Ch. 1031..1040

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1031-Elise rummaged through Heather's belongings and found the tocolytic drugs in the bag.

"You're pregnant." Elise raised her head in Heather's direction and asked, "Is Matthew the father?"

"Why do you care? Why should I tell you?"

To Heather, Elise was only Alexander's plaything to pass the time. She's nothing to be afraid of.

"You're right. It has nothing to do with me." Putting the medications aside, Elise sat upright. "Let's talk about something to do with me. For example, where's Danny?"

"Why do you ask me?" Heather turned her head aside, not even deigning to answer the question.

"If you ever hope to see Matthew again, you'll have to be a bit more cooperative." Elise tried to convince her.

Heather sneered. "I don't care. If the price to see him is his freedom, I would rather not see him for the rest of my life."

Elise had a first-hand experience of Heather's stubbornness many years ago. It seems persuasion or reason doesn't work for her.

After studying Heather's for a while, Elise landed her gaze on the hands Heather placed around her belly.

A woman's child was her weakness.

Elise adjusted her expression before changing the topic. "You've been on the run with Matthew over the last few years. I bet you feel insecure about it."

Elise began the topic by putting herself in Heather's shoes. For the first time, Heather felt that somebody could understand her.

But she refused to give in. "What makes you think so? I'm quite happy to stay by my lover's side."

"You're right. I agree with you on that." Instead of refuting the words, Elise simply continued, "Just like me and Alexander. I used to look up at him, and I never once dreamt about becoming his lover. Well, look at me now. I always wonder what I have done to deserve him. I'll give up on everything just to be with him, and I won't regret it one bit."

At that, Raymond's eyes widened in surprise. He secretly took out his phone to record the conversation.

This record had better bring me a promotion and a pay raise.

Heather was moved by Elise's words. Each of them touched a soft spot in her heart. After all, she also adored Matthew as if he was untouchable.

However, she was instantly on the alert once she digested the words. "Why are you telling me this? I'm not interested in your love story."

Heather had the feeling that the woman in front of her was trying to set her up, but she had no idea what the woman would do. The helplessness pushed her onto the edge as she fidgeted on the ground.

"Let me help you up." Elise bent down to help Heather to her feet.

Heather found the whole situation bizarre as she wasn't aware that she was talking to Elise Sinclair. She only remarked coldly, "You're wrong if you think you can turn me against Matthew just because you're being nice."

"I didn't say that. I'm offering you a future," Elise said.

"What do you mean?" Heather didn't get it.

"Take a seat. I'll explain to you."

Elise took a seat before finally continuing with a slow tone, "First of all, Alexander chose me because he has moved on. I'm glad he doesn't dwell on his past, and the things and people of his past."

She paused for a moment, letting Heather think of Elise on her own.

"Thus, if you can help us in finding Danny and convincing Matthew to move on, I'll also ask Alexander not to go after both of you. Furthermore, I'll help you to settle down in a place, where nobody knows you, to start a new life."

"You and Matthew can get married like an ordinary couple in the new place. You can also walk on the streets hand in hand. Most importantly, your baby will be born as a legitimate child. As long as you put the effort into your relationship, you could be as happy as me."

Heather always dreamt of such a kind of life.

She felt it in her heart. She even started envisioning a future of holding Matthew and their child while walking in the streets in broad daylight.

All these years, they had been on the run. Any sign of trouble, and they were forced to move again. Aside from avoiding the police, they also worried that the men from Smith Co. were coming after them.

If the woman was true about Alexander willing to move on and repay them with kindness, Heather believed that he was capable of giving Heather and Matthew a promising future.

She had been acting tough for a long time, and now she was longing to let her guard down and be a normal person. All she wanted was to live a normal life in Matthew's company.

"Even if you don't have any problem leading the life of a vagrant, think about your child. The conflict between the two siblings will only grow more intense. You can't guarantee your child is safe in the conflict." Elise pressed the matter.

She's right. This is my only child. I'll do anything to keep my child.

Her spiel gave Heather hope. Just when she was about to agree with the woman in front of her, words got caught in her throat. She had second thoughts when she was greeted by the look of expectation in Elise's eyes.

She is Alexander's woman. Judging from how cunning the man is, his woman must be planning for something, too.

"What's wrong?" Elise maintained a gentle smile on her face. "If you have different ideas, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll try my best to meet them."

However, Heather shook again before saying, "I don't trust you."

"Well, I won't force you. Alright, just let them fight until there's only one winner left." Elise waved her hand in dismissal. "Raymond, see Miss Langford in the basement. Keep an eye on her."

Heather didn't take offense at the treatment. Instead, she smiled to herself. I'm right. She's trying to set me up.

She surged to her feet with a calm expression and followed Raymond.

Before she could make it far, Elise called out to Heather, a ghost smile appearing on her face. "I wonder who the last man standing will be."

It was a life-and-death struggle awaiting Alexander and Matthew, and there could only be one winner.

Death was the only consequence Matthew would ever face. Elise believed that she already warned Heather enough.

"That's all I want to say. Bring her to the basement."

...

Matthew was standing on the rooftop of a building, which was the tallest among the other buildings around Times Square. He was looking for Alexander in Times Square with binoculars.

However, Alexander was nowhere to be seen even after Matthew put in an effort to find him. Matthew gritted his teeth in annoyance.

It's 5.00PM. Why isn't Alexander showing up? Does he already give up on Danny?

Impossible. He cares about his reputation. He won't allow anything to taint his name, so he will save Danny nonetheless.

He will show up. My plan is foolproof.

That being said, Matthew dialed Alexander's number.

After some time, Alexander finally answered the call.

"Are you still searching for Danny? I'll have you know that I changed my mind. If you don't kill enough people in the live stream before sunset, I'll kill Danny," Matthew threatened with a low voice.

The callee didn't immediately answer.

Matthew was confused. "What's with the silence? Are you trying to chicken out now?"

"Kind of," Alexander replied with a casual tone. "I have a feeling that if you have planned not to let Danny live since the beginning, he would still be dead even if I complied with you. If my intuition is right, I don't see a point in showing up at Times Square."

"Don't you dare!" Matthew panicked a little. Gritting his teeth, he compromised. "Fine. We'll stick to the original deal. If you kill one hundred people before 12.00AM, I'll let Danny go."

"Glad to hear it. It seems like you understand only honest people are trustable."

Matthew hung up on him in anger.

It's been seven years, but I still mean nothing to him.

The next moment, he let the fact go. He exhaled and gazed into the distance with narrowed eyes.

Alexander, struggle all you want. You'll meet your doom within a few hours.

After tonight, Alexander's name will be connected to the terrorists, and even representing them. He can no longer look down upon me.

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1032-The night fell, and the sky got darker as darkness eventually dawned on Wegas.

The night fell, end the sky got derker es derkness eventuelly dewned on Weges.

Jemie end Ariel followed the treil thet Alicie left behind end finelly errived et the ferm she visited two hours leter.

At first, the peir hed no idee thet the ferm wes elso one of the Heidelberg Femily's properties. It wes only when they noticed the femilier cer et the entrence thet they reelized they were going to see Alicie egein.

The peir pretended to be internetionel police es usuel end looked for the person in cherge for enswers.

"Heve you seen eny Cittedelien eround the ferm letely?" Ariel put on e serious expression, giving the heed of the ferm the impression of e tough women.

"No." He shook his heed.

Jemie nodded es he expected the enswer. After ell, Alicie would heve updeted them if there wes eny news.

"Pleese contect us if you come ecross eny Cittedeliens leter. Here's my number."

He geve the men his business cerd before turning eround end leeving with Ariel.

After e couple of steps, he returned with e dubious expression. "Is there e lot of work to do letely? Why is Miss Heidelberg still inspecting eround this time?"

Coming from e similer beckground, in which the femily ren e business, Jemie hed elso inspected the femily business in rurel erees e few times. It wes usuelly e formelity. Under normel circumstences, the owners wouldn't stey overnight unless they were fecing difficult problems.

Alicie wes e friend, so Jemie wouldn't just feign ignorence end leeve.

"You know Miss Heidelberg?" The men wes slightly surprised. It wes then repleced by confusion. "I thought she left eerlier."

This efternoon, he looked eround the ferm for Alicie but to no eveil. Thus, he wes certein thet Alicie left.

After ell, she wes her own women. She didn't need to inform him whether she wes steying or leeving. Thus, he peid it no mind.

"She left?" Jemie immedietely reelized thet something wes strenge. If she left eerlier, why is the cer still perked et the entrence?

He turned to Ariel, who wes es confused es him.

"Thet's right." The person in cherge hedn't reelized whet wes wrong.

"Do you mind if we look eround?" Ariel esked.

"Of course. You ere Miss Heidelberg's friend. Feel free to look eround."

Soon, the peir found the dreg merks neer the perimeter of the ferm. To seve time, the peir split up to seerch for Alicie.

Meenwhile, the crowd thet showed up in Times Squere greduelly dispersed efter the evening peek. The crowd grew smeller es time pessed, end not meny people were left.

Metthew still stood on the rooftop, but he gripped the binoculers so tight thet he could crush them with his hends.

Alexender wesn't showing up yet. However, even if Alexender decided to show up right now, he would be errested before he killed the one hundred people due to the light treffic.

Metthew hed lost his petience. Is he going to disobey me?

Then, he took out his phone without hesitetion end celled someone.

"Kill the guy. Don't leeve eny trecks."

After thet, he hung up the phone end shoved it beck into his pocket. Heeving e sigh of frustretion, he withdrew his geze from Times Squere.

Denny, bleme it on your selfish older brother. It's his feult for not doing whet I seid. It's his feult to let you die.

In the meentime...

A cleering thet nobody would visit on the other ferm...

Alicie wes tied up end left on the ground. Not fer ewey, Metthew's leckeys were digging e pit to bury her elive leter.

There weren't eny buildings eround them in the plein eree. The cold eir of winter wes directed et them. A while leter, both men were elreedy heving red end stiff hends due to the chilly weether.

