised the young man who had slapped him. He created a rift between him and his daughter. Most importantly, he obstructed his path to power.The idea of begging Kaze was simply impossible.“Faith, don’t worry. Just wait a little longer…”Jude avoided her desperate gaze and said softly, “Dr. Wright has already contacted the two renowned doctors. They'll be here as soon as possible…”“Bang!”Just then, one of his men forced open the ward door and hurriedly entered, looking grim. “Chief, Dr. Wright asked me to inform you that he has contacted the two doctors.“However... Dr. Notthingham is unreachable. It seems he's out traveling again.“And Dr. Hardy has agreed to come. But the earliest he can make it is in three days. He also insists that you prepare one hundred million dollars in advance for his consultation fee…”“Bang!”Jude collapsed onto the floor, his face turning ashen.He could afford one hundred million dollars. An
It was ten in the evening, the perfect hour for supper.When Kaze and Buffy arrived at the Highland Lamb House, it had already been reserved entirely for their gathering.The usually bustling hall was silent, with only Jude seated at a central table. In front of him, a copper pot steamed away. There were plates of thinly sliced lambs on the table, arranged meticulously. Jude picked up a slice with his chopsticks and dipped it into the broth.His movements were slow and deliberate. Besides, he looked calm and seemed to be enjoying himself. It was a stark contrast to the anxious demeanor he had shown back in the hospital.Beside him sat a man who looked like a figure out of legend, with a long robe, a goatee, and an air of serene detachment. He, too, took his time with the food, seeming to savor each moment like a wandering sage.Buffy clearly recognized this man and was surprised to see him there. After a brief pause, she regained her composure and approached the man with a res
“How dare those men hijack the plane and take Kaze. They must be punished…” Despite her grumbles, Snow grew anxious. “Given Mr. Lee’s capabilities, he won’t be hurt.” The agents around her tried to comfort her. They believed she was being too nervous. “I know, but we as subordinates have failed him by allowing this to happen. We have to do our best to make up for the mistake, and not rely on Mr. Lee to get out because he can.” Snow drowned in self-blame and regretted not being able to help. It was her negligence that allowed the hijacking to happen. “But there’s nothing you can do now. It’s late. Even the hijackers need to rest. They won’t do anything yet.” “It’s because the hijackers need to rest that we have to hurry and beat them to it. That’s the only way to solve this matter!” “But we’ve searched high and low and didn’t find anything. No one knows where they have gone. Even if they transported the passengers via buses, we didn’t see any tracks.” The agents discu
Kaze breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly went over to Miguel and pressed his hands with the gun down so that it would not misfire. “Good job.” “Thanks.” Miguel curled his lips into a nervous smile. He frequently trained in the gym and mixed martial arts but had never encountered any real-life incident before, thus being inexperienced. Fortunately, his mentality was stronger than the others and allowed him to act accordingly. “I’ll be taking the gun. This is self-defense, you won’t be charged and you won’t need to take responsibility,” Kaze said. Miguel’s pale face looked relieved. “What should we do now? Are there more of them?” Miguel dared not let go of the gun, worried there might be more enemies. “I’ve counted the numbers and this guy here should be the last one.” He then took the gun from Miguel’s hands. “Really? Gosh! That was crazy! I was so terrified!” Miguel finally loosened up and let his instinct take over. His heart was pounding so fast that it
Manson came over and saw the mercenaries lying in their own puddle of blood. The gore shocked him and made him sick. He tried his best to hold back the urge to throw up as it would attract attention. “Don’t look if you can’t take it! Don’t make things worse!” “Yeah! Professor! Grow a pair of balls!” “I have never seen dead bodies like this before!” he explained with a flush of embarrassment on his face. “Can we go out now and run away?” The hostages were eager to leave as things had settled down outside. They thought the danger was over. A dead mercenary was inside the container with them and they were still horrified. Once the others found out about this, the hostages would be shot to death. “If you want to die, be my guest. The moment you step out, you’ll be shot!” Callahan said as he looked at the others scornfully. One of the hostages had already put his hand on the handle of the door and was ready to dash out, but he quickly pulled his hand back after listening
“Tsk. Hold on.” Vexed, the man clicked his tongue and then waved at his colleague. “Come here. Someone fainted. Help me get him out.” The man wanted to take the professor out of the container. Manson’s heart pounded as he listened to the man. He was afraid he might be exposed, but there was no turning back now—he had to play along. Kaze stood behind the door, calming his breath down to lower his presence. “Get back. Stay away from the door. If anyone gets close, don’t blame me for being rough,” said the man as he unlocked the container. He opened the door and saw a number of hostages still sleeping. He then looked at the professor on the floor. He went closer to nudge him but did not get a response. It seemed like the professor needed medical attention. “Come on. Help me get him out.” The other man outside the container was on edge, looking as if he would pull the trigger at the slightest movement. “Why don’t we do it?” Callahan and Miguel volunteered. “You two
