Chapter 175

The King's Poison, the most lethal toxin in the King's Association's arsenal, had no known cure outside its leader. It systematically destroyed a person's immune system, leading to a slow, agonizing death.

Upon learning Liam had been poisoned, Emma's fists clenched, her shoulders shaking violently. Stepping forward, she issued a chilling ultimatum: "Give Liam the antidote immediately. You know the consequences of provoking me. This won't be easy for you." As the organization's top assassin, she knew their power had waned over the years; only the leader's lack of a successor kept him from abandoning her.

The masked man sneered. "Strength-wise, I can no longer contain you. But Blaze, you have a fatal weakness. That's why you'll never defeat me."

Emma remained silent, her eyes sharp.

The masked man continued arrogantly, "As long as you feel, you'll never be the true number one. You felt for Bunny, now for Liam. Choose. Return to the King's Association, or watch him die. You have three days."

Returning to Icovine Estate unharmed, Emma surprised Josiah. "Boss, you're the first to defy the King's Association's leader and live to tell the tale!"

Emma scoffed. "He can't touch me." She was no longer a controllable child, but Phantom, the world-renowned assassin and boxing champion, Blaze.

Josiah asked, "What now? Will you return to the Association?"

Emma's breathing deepened. No. She had three days before the poison took effect. Perhaps another path existed…

Many years ago, the King's Association spent a decade eradicating a specific plant worldwide. Emma suspected its connection to the antidote. However, it was nearly extinct. Finding it would require every ounce of her skill, and success was far from guaranteed.

That night, Emma sat by Liam's bedside, holding his hand, her eyelashes fluttering as she gazed at his sleeping face. She bent and kissed him. After lifetimes of entanglement, Liam was her sole obsession. "Liam, you have to be alright," she whispered.

A frantic knock interrupted. "Madam, Mr. Brad is here," the butler announced.

Emma's eyes snapped open. "At this hour?"

Levi added anxiously, "Someone leaked the news. What do we do? Mr. Hall is still unconscious."

Liam, CEO of Halls Group, was a target for Brad. Knowing the truth would ignite a vicious struggle in Troln City.

"Leave it to me," Emma said, changing into black silk pajamas. She deliberately mussed her hair, descending the stairs with a languid grace, feigning a sleepy cat's nonchalance.

"Brad, what are you doing at your brother's house this late? Drunk?" Emma asked.

Brad, sober and intent on finding clues on her face, was met by Simon's arrival. Emma coolly acknowledged Simon, despite his displeasure over her earlier actions.

Brad sneered, "I heard my brother is ill. Emma, let Dad and me see him."

"Who told you that?" Emma countered.

Brad stumbled. "Emma, is Liam fine? Then why isn't he down?"

"Why would he be down this late? I wouldn't be either if it weren't for Simon," she retorted.

"We're concerned. Let us see him, then we'll leave," Brad pleaded.

"Fine," Emma unexpectedly agreed.

Brad lunged to go upstairs, but Simon intervened. "Enough!" He was furious at the constant bickering, particularly his son's foolishness.

Simon felt foolish; a petty rumor had led him and his son on a late-night errand, making them look like buffoons before Emma. He coldly glared at her and left. Brad, intimidated by his father's anger, followed suit.

Emma, after a moment's thought, stopped Simon. "Simon, I need to talk. Let Brad go first."

Brad protested, but Simon silenced him. "Aren't you embarrassed? Get lost!" Simon doubted Liam's injuries were serious, believing Brad was overreacting. Yet, Emma felt Liam's father deserved the truth.

Once Brad departed, Emma poured Simon coffee and revealed everything.

Simon's shock was palpable. "Liam is really…"

"Yes," Emma confirmed. "We need to find the antidote."

Aware of the Hall family's extensive network, Emma hoped Simon's influence would increase their chances.

Simon, trembling, nearly dropped his cup. "What is the poison called?"

"King's Poison," Emma replied. "It's not well-known, but one of the most terrifying toxins on the black market."

"How do you know all this?" Simon pressed.

Emma remained silent, unable to reveal her past connection to its creator.

Simon, sensing her history, narrowed his eyes. He had always known she was extraordinary. However, her presence repeatedly put his son in danger; a danger he intended to eliminate.

"I can find the cure, but only if you leave Liam," Simon declared.

Emma anticipated his response.

Silence descended, broken only by gasps from the butler and Levi. Just as anxiety peaked, Emma laughed.

Setting down her cup, she addressed Simon directly. "Mr. Hall, I won't leave Liam. I'm his wife. I'll save him. But don't forget, he's your son, too. Saving him is your choice."