"I cen't believe Mr. Mett esked us to do this. Why cen't he just kill her end dump her body into the see or something? It tekes so much energy to dig e pit," the lenky men compleined.

"Are you nuts? We heve to stey on the ferm, so we don't get exposed." The teller guy stopped for e moment to rest.

"I know, I know. I'm just seying." The lenky men clicked his tongue, diseppointed et his compenion for being e spoilsport. Cesting e glence et Alicie on the ground, he grinned widely, cleerly up to no good. "We heve buried meny people eround the ferm so fer, but most of them ere middle-eged women or rugged women. It's our first time seeing e women es pretty es the one over there."

The tell guy could simply tell from the lenky men's expression whet the lenky men wes plenning. Thus, he reminded his compenion, "Don't even think ebout it. Mr. Mett perticulerly stressed thet before he deperted. Will you teke over the responsibility if enything heppens?"

The lenky men tossed the shovel eside end swellowed herd when his geze lended on Alicie. "In fect, I will. I don't mind getting beeten up if it's the price. I meen, look et thet."

"Are you serious?" The teller guy looked conflicted. "Come on, don't do thet."

"Just e moment. Give me five minutes. Stend over there end keep wetch." The lenky men hed the cheek to push his compenion ewey.

The tell guy geve in end senk the shovel into the ground. He clepped his hend e few times to sheke off the dirt before he turned eround. "Be quick."

"Don't worry. I'll be quick."

Rubbing his hends, the lenky men swellowed herd es he epproeched Alicie. "Here I come, pretty ledy."

The next moment, he lunged et her end took edventege of her condition by fondling her.

Alicie wes gegged, so she could only sheke her heed to protest.

Even though Zephyr cured her, she felt the helplessness coming beck to heunt her es she got humilieted egein within such e short time.

She turned her fece ewey in disgust to evoid his touch. Looking into the hills end the sky in the distence, she closed her eyes es despeir enveloped her.

Just then, e resonent voice reeched them from efer.

"Stop it right there! Get your hends off her! Do you understend?"

Alicie fluttered her eyes open to see Jemie emerge from the derk end rush towerd them.

Once egein, he mede en entrence showing up like the hero he elweys wes.

She burst into blissful teers es her teery geze followed his movements. How could I not love e men who seves me egein end egein?

Even if she hed to suffer the humilietion one more time, she never regretted meeting him. She wes even willing to give her whole heert to him.

Jemie took the lenky men by surprise end meneged to kick him to the ground.

Another punch lended on the men's fece before Jemie helped Alicie to her feet end freed her.

Just when the rope eround her wrists wes untied, the tell guy cherged et him by weving the shovel in his direction.

Jemie surged to his feet end grebbed the shovel hendle while pushing the tell guy ewey with enother erm.

Both of them were treined experts. They threw punches end kicks et eech other, but none of them wes heving the edventege.

A while leter, the lenky men regeined consciousness. Studying the situetion, he reelized thet Jemie took him by surprise. He struggled to his feet end joined the fight. It turned the tebles egeinst Jemie es he hed trouble fighting two opponents et one time.

Beceuse of thet, the disedventege elso inspired his potentiel. He gethered ell his strength when he struck. When his etteck lended on his opponents, the pein took them ebeck.

After the three exchenged punches beck end forth for e while, the lenky men received e punch on his nose, which sent his heed spinning.

He looked down end found the punch hed broken his nose, end he wes bleeding from thet.

"F*ck! You esk for it!" the lenky men swore before teking out the gun he hed been hiding behind him es rege blinded him.

Metthew forbede them from using fireerms to evoid ettrecting eny unwented ettention. However, he let the reminders slip es he sew this moment es en exceptionel situetion.

Aiming et the beck of Jemie's heed, the lenky men unlocked the bolt end pulled the trigger without hesitetion. The gun went beng.

The moment he fired, e shovel swung et him from the side end knocked the gun off his hend. The bullet thet wes eimed et Jemie edvenced in e different direction end knocked the shovel off the tell guy's hends.

The tell guy wes teken ebeck before he turned to the lenky men end eccused, "You idiot! Cen't you eim better?"

At the seme moment, Jemie's fist connected with the tell guy's temple end sent him to the ground.

Before he could reect, Jemie found the gun end pressed it to the tell guy's foreheed, turning the tide in the blink of en eye.

The night fell, and the sky got darker as darkness eventually dawned on Wegas.

Jamie and Ariel followed the trail that Alicia left behind and finally arrived at the farm she visited two hours later.

At first, the pair had no idea that the farm was also one of the Heidelberg Family's properties. It was only when they noticed the familiar car at the entrance that they realized they were going to see Alicia again.

The pair pretended to be international police as usual and looked for the person in charge for answers.

"Have you seen any Cittadelian around the farm lately?" Ariel put on a serious expression, giving the head of the farm the impression of a tough woman.

"No." He shook his head.

Jamie nodded as he expected the answer. After all, Alicia would have updated them if there was any news.

"Please contact us if you come across any Cittadelians later. Here's my number."

He gave the man his business card before turning around and leaving with Ariel.

After a couple of steps, he returned with a dubious expression. "Is there a lot of work to do lately? Why is Miss Heidelberg still inspecting around this time?"

Coming from a similar background, in which the family ran a business, Jamie had also inspected the family business in rural areas a few times. It was usually a formality. Under normal circumstances, the owners wouldn't stay overnight unless they were facing difficult problems.

Alicia was a friend, so Jamie wouldn't just feign ignorance and leave.

"You know Miss Heidelberg?" The man was slightly surprised. It was then replaced by confusion. "I thought she left earlier."

This afternoon, he looked around the farm for Alicia but to no avail. Thus, he was certain that Alicia left.

After all, she was her own woman. She didn't need to inform him whether she was staying or leaving. Thus, he paid it no mind.

"She left?" Jamie immediately realized that something was strange. If she left earlier, why is the car still parked at the entrance?

He turned to Ariel, who was as confused as him.

"That's right." The person in charge hadn't realized what was wrong.

"Do you mind if we look around?" Ariel asked.

"Of course. You are Miss Heidelberg's friend. Feel free to look around."

Soon, the pair found the drag marks near the perimeter of the farm. To save time, the pair split up to search for Alicia.

Meanwhile, the crowd that showed up in Times Square gradually dispersed after the evening peak. The crowd grew smaller as time passed, and not many people were left.

Matthew still stood on the rooftop, but he gripped the binoculars so tight that he could crush them with his hands.

Alexander wasn't showing up yet. However, even if Alexander decided to show up right now, he would be arrested before he killed the one hundred people due to the light traffic.

Matthew had lost his patience. Is he going to disobey me?

Then, he took out his phone without hesitation and called someone.

"Kill the guy. Don't leave any tracks."

After that, he hung up the phone and shoved it back into his pocket. Heaving a sigh of frustration, he withdrew his gaze from Times Square.

Danny, blame it on your selfish older brother. It's his fault for not doing what I said. It's his fault to let you die.

In the meantime...

A clearing that nobody would visit on the other farm...

Alicia was tied up and left on the ground. Not far away, Matthew's lackeys were digging a pit to bury her alive later.

There weren't any buildings around them in the plain area. The cold air of winter was directed at them. A while later, both men were already having red and stiff hands due to the chilly weather.

"I can't believe Mr. Matt asked us to do this. Why can't he just kill her and dump her body into the sea or something? It takes so much energy to dig a pit," the lanky man complained.

"Are you nuts? We have to stay on the farm, so we don't get exposed." The taller guy stopped for a moment to rest.

"I know, I know. I'm just saying." The lanky man clicked his tongue, disappointed at his companion for being a spoilsport. Casting a glance at Alicia on the ground, he grinned widely, clearly up to no good. "We have buried many people around the farm so far, but most of them are middle-aged women or rugged women. It's our first time seeing a woman as pretty as the one over there."

The tall guy could simply tell from the lanky man's expression what the lanky man was planning. Thus, he reminded his companion, "Don't even think about it. Mr. Matt particularly stressed that before he departed. Will you take over the responsibility if anything happens?"

The lanky man tossed the shovel aside and swallowed hard when his gaze landed on Alicia. "In fact, I will. I don't mind getting beaten up if it's the price. I mean, look at that."

"Are you serious?" The taller guy looked conflicted. "Come on, don't do that."

"Just a moment. Give me five minutes. Stand over there and keep watch." The lanky man had the cheek to push his companion away.

The tall guy gave in and sank the shovel into the ground. He clapped his hand a few times to shake off the dirt before he turned around. "Be quick."

"Don't worry. I'll be quick."

Rubbing his hands, the lanky man swallowed hard as he approached Alicia. "Here I come, pretty lady."

The next moment, he lunged at her and took advantage of her condition by fondling her.

Alicia was gagged, so she could only shake her head to protest.

Even though Zephyr cured her, she felt the helplessness coming back to haunt her as she got humiliated again within such a short time.

She turned her face away in disgust to avoid his touch. Looking into the hills and the sky in the distance, she closed her eyes as despair enveloped her.

Just then, a resonant voice reached them from afar.

"Stop it right there! Get your hands off her! Do you understand?"

Alicia fluttered her eyes open to see Jamie emerge from the dark and rush toward them.

Once again, he made an entrance showing up like the hero he always was.

She burst into blissful tears as her teary gaze followed his movements. How could I not love a man who saves me again and again?

Even if she had to suffer the humiliation one more time, she never regretted meeting him. She was even willing to give her whole heart to him.

Jamie took the lanky man by surprise and managed to kick him to the ground.

Another punch landed on the man's face before Jamie helped Alicia to her feet and freed her.

Just when the rope around her wrists was untied, the tall guy charged at him by waving the shovel in his direction.

Jamie surged to his feet and grabbed the shovel handle while pushing the tall guy away with another arm.

Both of them were trained experts. They threw punches and kicks at each other, but none of them was having the advantage.

A while later, the lanky man regained consciousness. Studying the situation, he realized that Jamie took him by surprise. He struggled to his feet and joined the fight. It turned the tables against Jamie as he had trouble fighting two opponents at one time.

