Chapter 1171

At the Golding family estate, Elon exclaimed in disbelief, "What did you just say? Black Wolf is dead?"

The butler, face tight with unease, replied, "Yes, sir. Early this morning, his body was found dumped in the sewer. The cause of death matched the last group of assassins perfectly. There’s no doubt that it was Andrew who killed him."

Elon’s expression darkened instantly. "Even Black Wolf failed and ended up dead? Andrew… you’ve clearly been hiding more strength than we thought."

The butler nodded gravely. "Sir, that man is definitely not some pawn on the board. Not only is Black Wolf gone, but the Srovika Federation mercenary commander the Haywoods brought in also died at Serenity Villa."

Elon gasped. "Even Xavier’s overseas hitman got wiped out? Are you absolutely sure?"

The old butler’s brow twitched. "Completely sure. This morning, both bodies–Black Wolf and the mercenary captain–were found side by side in the sewer on Blumedale’s main street."

Elon clenched his jaw. "This is Andrew sending a message—he’s warning us. He’s making a statement to the elite families."

Just then, Richard approached, and Elon quickly stepped forward. "Father, I apologize. I failed again."

Richard waved a hand. "This time, you’re not to be blamed. If a legendary assassin like Black Wolf was taken down, it only proves one thing–Andrew has some powerful figures protecting him."

Elon asked, "Then what should we do next, Father? Do we hire more killers?"

Richard snorted. "If Black Wolf couldn’t get the job done, throwing money at lesser trash won’t make a difference. Sure, money talks–but when it comes down to it, most people are cowards. With Black Wolf dead, many will think twice before taking the job."

Elon’s eyes widened. "Are you saying there are people the Goldings can’t even kill?"

Richard gave a slow, chilling smile. "If a bounty can’t get it done, that doesn’t mean the Goldings can’t. But right now, there’s no reason to be the first to strike. The Haywoods just lost Seth. For now, we’ll let things cool and see how Roy and Xavier handle this humiliation."

Elon was clearly frustrated. "But Father, if Xavier does end up taking Andrew out, doesn’t that make the Haywoods look stronger than us?"

Richard sneered. "I used to think like you, but after seeing how hard it is to kill Andrew, I’ve realized that it’s not going to be easy. If the Haywoods want the glory, let them fight for it.

"Sure, they might win the bragging rights, but they’ll bleed for it. Their best men, their resources–it’ll all come at a cost. And that kind of reckless pride? That’s something we should avoid."

Elon finally nodded and smiled. "You’re right, Father. We’ll sit back and watch the tigers fight. No matter who wins–Andrew or the Haywoods–we’ll be the real winners."

Richard’s expression shifted slightly, and he changed the topic. "You still don’t have a wife—that can’t continue. Among the Five Apex Families, the Keller family reigns supreme.

"You remember what I’ve always told you–if you can marry into the Kellers, you’ll be next in line to lead the Goldings."

Elon looked sheepish. "But Emily thinks I’m too fat. I can’t help that."

Richard’s jaw tightened. "She thinks you’re fat? Then lose the damn weight! Whatever it takes, make it happen. If you can align with the Keller family, we’ll crush the Haywoods like ants."

Elon forced a smile. "Alright, Father. I’ll do my best."

Meanwhile, over at the Haywood residence, the butler approached Xavier with a gentle reminder early that morning.

"Sir, today marks the third day since Mr. Seth’s passing, and it’s also the day you promised to honor him with Andrew’s head. If this doesn’t go well, we’ll have no choice but to proceed with Mr. Seth’s burial. His remains can’t be preserved much longer."

Chapter 1172

Since the night before, Xavier had been fully suited in military attire, standing vigilant and sleepless. He gripped a massive broadsword, and when the butler spoke, his voice was ice-cold. "Don’t worry. Andarov won’t fail me. That bastard Andrew is as good as dead."

Though those were his words, doubt lingered in Xavier’s mind. After all, Andarov never took this long to finish a kill. Nonetheless, the sun was rising–he should be back any minute now.

Andarov, commander of the Blood Wolf Mercenaries, was ruthless and battle-hardened. Xavier met him while stationed overseas, and after several missions together, they became close allies.

"With the entire Blood Wolf squad under him, it doesn’t matter if Andrew has bodyguards. He won’t last five minutes," Xavier sneered, confident.

He was already planning the next steps–hold Seth’s memorial as soon as Andarov returned, then introduce him to Luna to score even more clout. Having a famous international mercenary as a personal friend? Even someone as proud as Luna would be impressed.

Suddenly, one of the Haywoods‘ top fighters came rushing in and reported, "Mr. Xavier, there’s been an incident! Mr. Markovic has returned to the Srovika Federation."

Xavier’s brow furrowed. "What do you mean, returned? He left without notice?"

The man shook his head, visibly shaken. "Not exactly, sir… Andarov has fallen in battle. He’s dead. His body was discovered early this morning in the sewer. The last two surviving members of the Blood Wolf squad retrieved his remains and took him back to the Srovika Federation for burial."

Xavier froze in place, clearly dumbstruck. He exclaimed in disbelief, "Andarov is dead? Did the bastard Andrew die too? Please tell me he died with him!"

The fighter hesitated, then shook his head. "We don’t know if Andrew was harmed. But there have been no reports of trouble at The Sovereign Residences. Chances are, he made it out alive."

Xavier’s expression turned lethal. His eyes blazed with fury like a predator ready to maul its prey. "Even Andarov fell to that bastard… Have we confirmed who’s backing Andrew? Who the hell is protecting him?"

Xavier growled, his voice filled with disbelief and rage. He refused to believe Andrew took out Andarov alone, thinking there had to be someone powerful pulling strings behind the scenes.

The Haywoods‘ fighter trembled and quickly reported, "Yes sir. We looked into it. Just one person–Chantelle Garcia, Governor McCormick’s secretary. Other than her, Andrew has nothing in Blumedale. Just a few nobodies from Jayrodale."

Xavier swung the broadsword, slicing a full set of vintage furniture into splinters. The damages were worth at least a million, but the money meant nothing–his fury could not be soothed.

He barked, "Bring me my full uniform. If Andarov couldn’t do it, then I’ll go myself. I’ll end Andrew’s pathetic life–with my own hands–as a soldier of honor!"

People from all over the Haywood residence rushed in, drawn by the commotion. They stared at the wreckage and the war-drenched aura around Xavier, exchanging uneasy glances.

Just then, Roy stepped forward and spoke solemnly. "Xavier, wait."

Xavier’s eyes burned. "Father, don’t stop me. I swore I would use Andrew’s head to honor Seth’s death–within three days. A man’s word is his bond; I will keep mine."

Roy’s gaze was cold. "I’m not stopping you. I’m telling you go, and make sure you come back. Our family’s name has already been dragged through the dirt by Andrew. The only way to reclaim our place among the Five Apex Families… is with his blood."

Xavier donned his colonel’s uniform and slung the broadsword over his shoulder, and the bloodlust in his aura had reached bone-chilling levels.

One of the Haywood elders stepped forward. "Sir, shall we send a team to escort you?"

Xavier walked to the door alone and said flatly, "No need."