Chapter 174

Dana was stunned. “What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

“The evidence is here. Are you denying it?” Emma said coldly. “Explain. Why did you take her clothes?”

After further questioning, the woman, still wearing her oxygen mask, trembled. She reached for the emergency alarm. Emma swiftly slapped her hand away. Dana tried to scream, but Emma seized her neck.

“Who ordered you? Who killed Justine?” Emma demanded.

Dana struggled to breathe. “I–I don’t know. It’s a mission from the King’s Association.”

“You’re lying,” Emma said.

“I’m not!” Dana stammered, coughing. “It’s the King’s Association! Who else?” Her breathing grew labored; her pale face flushed.

Liam, who had been waiting outside, entered, sensing something was wrong. He urged, “Emma, they’ll return soon.”

Emma released Dana, her gaze cold. “I’ll let you go this time, but this matter with Justine isn't over.”

Emma and Liam turned to leave. As the door opened, Dana’s face contorted into a strange smirk.

Events unfolded rapidly. A quiet sound; something whizzed past Emma’s ear.

“Watch out!” Liam instinctively stepped forward, shielding Emma.

Poof! A whisper-quiet, yet deadly, shot. A ten-centimeter acupuncture needle, fired from a silencer, pierced Liam's shoulder.

The assailant was incredibly fast; Emma only glimpsed them before they vanished. Concerned for Liam, she didn't pursue. Though just a needle, a profound unease settled over her.

“Liam, how are you feeling? I’ll take you home. Hang in there…” Emma’s voice trembled. He was hurt protecting her.

Liam’s face paled, but he smiled calmly. “Emma, don’t worry. I’ll be fine after some rest.”

Emma had never seen such a needle, but she knew the King’s Association possessed many unknown, deadly weapons. She had been gone a long time. The last vestiges of color drained from her face. If it was the King's Association, the consequences were unthinkable.

A sinister laugh echoed behind them.

“I told you, joining the King’s Association brings only misery,” Dana sneered, half her body hanging from the hospital bed. “Even if you beat me, what does it matter? They’ll hunt down anyone you care about, your weakness. That's the curse, Emma. A lifelong disgrace.”

Suddenly, Dana screamed, eyes wide in shock, her hand falling limp. Emma watched helplessly as the once-arrogant killer’s heart ceased beating. Dana was dead.

“Liam, hang in there. I’m getting you out of here.” Emma gritted her teeth. They needed to leave immediately. The needle's poison could kill Liam within seconds. She could only administer a life-saving pill and rush back to Icovine Estate.

Liam fell into a coma, plunging Icovine Estate into panic. Levi suppressed the news, but his unease grew. “Madam… will Mr. Hall be alright?”

Emma was uncertain. Even she lacked a cure, but she knew the King’s Association hadn't killed her—there was room for negotiation. If she couldn't find a cure, only one person could…

Emma’s resolve hardened. “No matter the cost, I’ll save him.” She turned and left Icovine Estate.

“Madam, where are you going?” Levi’s worry was evident. He feared for both of them.

Emma left silently, determined. “Levi, protect Liam, no matter what.” She ordered her subordinates to protect Icovine Estate secretly.

Josiah knew her destination and her plan. He hesitated. He knew she was resolute, but he asked, “Boss, are you really going alone?”

“Don’t worry. He doesn't want me dead,” Emma said calmly. Dana was right; her fame from the International Boxing Competition had quickly revealed Blaze's identity. But Dana didn't know why they'd waited. It wasn't to kill Emma or Liam; it was to use her.

That person acted solely on self-interest. Those with value were spared… until their value was depleted, like Dana.

Emma breathed deeply. Two hours later, her car arrived at a brightly lit ancient castle. A guard barred her entry. “The King’s Association’s leader refuses to see you.”

Emma stared at the guard impassively.

Bang! The guard lay on the ground.

Emma declared, “I want to see him, not the other way around.”

The castle's inhabitants rushed to stop her. Emma glared. “Can you beat me?”

The former Blaze, the King’s Association's top expert, intimidated them. They hesitated, none daring to attack.

The castle doors opened. A masked man in black applauded. “Blaze, it’s been a while. You've become quite domineering.” His voice was rough and sharp, his age unidentifiable. No one knew the leader's true identity or gender, only that they were terrifyingly powerful and possessed the sole cure for the King's Poison, the Association's deadliest weapon.

“What did you poison Liam with?” Emma demanded. “Don't forget, when I captured Dana, you promised my freedom.”

“I did. So?” The voice, now a rough, middle-aged tone, replied. “Dana’s dead. Who will work for me? You’re always rebellious. The King’s Poison is my only leverage.”

The acupuncture needle had indeed carried the King’s Poison.