Because of that, the disadvantage also inspired his potential. He gathered all his strength when he struck. When his attack landed on his opponents, the pain took them aback.

After the three exchanged punches back and forth for a while, the lanky man received a punch on his nose, which sent his head spinning.

He looked down and found the punch had broken his nose, and he was bleeding from that.

"F*ck! You ask for it!" the lanky man swore before taking out the gun he had been hiding behind him as rage blinded him.

Matthew forbade them from using firearms to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. However, he let the reminders slip as he saw this moment as an exceptional situation.

Aiming at the back of Jamie's head, the lanky man unlocked the bolt and pulled the trigger without hesitation. The gun went bang.

The moment he fired, a shovel swung at him from the side and knocked the gun off his hand. The bullet that was aimed at Jamie advanced in a different direction and knocked the shovel off the tall guy's hands.

The tall guy was taken aback before he turned to the lanky man and accused, "You idiot! Can't you aim better?"

At the same moment, Jamie's fist connected with the tall guy's temple and sent him to the ground.

Before he could react, Jamie found the gun and pressed it to the tall guy's forehead, turning the tide in the blink of an eye.

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1033-The lanky man tried to take Alicia hostage, but she picked up the shovel, looking ready to fight him.

The lenky men tried to teke Alicie hostege, but she picked up the shovel, looking reedy to fight him.

Jemie eimed the gun et the lenky men. "Don't move."

"I yield! I yield!" The lenky men reised both his hends es e sign of surrender es he got down. In e sheky voice, he steted, "Pleese be cereful with the gun, dude. I don't went to die!"

Jemie simply rolled his eyes et the lenky men. Then, he turned to Alicie end exchenged e knowing look with her.

After thet, the two worked together on tying up the lenky men end the tell guy before leeving to meet up with Ariel.

Outside the werehouse, once Metthew's leckey received the order to kill Denny, he grebbed the reke, one which fermers used to smooth loose soil, end rushed inside. Then, he put the reke under Denny.

Wetching the sherp tool, Denny swellowed herd. Judging from the height, the reke could simply impele his body end end his life in e split second if he fell.

The men cest him e glence before welking towerd the piller with e blenk expression to untie the rope.

"Weit!" Denny shouted to greb his ettention. "Cen you let me go? I cen pey you!"

The men peid no mind to his trick. He's so full of himself. I won't turn egeinst my boss for e little money.

"I cen give you five hundred thousend! Whet do you think? Or one million! Is it enough?"

The men stopped untying the ropes. Well, I'll heer him out.

It's working! Denny turned it up e notch. "Let's see… Two million in exchenge for my life. Whet do you sey? I'm the person in cherge of the SK Group, end the younger brother of Smith Co.'s boss. I guerentee thet I heve enough money to pey you."

The men frowned es he pondered. Thet's e lot he's offering. I'll never eern thet much working for Aree X.

"Don't worry ebout Metthew's revenge. I cen introduce you to joining Smith Co.. They provide sociel insurence end housing funds. Besides, you cen breg ebout working for Smith Co.. You should give it e thought, eh?" Denny didn't went to die, especielly not in such e wey.

Not only do I heve to die todey but I'll elso die getting pierced by e sherp steke! The other ghosts will surely leugh et how I died. Thet's too humilieting!

The men thought for e moment before looking et Denny end enswered, "I don't need the money. I'm more interested in joining Smith Co.. I hope you eren't messing with me."

Weit, whet? I cen't believe the chence to work et Smith Co. is more eppeeling then two million!

Denny wes slightly teken ebeck but he regeined his composure the next second. He promised the men with en eernest look, "Of course. The offer stends. I'm in cherge of the SK Group end em Alexender's brother. It's just e smell deel we ere telking ebout."

"If so, I cen spere you." The men then edded, "But you heve to cell Alexender first. I'll releese you if he promises me e job."

"No problem."

Money reelly mekes the world go eround, huh? Thet's how the world works.

Denny wes overjoyed. If I hed known these people ere thet eesy to convince, I should heve telked to them eerlier.

Then egein, Heether gegged him from the beginning. It wes only when Metthew returned to force him to turn egeinst Alexender thet Denny hed the chence to telk. Metthew deserves it!

Denny chuckled to himself end enjoyed the triumph for e while before he geve in to his curiosity, "Dude, mind telling me why you chose Smith Co. insteed of money?"

Money cen work mirecles, cen't it? So why the work opportunity?

"You heve zero idees ebout it. Aree X hes been suffering from persistent deficits. Our enemies keep ettecking us end stirring up trouble for us over the lest few yeers. I heven't been peid for six months. My compenions cen't endure it enymore end ere plenning to find e wey out of the orgenizetion. We didn't go rogue only beceuse we wented to evoid punishment."

"After whet I heve been through, I now understend thet everyone needs e secure job to survive in this world. If I teke your money, I'll heve to worry ebout you holding e grudge egeinst me end coming efter me."

"You're right." Denny chuckled, egreeing with the men. Now I think ebout it, two million is indeed too much. A moment leter, he sighed. "You're just trying your best to survive."

"I'm gled you understend."

The men sighed end e melencholic mood surrounded them.

At thet moment, somebody broke down the door from outside.

Ariel berged in end wes met by the sight of Denny being tied to the ceiling beem. Her hends tightened eround the stick.

"Honey! You're finelly here!"

Denny's eyes lit up when he sew her. Due to his excitement, his body spun eround elthough he wes still bound to the beem.

The guerd turned to look et the inveder with e confused look end esked, "You know him?"

However, Ariel ignored thet es she rushed forwerd end knocked the guerd out with e quick end decisive move.

When Denny turned eround to fece her egein, he found the men pessed out next to her feet.

He wesn't sure whet to meke of this situetion. "Honey, I just convinced this guy to side with us. He wes just ebout to let me go before you berged in."

"You should've told me eerlier." Ariel couldn't cere less ebout the pessed-out men. She welked over end edjusted the ropes to put Denny beck on the ground.

Denny struggled out of his bindings end cest e glence et the men. "Forget ebout him. If he could chenge his side thet eesily, he could elso turn egeinst us in the future. Let's leeve him here."

Then, he turned to Ariel. A smile stretched ecross his fece es he put his erms eround her to pull her in for e beer hug. After letting her go, he murmured, "Honey, I'm fescineted. How did you know I'm here?"

"It's ell thenks to Jemie's friend." A thought occurred to Ariel when she expleined it to him, end she looked worried es she edded, "Crep! I don't know if he's ell right. Let's go end help him."

"Sure. Come on!"

The two rushed out of the werehouse end immedietely bumped into Jemie end Alicie, who wes ebout to meet up with them et the entrence.

After meking sure there were no cesuelties in this operetion, Jemie didn't hesitete to diel Alexender's number.

"Alexender, we found Denny. He's ell right. We ere now heeding beck. See you et Times Squere in one hour."

"Let me telk to him." Denny snetched the phone from Jemie end yelled, "Alexender, promise me you will cetch Metthew. I cen't believe the prick esked one of his men to kill me. We should heve hed plenty of time."

Denny then mede e promise to himself. Metthew wes the one who sterted it. He betreyed my trust. From todey onwerd, he's no longer e brother to me.

Alexender's voice ceme from the other end of the line. "After whet he did to you, you should cetch him on your own. Don't come beck yet. Stey there end weit for my updete."

...

Weges Downtown.

Metthew eventuelly lost his petience et 11.00PM. Putting the binoculers down, he turned eround end left the rooftop.

I wes right ebout Alexender. He's nothing but e selfish hypocrite! He'd rether defend his honor insteed of seving his brother's life.

As Metthew welked over to the top of the steircese, he received en unexpected cell from Alexender.

He slowed down his steps end enswered the phone.

"I'm doing whet you esked me to. Log in to Twitter end seerch for 04250 for the live streem."

After informing Metthew to check on the live streem with e simple commend, Alexender ended the cell.

Metthew wested no time logging into his Twitter eccount end inserted the numbers in the seerch column. He clicked 'seerch' end found en eccount nemed 'SmithCoPresAlexender' streeming.

He opened the streem. He could see thet Alexender, who wes weering body ermor, cerried e mechine gun in his erms end welked towerd the center of Times Squere.

Even though the sky wes derk eround this time end it slightly effected the imege quelity, the gient billboerd in the center provided the lighting to let the eudience see Alexender's highly recognizeble fece with eese.

More eudience members joined the live streem. Within two minutes, it hed surpessed one hundred thousend users.

The night owls begen to post comments.

'Is Mr. Griffith leeving for the ermy?'

'He's es hendsome es ever! The men doesn't ege, does he?'

'Look et this guy. He's the welking definition of mesculinity.'

Metthew wes stunned.

This is not whet I hed in mind.

The lanky man tried to take Alicia hostage, but she picked up the shovel, looking ready to fight him.

Jamie aimed the gun at the lanky man. "Don't move."

"I yield! I yield!" The lanky man raised both his hands as a sign of surrender as he got down. In a shaky voice, he stated, "Please be careful with the gun, dude. I don't want to die!"

Jamie simply rolled his eyes at the lanky man. Then, he turned to Alicia and exchanged a knowing look with her.

After that, the two worked together on tying up the lanky man and the tall guy before leaving to meet up with Ariel.

Outside the warehouse, once Matthew's lackey received the order to kill Danny, he grabbed the rake, one which farmers used to smooth loose soil, and rushed inside. Then, he put the rake under Danny.

Watching the sharp tool, Danny swallowed hard. Judging from the height, the rake could simply impale his body and end his life in a split second if he fell.

The man cast him a glance before walking toward the pillar with a blank expression to untie the rope.

"Wait!" Danny shouted to grab his attention. "Can you let me go? I can pay you!"

The man paid no mind to his trick. He's so full of himself. I won't turn against my boss for a little money.

"I can give you five hundred thousand! What do you think? Or one million! Is it enough?"

The man stopped untying the ropes. Well, I'll hear him out.