“It’s freaking troublesome.” “Boss, don’t worry about it. We’ll get an update tomorrow.” “Yeah. It’s late. Get some rest.” Tiguan’s men told him to get some rest and not worry so much. A few of them were already snoring on the chair. Tiguan sighed and killed the cigarette. He then closed his eyes to get some rest, too. The container that Kaze was in fell into silence once more. No one dared to make any noise but they all looked at Kaze, hoping to find out about his plans. Kaze’s eyes remained fixed on the window and showed no intention of revealing his thoughts. Miguel and Callahan were annoyed by the other hostages. “If you people want to get out of here alive, you better cooperate or come up with your own idea. No one is responsible for saving you.”“Yeah. I don’t want you guys to turn on us after we do all the heavy lifting. It will cost us our lives and you people won’t even be grateful.” Miguel’s tone was sarcastic because he disliked how the others looked at t
Kaze read the hostages’ minds and refused to be used. He wanted to leave but not under such circumstances. “That’s not true. We just don’t have the skills for this kind of situation. You guys are stronger, of course, you should be in the front,” said the man in glasses and a suit. A hint of sharpness gleamed in his eyes. Miguel knew what the man was planning, either. “That’s some plan you have there. You are just trying to use us to escape this place and no matter what happens, you’ll win.” “That’s not it! I just want everyone to stand together and get out of this place. I’ve never thought of using anyone!” the man argued, trying to look innocent. Even a monkey knew what he was planning, yet no one dared to speak up because they would benefit from it too. “Why don’t you guys think of something? If you need our help, we’ll help,” said another middle-aged gentleman who looked more just and fair, as if he could lead the group. “Then what is your plan?” Kaze suddenly wante
The hostages were locked up in the containers. Some of them were elites in their own field while some were ordinary people with average income, yet all of them got into trouble when they boarded the plane. Most of them could not accept their fate. Yet they dared not defy or resist the mercenaries. When things started to calm down, they broke down in tears, weeping in silence as resentment consumed them. Kaze sat down at a clean corner that allowed him to look outside the window. The window was dirty but at least he could see outside. The space inside the container was filled with people sitting closely, offering comfort to one another. They were aware they were just temporarily safe in this container. No one knew what the mercenaries would do to them at the next moment. “My parents must be worried. I said I would call them when I land but now I can’t even get in touch,” Barney muttered as he sat beside Kaze. He too looked outside the window, his feelings mixed. He watc
Kaze thought of what he had overheard in the toilet. If he told the hostages about that, they would probably panic. “It’s nothing. They are just going to separate us into different rooms or containers. They said the buses would be disposed of,” he said. He did not want to reveal too much because it would cause panic. Once the hostages knew their lives were on the line, things might spiral out of control. The mercenaries could kill a few of them to make an example, and none of the hostages would dare to cause problems anymore. Kaze kept it a secret because he wanted to protect the people. “That’s it?” “Is there anything else? How many men are there? What is their plan? Who are they looking for?” “We want to know because we want to survive. This isn't our problem—we just got caught up in it.” The hostages looked at Kaze, their eyes filled with worry. They felt aggrieved because they should not be caught in such a huge problem. “I don’t know either.” No matter how m
“There’s a room there. Get in.” The mercenary pointed his gun at the mother and son, which led them to look at Kaze nervously, seemingly asking for help. “What do you want?” The mother was nervous. She clutched her son’s hand tightly, nearly making him cry, but she reacted quickly enough to cover her son’s mouth to prevent him from doing so. “All women must go into that room. You go in now,” the mercenary explained. He did not want the woman to get the wrong idea. “You people won’t hurt me, right?” the mother asked, worried that she might be ravaged. “We are not into MILF,” said the other mercenary who was escorting Kaze, indirectly assuring the mother. Kaze shot a glance at the mother and nodded at her. “They told us they were going to separate us, so there’s nothing to worry about,” he said, worried that the mother and son would not cooperate. The mother then carried her son and followed the other mercenary into the room. It was called a room but it was actually ju