Chapter 2009
“Maurice, it’s been years since I came to Gabo Creek, and it seems your family’s standing has slipped,” a teasing voice called from outside the study. “Heh, when any random nobody dares storm your base, maybe the Driscoll family really isn’t what it used to be.”
Maurice’s eyes narrowed sharply as he turned toward the voice. Whoever dared to mock the Driscolls so openly had guts.
However, when he saw who it was, the killing intent in his gaze vanished. He gave a cold snort and said flatly, “Barnaby, what are you doing here?”
The newcomer was short and stocky, his skin weathered like a farmer’s. Nonetheless, those who knew his true identity understood how dangerous he really was.
Barnaby Hale, Director of Chetvine Special Ops, nicknamed "Crazy Barnaby," a devil who moved in the shadows.
He said, “Nothing much, just checking in. Maurice, you can handle this, right?”
Maurice’s mouth twitched. “Barnaby, you underestimate the Driscoll family. Just watch… You’ll see a massacre.”
Barnaby shrugged. “Sounds like small-time stuff. Honestly, I’m not interested. I came to Blumedale mainly for Derek, and to deal with the man who dared to disrespect Special Ops.”
Maurice’s cold snort was almost a growl. “That man is Andrew Lloyd, the one going head-to-head with the Driscoll family. You’ll see him soon enough.”
Barnaby smirked. “Maurice, if your family can kill him outright, that would save me the trouble. I prefer not to waste time catching someone and going through trial procedures. When someone disrespects Special Ops, my usual method is to kill them.”
Maurice frowned, then nodded. “Understood. This is Derek’s turf. If you take him out directly, it’d break protocol.”
Barnaby chuckled. “Exactly. My men will stand by and wait for the Driscoll family to finish the job. Of course, if something happens to your family, I wouldn’t mind lending a hand… Just say the word.”
Maurice sneered. “Don’t worry. The sky could fall, and the Driscoll family still wouldn’t go down on my watch.”
Barnaby gave a non-committal “Oh” before adding, “By the way, we’ve recovered Gabo Creek’s so-called martial icon, Franklin. But honestly, he’s half-dead and pretty much useless now. Your wife is crying her eyes out with worry. Aren’t you going to see her?”
Hatred flashed in Maurice’s eyes before he left the study without a word.
Barnaby watched his back with a silent, mocking smirk. Maurice was his friend, but only when their interests aligned. When they did not, they both wished the other would fall.
And right now, Barnaby had conveniently arrived just in time to watch the Driscoll family’s drama unfold. From the look of it, his old friend was practically wearing a glowing signboard above his head, showing the world that he’d been cuckolded.
In a secluded area of the estate, the sound of two sharp slaps cracked the air.
Victoria’s face flushed and swelled instantly, blood trickling down her lip. Yet, her serene expression did not waver.
She even smiled faintly. “Mia, I’ll remember those slaps. This is all you’re capable of, bullying me when I’ve lost my martial strength. Why didn’t you act so tough before, when I was still at my peak?”
Her tone dripped with mockery.
Mia’s eyes burned red with fury and killing intent. Another two slaps landed hard, and she yanked Victoria’s hair viciously. “Victoria, you bitch! After what happened to Franklin, you and that little bastard Andrew are going to pay with your lives!”
Her voice was wild, like a rabid animal.
Forced to lift her head, Victoria met Mia’s glare with a cold smile. “Franklin got what he deserved. And you, Mia, won’t be far behind… You know that, don’t you?”
Mia’s face twisted into something monstrous. “Don’t worry, Victoria. The first to die will be you, and then Andrew."
Victoria’s expression didn’t change. “I may die, but rest assured, Andrew won’t.”