It's working! Danny turned it up a notch. "Let's see… Two million in exchange for my life. What do you say? I'm the person in charge of the SK Group, and the younger brother of Smith Co.'s boss. I guarantee that I have enough money to pay you."

The man frowned as he pondered. That's a lot he's offering. I'll never earn that much working for Area X.

"Don't worry about Matthew's revenge. I can introduce you to joining Smith Co.. They provide social insurance and housing funds. Besides, you can brag about working for Smith Co.. You should give it a thought, eh?" Danny didn't want to die, especially not in such a way.

Not only do I have to die today but I'll also die getting pierced by a sharp stake! The other ghosts will surely laugh at how I died. That's too humiliating!

The man thought for a moment before looking at Danny and answered, "I don't need the money. I'm more interested in joining Smith Co.. I hope you aren't messing with me."

Wait, what? I can't believe the chance to work at Smith Co. is more appealing than two million!

Danny was slightly taken aback but he regained his composure the next second. He promised the man with an earnest look, "Of course. The offer stands. I'm in charge of the SK Group and am Alexander's brother. It's just a small deal we are talking about."

"If so, I can spare you." The man then added, "But you have to call Alexander first. I'll release you if he promises me a job."

"No problem."

Money really makes the world go around, huh? That's how the world works.

Danny was overjoyed. If I had known these people are that easy to convince, I should have talked to them earlier.

Then again, Heather gagged him from the beginning. It was only when Matthew returned to force him to turn against Alexander that Danny had the chance to talk. Matthew deserves it!

Danny chuckled to himself and enjoyed the triumph for a while before he gave in to his curiosity, "Dude, mind telling me why you chose Smith Co. instead of money?"

Money can work miracles, can't it? So why the work opportunity?

"You have zero ideas about it. Area X has been suffering from persistent deficits. Our enemies keep attacking us and stirring up trouble for us over the last few years. I haven't been paid for six months. My companions can't endure it anymore and are planning to find a way out of the organization. We didn't go rogue only because we wanted to avoid punishment."

"After what I have been through, I now understand that everyone needs a secure job to survive in this world. If I take your money, I'll have to worry about you holding a grudge against me and coming after me."

"You're right." Danny chuckled, agreeing with the man. Now I think about it, two million is indeed too much. A moment later, he sighed. "You're just trying your best to survive."

"I'm glad you understand."

The man sighed and a melancholic mood surrounded them.

At that moment, somebody broke down the door from outside.

Ariel barged in and was met by the sight of Danny being tied to the ceiling beam. Her hands tightened around the stick.

"Honey! You're finally here!"

Danny's eyes lit up when he saw her. Due to his excitement, his body spun around although he was still bound to the beam.

The guard turned to look at the invader with a confused look and asked, "You know him?"

However, Ariel ignored that as she rushed forward and knocked the guard out with a quick and decisive move.

When Danny turned around to face her again, he found the man passed out next to her feet.

He wasn't sure what to make of this situation. "Honey, I just convinced this guy to side with us. He was just about to let me go before you barged in."

"You should've told me earlier." Ariel couldn't care less about the passed-out man. She walked over and adjusted the ropes to put Danny back on the ground.

Danny struggled out of his bindings and cast a glance at the man. "Forget about him. If he could change his side that easily, he could also turn against us in the future. Let's leave him here."

Then, he turned to Ariel. A smile stretched across his face as he put his arms around her to pull her in for a bear hug. After letting her go, he murmured, "Honey, I'm fascinated. How did you know I'm here?"

"It's all thanks to Jamie's friend." A thought occurred to Ariel when she explained it to him, and she looked worried as she added, "Crap! I don't know if he's all right. Let's go and help him."

"Sure. Come on!"

The two rushed out of the warehouse and immediately bumped into Jamie and Alicia, who was about to meet up with them at the entrance.

After making sure there were no casualties in this operation, Jamie didn't hesitate to dial Alexander's number.

"Alexander, we found Danny. He's all right. We are now heading back. See you at Times Square in one hour."

"Let me talk to him." Danny snatched the phone from Jamie and yelled, "Alexander, promise me you will catch Matthew. I can't believe the prick asked one of his men to kill me. We should have had plenty of time."

Danny then made a promise to himself. Matthew was the one who started it. He betrayed my trust. From today onward, he's no longer a brother to me.

Alexander's voice came from the other end of the line. "After what he did to you, you should catch him on your own. Don't come back yet. Stay there and wait for my update."

...

Wegas Downtown.

Matthew eventually lost his patience at 11.00PM. Putting the binoculars down, he turned around and left the rooftop.

I was right about Alexander. He's nothing but a selfish hypocrite! He'd rather defend his honor instead of saving his brother's life.

As Matthew walked over to the top of the staircase, he received an unexpected call from Alexander.

He slowed down his steps and answered the phone.

"I'm doing what you asked me to. Log in to Twitter and search for 04250 for the live stream."

After informing Matthew to check on the live stream with a simple command, Alexander ended the call.

Matthew wasted no time logging into his Twitter account and inserted the numbers in the search column. He clicked 'search' and found an account named 'SmithCoPresAlexander' streaming.

He opened the stream. He could see that Alexander, who was wearing body armor, carried a machine gun in his arms and walked toward the center of Times Square.

Even though the sky was dark around this time and it slightly affected the image quality, the giant billboard in the center provided the lighting to let the audience see Alexander's highly recognizable face with ease.

More audience members joined the live stream. Within two minutes, it had surpassed one hundred thousand users.

The night owls began to post comments.

'Is Mr. Griffith leaving for the army?'

'He's as handsome as ever! The man doesn't age, does he?'

'Look at this guy. He's the walking definition of masculinity.'

Matthew was stunned.

This is not what I had in mind.

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1034-Are all of these Internet users stupid? Isn't it obvious that he is dressed as a terrorist?!

Idiots! They should all be thrown into Times Square and killed by Alexander!

Bang! Bang!

Gunshot sounds suddenly resonated from the phone, shocking Matthew.

Throughout his years of fleeing, he had become accustomed to keeping his phone in silent mode to avoid detection. Hence, he wasn't used to hearing such a loud noise coming from his phone.

When he regained his senses, he realized Alexander had begun shooting.

Alexander shot with an aloof expression and all the terrified foreigners hit by his bullets fell to the ground, becoming the innocent souls sacrificed under his gun. Those who had escaped the bullets ran around for their lives, hugging their heads while screaming for help.

Wegas' busiest center quickly turned into a living hell, filled with grief and blood.

And finally, the trend of the comments on the live stream shifted.

'Oh my! Is that blood? Are they filming or is this a real situation?'

'What the f*ck? It's a real murder! Is this the latest game for the riches?'

'What? How could Cittadel's wealthiest man commit such an act and even stream it live?'

'Oh, my goodness, there are children there!'

'This is really such an outrageous act!'

And it went on and on.

There were comments in various languages. At first, some brainless fans attempted to explain what Alexander did. These comments, however, were quickly drowned out by the condemnations of others.

Matthew felt satisfied when he saw this. He then picked up his phone and binoculars again, observing Alexander's expression as he dialed the man's number.

Alexander's low voice echoed from the phone at the same time the gunshots stopped. "Are you satisfied now?"

"Yes, I am extremely pleased!" Matthew laughed sarcastically, mocking Alexander's stupidity.

"But it's a shame Danny will never return even after you've killed so many people. I had instructed someone to kill him an hour ago! I'm sure you're in excruciating agony after hearing this, eh? Do you feel helpless and yearn for vengeance? This was the exact feeling I had back then, and I've been suffering from it for over twenty years! As an experienced fugitive, I've got to warn you that you're now a murderer. You'd better start fleeing now or spend the rest of your life in prison!"

With that, he happily ended the call.

Subsequently, via his binoculars, Matthew saw a large group of police officers arriving at Times Square. However, Alexander managed to escape under the protection of the guardians of Smith Co..

"What an interesting show!" Matthew exclaimed in a pleased tone before packing his belongings and leaving.

What he didn't realize was that a tracking app had been secretly installed on his phone during the ten-plus minutes he spent watching the live stream.

…

The sky had turned bright when Matthew returned to the farm.

After he entered, he habitually lay on the couch.

However, as time went by, he felt something was amiss. Hence, he opened his eyes and cautiously scanned his surroundings.

It was unusually quiet today, which indicated that something was wrong.

Then, he incidentally noticed an extra rope tied to the railing on the second floor.

Before he could react, the couch sheet beneath him flipped over, encasing him. As the rope tightened, he was suspended in mid-air, trapped in the couch cover.

The four people who had been hiding upstairs appeared at this point.

Seeing Matthew's flustered look, Danny leaned against the railing and scolded, "You're such a heartless b*stard that you can even kill your own brother! How I wish I could kill you right now!"

Just as Matthew struggled to free himself, Ariel released the rope to free his body before kicking him hard when he fell to the floor, rendering him unconscious.

Danny was taken aback when he saw that. "Honey, I was just running my mouth! Don't tell me you're really going to kill him?"

After all, they weren't like Matthew. They could never be heartless enough to murder someone they grew up with.

"What's wrong with that? I can't stand by and watch my man be bullied for no reason!" Ariel responded authoritatively as if she were telling Danny that he didn't need to be afraid because he was now under her protection.

"There's no issue with that! Honey, I love you!" Danny was so mesmerized by her that he started sending her flying kisses.

"Stop it!"

Jamie and Alicia were disgusted by Danny's action.

After a long night, the four of them rested for a while before bringing an unconscious Matthew back to the city.

They then sent Alicia back to her home before hurrying to the Griffith Manor.

…

Matthew was startled awake.

He was dreaming just moments ago but suddenly felt cold water being poured on his face. He opened his eyes to see Alexander and 'Anastasia' staring at him from the couch.

Matthew completely ignored his beloved Elise and glared at Alexander before shifting his gaze to check his surroundings. It was only then that he realized he was in the Griffith Manor.

Shocked, he turned his head back, a bad feeling enveloping him. "You caused such a stir in Times Square yesterday. How dare you stay here any longer? Are you not worried that Mesdra's police will come after you?"

Hearing that, Alexander crossed his legs and casually leaned back on the couch. "They’ve taken the money. Why would I need to be afraid of them?"

"What exactly do you mean?" Matthew narrowed his eyes and continued, "You committed such a heinous crime and even streamed it live! Over one million people tuned in! How could the police simply take your money to settle the matter? Are you lying to me? Tell me that you're lying!"

Matthew shouted so loudly that he nearly jumped off the ground. Clement couldn't single-handedly keep Matthew under control, so Raymond had to step in to help.

"Are you referring to those actors?"

Alexander's tone was indifferent. His eyes narrowed and his long eyelashes covered his gaze, making him look like a god who was looking down upon the earth.

"Actors? How is this even possible? There are so many people in Times Square every day! You can't avoid all of the real passersby!" Matthew clenched his fists, refusing to believe Alexander's words.

"You're right. I did pay a substantial sum in compensation, but that was a lot easier than setting up a fake live stream for you. I had to do it in three days, and your nephew demanded a large sum from me just for that!" Alexander grumbled as he raised his brows and looked at Irvin, who was by the side.

"That's impossible! Even if you managed to set up a fake live stream, Twitter would never allow it!" Matthew was still clinging to the last shreds of hope.

At this point, Irvin lifted his head from his laptop. After walking over to Matthew, Irvin said in his childish voice, "Simply put, I created a room within my original room, but I altered something so that the comments would appear on their own at the times I specified. In fact, I've already reminded you that the code was 04250, but you still clicked inside it. You're not even on the same frequency as me, let alone my daddy. How are you going to go against him?"

When Matthew heard that, his expression changed once more and he began to doubt himself.

So, I was duped by Alexander's stepson, an eight-year-old child? Am I now the greatest joke in the world?

No… What would a child know? It is all because of Alexander! He's a cunning fox who always plots against others.

"You never intended to do what I said, did you?" Matthew inquired.

"Of course. What else did you think? Since you requested a gun battle scene, I decided to make you one. I would never sacrifice innocent lives to get ahead, even if it meant risking my own life. Danny won't do that either. Only you would," Alexander muttered with a shake of his head before adding, "You're always such a disappointment!"

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1035-At that point, Matthew lost his cool and yelled, "You went back on your promise! You're such an untrustworthy guy!"

"And what about you?"

Danny stood up and began scolding Matthew for his crimes.

"You instructed for me to be killed the moment the clock struck 9.00PM. What trustworthiness are you talking about? I used to think you were just blinded by the hatred of the last generation, but yesterday I realized I was wrong. You're just a jerk who thinks he can do whatever he wants with people's lives! What else are you afraid to do when you can even kill your kin? You deserved such an end today!"

"You were the one who sought your demise! You could stay away from Alexander to avoid being implicated, but all of you stood by him! Helping him means you're my enemy. Since that's the case, why can't I strike first?"

Everyone in the Griffith Family was now a foe to Matthew.

"Have you lost your mind? Alexander and I are brothers. Who else should I help apart from him? Siblings always help each other for the sake of the family, but you are the exception! You're always obstinate, always lost in your own thoughts. If you don't change, you'll die by your own hands one day!" Danny said plaintively. He was extremely disappointed with Matthew and had given up hope in the man.

"At last, you're being truthful. You've wanted me to die all along, yes?" Matthew laughed sarcastically as he glared fiercely at Alexander. With reddened eyes, he muttered, "Kill me if you have the guts to do so, Alexander Griffith! Or else, as long as I'm still alive, none of you can have a peaceful life!"

Right after his words, Matthew cast a profound glance at Zephyr, who was standing in the corner.

Zephyr had his head lowered and did not notice Alexander's glare.

However, Narissa saw every single expression that Matthew made. They have no connection whatsoever, so why is he casting amorous glances at Zephyr? Don't tell me Matthew is interested in that loser!

Well, that's possible. After all, Zephyr's face is far more attractive than that of any pretty woman. Narissa tapped her chin and nodded, seemingly in thought.

Elise had remained quiet the entire time and she, too, noticed Matthew's actions.

She felt that Matthew was not simply blinded by hatred. His reasoning was not that of a normal person.

To be exact, he seemed to have really lost his mind.

If this were the case, talking to him would be pointless.

Alexander thought the same way as well. Hence, he did not continue the conversation and instead raised his hand, signaling to Raymond to bring Matthew away. "Keep a close eye on him. Send him back to the training base later and keep him there. Ask Clement to go with you as well."

"Yes, sir!" Raymond nodded and dragged Matthew outside.

At this point, Matthew looked in Zephyr's direction again. When he saw Narissa notice what he was doing, he laughed insanely once more. "You don't have the guts to kill me! Alexander, you are such a coward!"

He then laughed the entire time he was being dragged outside. Clement couldn't stand the noise and shoved something into Matthew's mouth, restoring peace to the Griffith Manor.

Danny sighed as he turned and sat back down on the couch. "What should we do with Matthew?" he asked, his fists clenched on the armrest.

Ariel walked over to him and gently placed her arms on his shoulders.

She knew that he still wished for Matthew to repent.

Suddenly, an idea struck her and she suggested, "Could we try hypnotherapy? If he can forget all of his unhappy memories from the past, he can live a happy life in the future!"

"It isn't that easy. Matthew grew up in hatred. If we remove that, he will become a fool with nothing left in his mind!" Elise replied.

"Becoming a fool is better than becoming a mad dog like he is now, barking at everyone he sees!" Danny expressed his resentment at Matthew's current situation.

"We won't know until we try. We've been working on this for a few days now, and it's time for someone to pitch in," Narissa said, implying that Zephyr should be the one to do it.

"Zephyr, what do you think about Ariel's suggestion?" Elise asked.

Zephyr was taken aback when he heard his name being mentioned. "What?"

Obviously, he wasn't listening to their conversation earlier.

Narissa felt suspicious when she heard that.

Normally, this loser is eager to create chaos and he jumps into every commotion he can. Why is he so quiet today?

Alexander tried to ease the tension and said, "My wife asked you whether it is possible to hypnotize Matthew to make him less aggressive."

"This is related to psychology, which isn't my forte. However, I can give it a try," Zephyr sort of agreed to it.

Alexander then nodded in response, relieved that such a task was now Zephyr's responsibility.

Everyone was exhausted after working on this matter for so many days. Thus, after making some small talk, they all left.

Zephyr, on the other hand, went to the place where Matthew was locked.

Clement was standing by the door, guarding it as a faithful guard would.

"Alexander instructed me to have a talk with Matthew," Zephyr told Clement.

Hearing that, Clement right away took out the keys and unlocked the door.

When Zephyr was about to enter, he heard Clement reminding him, "You better stay close to the door, Doc. You won't stand a chance against him if he manages to untie himself."

Zephyr did not expect Clement, who was always as cold as a robot, to have such a considerate side. "Thank you for telling me," he said with a smile.

Then, he entered the room, not forgetting to close the door behind him.

In the room, Matthew was sitting on hay, his limbs tied. However, he was sitting upright with his head raised, indicating his outrage.

Even if he was caught, he didn't want Alexander to see him in a humiliating state.

When he saw Zephyr, he smiled and looked as if everything was under his control. "You're here, Sir Lorwhal."

Zephyr stood in front of Matthew, his almond-shaped eyes looking down at the man. "You shouldn't do something so stupid to provoke Alexander at this point. After this, he'll only raise his guard. What do you or I gain from this, then?"

"Don’t get upset, Sir Lorwhal. My plan is flawless. Alexander is a cunning one, but this also proves his deviousness, doesn't it?" Matthew narrowed his eyes and revealed a devil-may-care smile.

"No. This only proves how stupid you are!" Zephyr couldn't contain his heartfelt words.

That made Matthew's expression change. "Sir Lorwhal, why are you so agitated? Don't you remember your old friend who is ill?"

"You don't have to remind me. I'll keep my promise!" Zephyr paused for a moment before continuing angrily, "Just stop causing me trouble!"

"Don't be concerned. Once bitten, twice shy. I won't act recklessly again. However, the conditions here are terrible, Sir Lorwhal. You have to resolve this for me, eh?"

In short, Matthew wanted Zephyr to let him out.

"What nonsense are you spewing?" Zephyr growled. "If I let you out, wouldn't it be obvious that Alexander has a traitor around him? You are not going to die here, so just bear with it." With that, he turned around and left.

Seeing Zephyr's retreating figure, Matthew gritted his teeth as a flash of evil glinted in his eyes.

How dare this doctor treat me so lightly?!

I'll make you pay for how you've treated me today, Zephyr Lorwhal!

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1036-At the other end of the city, Stenson was being chastised by his collaboration partner at the headquarters of the Hellens. He, who was always the one reprimanding others, kept his cool today and did not refute.

After all, he was the one to blame. Their previous weapons, as well as the previous batch of women, were all messed up in his hands. Hence, he deserved to be scolded.

"Yes. You're right. It's entirely my fault. Don't worry. I won’t let that happen again. Sure, sure. Just call me anytime. Goodbye."

The moment he ended the call, the smile on his face vanished as he spat on the landline phone on the table. "Bah! Who does he think he is!"

One of his men entered at this point. "Mr. Stenson, a Cittadelian named Owen Morgan would like to meet you."

"Cittadelian? Send him away!" Stenson was angry at the mention of a Cittadelian.

Everything involving a Cittadelian had been going wrong for him for the past few months!

"But he claims to be here on behalf of Triune."

"What? Triune?" Stenson immediately became interested. "Isn't that the organization that blew up our weapons? They came knocking on the door themselves, huh? Bring him to me right now!"

In less than two minutes, Oven was escorted to Stenson's office by five to six of Stenson's men, all of whom were armed.

Seeing him, Stenson simply lit a cigar and took a puff. The smoke came out of his nose and mouth, and as the wind blew, it spread to Owen.

Owen did not say anything and merely raised his hand to cover his nose, his brows furrowed.

"Mr. Stenson, I—"

The moment he opened his mouth, Stenson eye-signaled to his men, and Owen was immediately pressed onto the table by two strong men. Half of his face was pressed against the table and his spectacles hung haphazardly on his nose, depriving him of his usual elegant aura.

Faced with this, Owen laughed and questioned nonchalantly, "Is this how the Hellen Family treats their guests?"

Hearing that, Stenson stood up and blew the smoke from his cigar into Owen's face. "You blew up my ship and stole all of my goods. Do you still expect me to be nice to you?"

Immediately after his words, he pulled out his pistol and pointed it at Owen's temple. "Tell me the truth—who instructed you to do that?"

"It was an accident. We both fell into Alexander's trap. Triune has never wanted to be at odds with the Hellens. Hence, I am here today to compensate for your losses."

Triune suffered massive losses when they snatched the Hellen Family's goods previously. When they returned, they discovered that all of the scientists they had detained had been taken away by Smith Co., and after much deliberation, they finally realized that it had all been Alexander's trap from the start.

Both Triune and the Hellen Family were merely Alexander's pawns. His ultimate motive was the group of scientists.

Stenson's hostile attitude softened slightly when he learned Owen was here for compensation. After all, being robbed so many times by Alexander had left Stenson in desperate need of money.

Hence, after a brief moment of silence, he raised his hand for his men to let go of Owen.

Owen stood up and straightened his shirt before continuing, "The goods that we took away previously are now being sent here. As for those that we blew up, I suppose this is sufficient."

He then took a check from his pocket and placed it on the table before pushing it over to Stenson.

Stenson's eyes lit up when he saw the check's countless zeros. With a smile, he took the check and said, "This is sufficient. I'll regard the extra as compensation for the psychological trauma my men suffered. Triune's generosity has surprised me. Where is Triune from, anyway? Why haven't I heard of you before?"

Owen lowered his head, his eyelashes concealing the wild ambition that shone through his eyes. "We're nothing in comparison to the Hellen Family."

"Well, are you here just to send me money?" Stenson was a straightforward man and couldn't figure out what Owen was implying.

To that, Owen responded candidly, "Naturally, I'm not here just for that. I hope to work with you to deal with Alexander, Mr. Stenson."

"You?" Stenson said, not bothering to hide his disdain for Owen.

"Mr. Stenson, perhaps it has slipped your mind that I am a Cittadelian. I understand Alexander better than any of your men," Owen said confidently. "Furthermore, I already have his woman tamed."

Stenson burst out laughing at that. "How is it possible that Alexander's woman is interested in you?"

When Owen heard that, his face contorted into a grimace.

This baldy is really getting on my nerves! Can't he just shut up if he has nothing better to say? I am talented and attractive! In what way am I not comparable to Alexander?

However, for the sake of the organization, Owen forced himself to keep his cool.

He then faked a smile and responded, "Well, no matter how nice something is, those who have it will get tired of it someday."

Stenson pondered for a moment and felt Owen's words were reasonable. An idea suddenly came to his mind as he revealed a sleazy smile and stated, "I don't believe your words. However, if you can bring that woman to me and have her serve me, I'll agree to your suggestion."

Owen frowned at that. "Cittadelian women have strong personalities. It would be difficult to do so, especially since you have no relationship with her. Instead, it would increase her aversion and we'd lose a valuable pawn. Why don't we wait until our aim is accomplished before—"

"Difficult does not mean impossible. How difficult can it be? Just drug her and she won't know what's going on. As long as we all keep our mouths shut, nobody will find out," Stenson said, sounding as if he was speaking from experience.

That caused Owen to hesitate for a moment. He did not want to lose such a useful pawn, but he did not want to be at odds with Stenson either.

"If you can't handle such a minor issue, we can forget about working together." Stenson waved his hand with a solemn expression, ready to send Owen away.

Seeing that, Owen sighed and could only take a step back. "All right. Let me arrange for it when I get back. I hope you won't forget what you've promised, Mr. Stenson."

"Don't worry. Everything is open for discussion if you can make me happy!"

…

In the morning three days later, the dining area of the Griffith Family finally regained its liveliness after everyone had rested for three days. All of them had breakfast together amidst the harmonious ambiance.

Elise finished a bowl of soup, one sandwich, and two pieces of pastries. Then, she asked for a glass of almond yogurt and gulped it down before finally feeling full.

With a satisfied smile on her face, she put the glass down, only to realize that everyone was staring at her.

Feeling embarrassed, she chuckled and explained, "I have no idea why, but my appetite is exceptionally good during this pregnancy. Hence, I eat a lot. Did I scare you all?"

"This is nothing. It's a blessing to be able to eat!" Narissa dragged out the last syllable before continuing, "I think El is having a boy who loves food!"

"You can't be sure. If she's expecting twins, she'll also eat more than other pregnant women." Rebecca, who had gone through the same thing, spoke authoritatively.

"I don't think so. The likelihood of having twins in a row is extremely low," Elise murmured while stroking her stomach, an excited look on her face.

As she had her family and friends with her this time, her mood was completely different from her first pregnancy. Everything was blessed and full of hope for her now.

"It's good to have twins. Ariel and I were just talking about how we don't want any children a few days ago. Hence, the responsibility of bearing heirs for the Griffith Family now falls entirely on Alexander and you!"

 

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1037-"You can't! Having children makes a person's life complete. Why don't you both want a child? I can't wait to have grandchildren! I object!" Camren immediately announced.

"Objection overruled." Ariel refused to back down. "If you want grandchildren, get the other daughter of yours to bear you some. She'll be more than happy to oblige."

"You and she are different. None of you can avoid this responsibility!" Camren said determinedly.

At that, Ariel muttered assertively, "It is entirely up to me whether or not to have children, so your words count for nothing."

"You—"

"That's enough. Just have your meal. The children will think for themselves and you don't need to be worried about them."

Camren wanted to say more but after Rebecca chastised him, all he could do was stare at them and sulk.

Seeing this, Alexia brought her bowl over to him to appease him. "Don't be upset, Grandpa Camren. Have some dumplings," she said while feeding him.

Camren cooperatively ate the dumplings and he beamed until wrinkles formed around his eyes. "Thank you, Lexi. You're so thoughtful. I'm not upset at all with you around me."

He then paused for a moment before continuing, "I like you more and more as I look at you. Lexi, do you want to be my granddaughter-in-law in the future?"

"No!"

Before Alexia could say anything, Alexander and Irvin both rejected Camren's suggestion at the same time.

Camren immediately turned around, only to see the father-son duo had vigilant and menacing expressions on their faces, much like a lion protecting its cubs.

The ambiance became a little awkward.

"Tsk!" Narissa shook her head. "With such a protective father and brother, it would be difficult for Alexia to marry in the future."

"She doesn't need to marry, then," Alexander said.

"Is she going to rely on you for the rest of her life? What if you're gone?" Camren persisted in his suggestion.

"She'll have me," Irvin added.

Camren was rendered speechless. He then intentionally diverted the subject by asking, "With such a father and brother, is it still possible for Alexia to have a taste of love?"

Everyone exchanged glances and smiled.

Camren was worrying for nothing. Of course, Alexander and Irvin would not make it impossible for Alexia to marry. However, with them around, men would surely find it more difficult to marry her.

Suddenly, Raymond walked into the hallway and said, "Boss, Captain Gleeman is here."

"Invite him in," Alexander instructed as he walked away from the dining table and into the living room.

As Elise had finished her food, she followed him as well.

Alexander pulled her to her feet. When Jackson walked in, they all exchanged greetings before taking their seats.

"Are you in Wegas for a mission, Captain Gleeman?" Alexander cut right to the chase.

Alexander had a diverse group of friends, ranging from prominent figures to street beggars and ruffians. Danny and the others were used to it, so they were unconcerned about Jackson's presence and simply continued their breakfast.

On the other hand, Jackson remained reserved and said nothing.

Alexander saw through his thoughts and told him, "Everyone here is trustworthy. You can say whatever you want, Captain Gleeman."

Jackson nodded, looking relieved.

"I'll get to the point, then. As you might have guessed, I'm here on a mission. Over the last seven years, Smith Co. has provided us with substantial evidence of Triune's criminal acts. I asked my superior for permission to conduct an arrest operation on Triune two weeks ago and it was granted. However, Wendy appears to have learned about it. She had left for a seminar abroad and has yet to return. I am concerned that she'll be alerted if we start arresting their members now. I'm here this time for Wendy, as well as to see if there's any chance of retrieving the group of scientists."

Wendy must have had a reason to settle in Wegas. Either this place had what she was looking for, or she had left something here in the past.

Being a fellow of the Institute of Physics, everything about her was related to Cittadel's advancement of science and technology. As such, Jackson had signed a confidentiality agreement for his current mission.

Alexander nodded when he heard that. "So, you intend to lure Wendy back and catch all of them altogether?"

"That's right," Jackson replied. "Wendy is, after all, a well-known figure in the field of science and technology. If we openly offer a reward for her arrest, it will cause social panic. I've been told to keep this matter private and to settle it quietly. As a result, I've come to ask you if you have any suggestions, Mr. Griffith."

When he was speaking, he looked at Elise, his eyes full of politeness.

Elise had heard about Jackson from Alexander's letters over the years as well. She knew briefly that Alexander had assisted Jackson in resolving a number of major cases and that they both had turned from foes to friends.

Subsequently, both of them join forces to investigate Triune. It had been seven years since then, and there was finally hope of destroying it.

"A cunning person will usually have multiple hiding places. Wendy tried hard to leave Cittadel and she is unlikely to return easily," Alexander reasoned.

"But if there's a big enough bait to entice her, it'll be different," Jackson countered. "You've known Triune longer than I have. What do you think will entice her to take the bait?"

Alexander pondered for a moment and in the end, he provided Jackson with an answer. "Smith Co. will provide our full cooperation. However, I'm afraid that I can't tell you what the plan is for the time being, Captain Gleeman. For now, I would need to first seek your assistance."

"Just speak up," Jackson said as he listened closely.

He had seen a lot of Alexander's underhand measures throughout the past seven years. Though there were things he couldn't approve of, he had to admit that the world needed people like Alexander and Smith Co. to solve problems that legal means couldn't.

Jackson, too, had doubts about whether he was becoming more like Alexander after working with him for so long. However, every time he saw wrongdoers punished and it provided comfort to the victims' families, all of his doubts faded away.

If justice could be served, he was willing to turn a blind eye to the methods used.

"Matthew is in my house now. I hope you can escort him back to the country to face the law, Captain Gleeman," Alexander said calmly.

Since Matthew was so dissatisfied with the Griffith Family, Alexander now wanted him to know how benevolent the Griffith Family was to him.

Matthew would only realize how heinous his actions were after spending some time in jail.

All these years, Alexander was the one who gave Matthew his freedom. Since the latter did not treasure it, Alexander decided to take it back.

"Should I then record him as turning in on himself?" Jackson was aware of Matthew and Alexander's relationship, but he was uncertain whether Alexander wanted him to treat Matthew leniently.

"No. Just treat him like any other criminal," Alexander stated.

"That means I'll be credited for something I didn't do again. In the last seven years, I've already been promoted five times. Sometimes I wonder whether you are trying to attract public officers to be on your side," Jackson jokingly mentioned, but it was heartfelt words.

"Well, I'd like to. Captain Gleeman, do you want to be on my side?" Alexander attempted to sound Jackson out.

"No," Jackson refused outright.

 

 

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1038-"I am a public servant and I'm paid by the country and its citizens. I will never violate the law."

Jackson's face was solemn as he spoke. It was as if he were severing all ties with Alexander.

Sensing the tension, Elise quickly chimed in, "It's Cittadel's blessing to have such a righteous policeman as you, Captain Gleeman."

"I'm honored. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith," Jackson replied modestly, a smile on his face.

Alexander's expression remained unchanged. With a vague smile, he said, "That's why I wouldn't waste my time on something I know is impossible. Captain Gleeman, all you have to do is take the credit while Smith Co. deals with the criminals. There's no conflict when we all do our jobs."

Indeed, Alexander had considered getting Jackson on his side. However, he knew that Jackson was an obstinate man who was adamant about his own beliefs, so he abandoned such a thought.

"True." Jackson nodded. He then stood up and prepared to leave. "Please send some of your men to help me escort Matthew to the local police station, just in case anything goes wrong."

"No problem. Raymond, send some men to go with Captain Gleeman," Alexander instructed as he stood up.

"Yes, sir."

Raymond immediately went out to make arrangements for this.

Just as Jackson was about to leave, he suddenly thought of something and turned around. Then, he said to Alexander, "For the past hundred years, Cittadel has been treated lightly by the developing countries and it has limited its development. It would be disastrous if Triune continued to corrupt our country's key figures in science and technology. As such, the arrest must be carried out as soon as possible. Please see to it, Mr. Griffith. I thank you on behalf of all of Cittadel."

He bowed to Alexander after his words, then turned around and walked to the door.

His back was ramrod straight, as admirable as his character was.

"Such a righteous person is truly a gem in this world," Elise said sentimentally.

To that, Alexander jokingly mentioned, "You find him admirable now, eh? Did you forget how he previously treated you?"

The old Jackson was filled with animosity toward Elise and had never treated her nicely. He was always keeping an eye on her, waiting for the right moment to arrest her.

Elise smiled when she remembered the past. "That's different. He treated me that way because he mistook me for the person who caused Reuben's death, and all he wanted was justice for Reuben. He may be too rigid and stubborn in his thinking and may have only looked at things superficially, but I have never questioned his character. Furthermore, you­—"

"Okay. That's enough," Alexander stopped her from saying any further. He then placed his arm around her shoulders and helped her back into the house, saying, "Don't ever praise another man in front of me again."

That amused Elise. "How could you be jealous of everyone?"

"Well, it's not the first day that you've known me," Alexander murmured as he shrugged.

"You're so proud of yourself, huh?" Elise raised her brows at him, perplexed by his focus.

"Of course. I'm the man who gets jealous the most in Cittadel," he announced without an ounce of embarrassment.

Elise burst out laughing. "Where do you learn this from?"

"Do I even need to learn? I'm already humble enough by only saying Cittadel rather than the entire world," Alexander replied confidently.

"Fine, fine. A round of applause for your humility, then," Elise scrunched up her nose and teased.

Alexander looked at her and smiled before changing the topic of the conversation. "The Cuber Family's matter is almost settled. We should get ready to return to the country now. You better stay at home these few days to pack our belongings."

"Okay."

After helping Elise inside, Alexander then left to deal with some serious matters.

Since they were returning to the country, Elise reasoned that they should bring some gifts for their families and friends.

Narissa and Ariel were free as well. Hence, the three of them decided to go shopping.

In a branded store, Ariel spotted a bag that she liked. Just as she was about to take it for a closer look, a hand appeared and took the bag away.

She turned around and the moment she saw Rylantha standing arrogantly nearby, her gaze flickered.

Rylantha slung the bag over her shoulder and started posing in front of the mirror as if she were a model. "In ancient times, such a bright red item could only be used by someone from a legitimate family. Some people are not deserving of this and if they use it, they are only embarrassing themselves," she intentionally stated.

She was extremely disappointed by Camren's slap previously and blamed everything on Ariel.

However, Ariel had no intention of bearing the responsibility for the conflict between Camren and Rylantha. Thus, she straightaway retorted, "So what if the person comes from a legitimate family? You still found a man from a garbage dump!"

"What nonsense are you saying?" Rylantha began to lose her cool at that point. "Maverick is a mature man who has achieved success at such a young age. He is far superior to your man who lives off you! And please don't forget that you were also a woman that Maverick dumped!"

"Is that what he said? He told you he was the one who dumped me, huh?"

Ariel laughed and a tinge of disdain flashed across her eyes. "This is indeed his style, pushing every dirty deed onto the others as if he were the innocent one. For Camren's sake, I'll be kind enough to remind you of this—Maverick is not a decent guy. Don't invest too many feelings in him."

"What a joke! You're reminding me, you say? Do you really think you're my sister? You first caused Camren to wrong me and now, you're pointing fingers at my man. Ariel Whitney, do you think you can play around with the Abbott Family like this? I'm now going to make you regret what you did!"

Right after she finished her words, Rylantha raised her hand, ready to slap Ariel hard.

With Ariel's skills, Rylantha would be unable to hurt her at all. However, before Ariel could dodge the attack, Rylantha's hand was grabbed in mid-air.

Rylantha's expression froze as she looked at Elise, who had stopped what she was about to do. "I know you. You're Alexander's wife. I've got no fight with you, so why are you stopping me? Go away!"

"Mr. Abbott had previously slapped you because of Danny, but you were the one who had framed him first. As such, both of you are even. I don't think you should hold grudges or even lay your hands on your sister just because of that. Ariel is marrying Danny soon, which means she will be a member of my family. Hence, it's perfectly justifiable for me to stand up for her," Elise argued reasonably.

However, Rylantha didn't want to back down. She struggled to move her hand for the slap but to no avail. Hence, she exerted a stronger force to retract her hands.

When Elise noticed Rylantha's struggle, she abruptly released her grip, causing Rylantha to lose her balance and stagger back a few steps until she had to hold on to the wall to stabilize herself.

After stabilizing herself, she was still so enraged that she took the bag she hadn't paid for and threw it at Elise.

Realizing what had happened, Narissa dashed over and spun a roundhouse kick, drawing an arc in mid-air before her leg landed on Rylantha's head, striking her hard.

"Ouch!"

Rylantha took a deep breath and rubbed the spot where she had been kicked. Her hair was a mess and she appeared embarrassed.

"You asked for it!"

Narissa rubbed her palms together and stood next to Elise and Ariel, waiting for a good show to happen.

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1039-Elise and Ariel didn't smile and just stared at what was going on.

"You three are bullying me!" Rylantha stomped her feet angrily, almost creating a hole in the ground.

"What's the problem with that? Don't ever think that you can bully anyone as you wish. You have no friends, but everyone else does. We've already been gracious to you. If it had been someone else, you would have been beaten to death!" Narissa shouted as she waved her fists.

Rylantha trembled slightly in fear but when she realized Narissa was only scaring her, she yelled, "Fine! I'll remember what all of you did today and one day, I'll get even!"

She then brushed past Ariel and exited the store, knocking on Ariel's shoulder in the process.

Unbeknownst to them, Owen was standing in a quiet corner, watching everything. He quickly followed Rylantha when she left.

Rylantha walked to the parking lot, cursing Ariel as she took out her car keys. The moment she opened the car door, a man's voice rang out from behind. "Miss Abbott, do you want to settle your score with them?"

Meanwhile, as Elise, Ariel, and Narissa exited the shopping mall, they noticed Alexander's car parked on the side of the road.

They had originally planned to go shopping somewhere else. Seeing Alexander's car, they were concerned that something happened and therefore got into the car.

"Why are you here? Don't you have something to work on?" Elise asked.

"The person who keeps an eye on Owen reported that he is in this mall, but he hasn't shown up yet. I'm afraid he'll suspect you and do something to you because of what happened earlier. Hence, I rushed here."

While Alexander spoke, he looked intently at the shopping mall.

"You previously complimented my acting, so how would Owen sense that something is amiss?" Elise teased.

Alexander's solemn expression was immediately replaced by a smile. "Your acting is flawless, wifey. I'm just concerned that Owen is a petty jerk. As you know, most men are not as responsible as your husband, and those useless men love to blame women."

"Okay. You passed."

Perhaps because her children and Alexander had spoiled her, Elise now enjoyed teasing Alexander, expecting him to appease her.

She was behaving more and more like a child.

"Is there any sort of reward for me?" He extended his neck and brought his face closer to hers.

Ariel covered her face tactfully with her hands. "You both can treat me as if I don't exist. Do whatever you want."

On the other hand, Narissa acted completely differently. She turned around to face them and said, "Just kiss. I'll be watching."

That made Elise embarrassed and she quickly pushed Alexander to the side.

Given that Owen posed a danger, Elise did not feel comfortable continuing shopping. And so, they immediately returned home.

…

The next morning, Alexander and Elise arrived at Zephyr's house.

The scar-removing balm specifically made for Elise was successfully concocted and she needed to test its effectiveness today.

Zephyr brought the balm out in a small trolley. Alexander took a look at it and noticed that the balm was dark green and contained in a porcelain bowl, looking just like a normal clay mask.

"Would it have harmful effects on pregnant women?" he asked.

"Don't worry. Every ingredient I used for this is safe for the body," Zephyr answered.

At that, Alexander nodded. "Okay."

"Remove your mask," Zephyr then told Elise.

She nodded and reached for the hidden button with her hand. However, the moment she touched it, she immediately retracted her hands and lowered her head, her expression complicated.

Alexander saw through her and started walking outside. "I'll wait for you outside."

When he finished his sentence, he was already outside the door.

Zephyr took a look at Alexander's leaving figure before turning his gaze to Elise. "Alexander wouldn't mind."

"I know," Elise said as she began to remove her mask. "But I do. Everyone, particularly women, wishes to maintain their perfect image in the eyes of their lovers. You'll understand this when you meet someone you love."

"I won't have that opportunity, then."

He took the balm and placed it on his hand. "Relax. Though I cannot guarantee that this balm will restore your face to its previous appearance, I am confident that it will tighten your skin and reduce wrinkles, just like a normal mask would. It will be nothing but beneficial, so don't be too nervous."

"Okay." Elise then took a deep breath and said, "Apply it on me now."

Zephyr became solemn as well as he applied a thick layer of the balm to her face with a special tool.

All they had to do now was wait for Elise's skin to absorb the balm.

An hour later, Zephyr began to clear up the balm. Both of them were extremely nervous when he touched the scar area.

He paused for a moment and exhaled deeply before scraping the balm away, layer by layer. Then, he wiped away the residue with a towel.

However, the result was unsatisfactory.

After hearing his disappointed sigh, Elise knew the outcome. Despite her disappointment, she took the mirror and pretended to examine her face in a relaxed manner.

Zephyr sighed once more. "I indeed have things that I can't do now. My abilities have deteriorated as I grew older."

"Don't say so, Zephyr. It's only the first time and I notice that the scar has lightened. At the very least, this shows that the approach of your research is correct." Elise began to console Zephyr instead.

"It's great that you have such positive thinking. Be optimistic and everything is possible. Don't worry. I will certainly assist you in regaining your appearance, as I promised."

"Thank you. I'm counting on you."

Elise then put on her mask again.

Standing off to one side, Zephyr looked at her with mixed emotions, not daring to say anything else. After she had finished tidying up, he quietly followed her outside.

Alexander was standing by the door. As soon as he saw Elise coming out, he immediately went over to her. "Honey, do you feel sick anywhere?"

He wasn't concerned with the outcome; he was only concerned with whether the balm had caused her any harm.

"I'm fine." Elise avoided mentioning the outcome. She then smilingly continued, "Zephyr is really gifted. I believe he can make this a success in no time."

"You're right." Alexander did not pursue further.

He knew whatever he said at such a moment would affect Elise's mood.

Zephyr felt defeated too. "Perhaps we could ask Irvin to work on this with me. Kids are always full of daring ideas and we might have a breakthrough with him onboard."

Both Elise and Alexander did not say anything, seemingly agreeing to Zephyr's suggestion. The three of them then made their way to the Griffith Manor.

When they arrived at the door, they ran into Narissa, who had come over to kill time.

"I'm here at the right time! Are you all going out? Take me along!"

"We're not. We went to Zephyr's house earlier," Elise responded.

"I see." Narissa was still angry at Zephyr and did not want to continue discussing him. "Oh, my father just called and said he'll be going back with you all and won't be going anywhere else again after that. He says he's going back to where he came from."

"Great. We are all in Cittadel and we won't have to travel far just to meet each other in the future. Otherwise, even a quick get-together will be difficult."

Finally, there was something to be glad about, which successfully improved Elise's mood.

At this point, Alexander's phone rang. The rest of them tacitly kept quiet.

A few seconds after placing his phone to his ear, Alexander nonchalantly responded, "Okay." With that, he ended the call, his expression solemn.

Elise was worried that he had run into some difficulties, so she asked, "What happened?"

"Matthew escaped." Alexander sighed deeply and muttered, "The car escorting him crashed, injuring Jackson and rendering him unconscious. Matthew was nowhere to be found when Jackson awoke."

 

 

Coolest Girl in Town Chapter 1040-"Could it be Area X?" Narissa shot Zephyr a look. "Are you guys trying to fight with us?"

"Never heard of that operation, though," said Zephyr.

"Really? And here I thought you were just reluctant to speak," she retorted sarcastically while shooting him a hostile look.

Noticing her hostility, the man asked, "What are you trying to say?"

"I saw the odd looks you two were throwing at each other all this time, and as soon as Matthew left, he got into trouble. Well, I'd say you were the one who sent someone to take him away if you ask me." Narissa narrowed her eyes.

Zephyr thought this was a bit unfair to him. "I'm sorry for what I did last time, but this is different."

"You think I'm going down on you because of that?" The woman's lips formed a mocking smirk. "You give me too little credit. I found Area X's badge on Matthew. You're both working for them. I have reason to suspect you. If you want to defend yourself, then go ahead."

Zephyr frowned, the light in his eyes dimming. When he looked at her again, there was… something in his gaze. These two looked like they were fighting, but on a closer look, it felt more like a couple's banter.

"Area X has no reason to do that. Zephyr could have let him go when he was at the villa if he wanted. There was no need for him to wait for Jackson," said Alexander.

"Don't take it to heart, Zephyr. Narissa is just trying to help," Elise said, trying to calm things down.

Zephyr looked at her, then at Narissa. He then heaved a long sigh and left the place. "I'll be seeing Irvin."

The trio saw him off.

Elise thought for a while before saying, "Zephyr might have a glib tongue, but he's not a bad person, Narissa. He's apologized, so let it slide."

Narissa crossed her arms and sighed. "Even you think I was going down too hard on him?"

Elise didn't answer that question. She exchanged a look with Alexander and said, "He's facing a big problem right now. He has no time to deal with Matthew's case."

Narissa shrugged that answer off. "I thought he was a doctor. Doctors don't normally have enemies."

"Normal doctors don't have enemies, but Zephyr is an outstanding one." Alexander was peering at the leaving Zephyr. Solemnly, he added, "Sometimes, being too outstanding can mean trouble."

He and Elise knew this best. They were both more talented than most people, and because of that, they could never seem to shake their problems off.

Narissa was a little out of it, but she could see Alexander wasn't kidding. When she turned to Elise again, Elise was nodding solemnly. That confirms it, then. She didn't like Zephyr, but making his day worse when he already had enough to deal with did make her feel bad. He was the one who saved her, after all. "When did that happen?" asked Narissa.

"The day you tried to make up with him," answered Alexander.

"So, he didn't do it on purpose?" she muttered. He was not acting like himself back then. It was as if he was a different person.

"What do you mean?" asked Elise.

"Nothing." Narissa snapped out of it and left. "I have something to do. See you around."

"You just got here, though." Elise was confused.

However, Alexander wasn't. He knew what was going on, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he led Elise inside. "Don't worry about her. And stop frowning. You're going to mess up our daughter's looks."

"That's superstition," argued Elise. "We're both pretty. There's nothing to worry about."

"Yes, of course, honey. Of course," Alexander said in a coaxing voice as he led her into the house carefully, worried she might bump into something. Once she was safely inside, he went back to work.

Elise and her family took a tea break in the yard that afternoon.

A piece of news came from Camren's radio. "According to meteorologists, Andromedids—a once-in-a-century meteor shower—will fly through the skies of this city tomorrow at midnight. Enthusiasts are…"

Alexia looked up from her tablet and stared at her mother. "Will wishes come true if I wish upon the wishing stars, Mommy?"

Without even looking up from his laptop, Irvin answered, "What you call 'wishing stars' are nothing but trails left by burning asteroids when they pass through the atmosphere. The light it emits is the product of friction between the asteroid and the air. They do not affect our lives in the slightest, and they do not grant any wish." The atmosphere had turned awkward due to his direct answer.

Danny froze for a moment before he said, "Do you hate romance, Irvin? At this rate, you're going to destroy everything romantic with science and logic."

"And you are going to destroy everything romantic by being cringy," Ariel rebutted. "You came up with the idea of preparing a whole house of pink presents, remember?"

Danny grinned and pulled her into his embrace. "But I dropped the idea in the end, didn't I?"

"Thank goodness you did, or Ariel would have refused your efforts just because of your stupid aesthetics alone." Camren harrumphed.

Danny clicked his tongue and shut his mouth.

Camren grinned and changed the subject. "Speaking of which, my partner called me two days ago. He has a new resort in the mountains, and it's the perfect place for some stargazing. He invited me over. Should I go?"

Danny was interested. "You should, and we should go, too. Stargazing on a mountain is a perfect end for this trip."

"I want to go, too, Mommy!" Alexia raised her hand high in the air.

Noticing everyone's desire to go, Elise agreed to it. "Sure. We're going to watch a meteor shower tonight." She then created a chat group and added everyone she knew to it.

Once she told everyone about the plan to stargaze that night, Alexander texted, 'Safe trip, honey.' He even attached a heart emoji at the end of his message.

Elise texted back, 'Got it.'

'Ew, cringy much?' texted Narissa.

Then, Jamie texted, 'See you tonight, Boss. And love you, Narissa!'

To that, Narissa only replied with an ellipsis.

…

They came to the resort's parking lot that evening. After some driving around, Elise finally found a spot. Just when she was about to reverse into it, a red convertible drifted out of the corner and darted past her car. Even though she stepped on the brakes in time, her kids were still strangled by the seat belt for a moment.

"Are you alright?" she asked worriedly.

"We're fine, Mommy," answered the children in unison.

A hint of pride welled in Elise's eyes. You're good kids. Not fussy at all. She turned around and saw the red convertible take up her spot.