Chapter 468

Right after Mandy spoke her final words, she lost consciousness. By the time the doctor arrived and started emergency treatment, her heartbeat was already growing faint. Gradually, it faded away completely. She died right in front of Simon.

“We did everything we could, Mr. Lambert,” the doctor said, shaking his head.

They were helpless against whatever had been coursing through her body. The blood she coughed up was pitch black, thick, tar-like, and terrifying to even look at.

Simon’s face remained blank, as if Mandy’s death didn’t affect him in the slightest. As if she had been nothing more than a stranger. To everyone watching, it was chilling.

Shermaine hadn’t hit Mandy. She hadn’t used any obvious weapon. She had only gotten near her, and the woman writhed in agony until her body gave out.

Those who had already collapsed from the pain were now even more terrified. They feared they’d end up like Mandy too, just hurting and hurting until there was nothing left. But that didn’t happen.

Simon gave a small wave of his hand. “Take her out. Make arrangements to send her body back to Baykeep.”

Now that she was gone, the only thing he could do was make sure she had a proper burial. The doctors nodded, took out a body bag, and zipped Mandy inside.

Meanwhile, the silver-haired assassin arrived at the dining hall. They made their way to Joshua and stood before him. “Mr. Reaper, do you need us to assist with anything?”

“Ask my girl,” Joshua said casually.

The assassin turned to Shermaine.

It was their first time meeting her, but the moment they laid eyes on her, they were struck by her presence. Her aura alone was enough to command respect. And after seeing the way mercenaries and hitmen lay scattered across the floor, unmoving, it was clear that Shermaine was powerful, even deadly. She had taken down Mandy without lifting a finger.

“Mrs. Reaper, awaiting your orders,” they said in unison.

Shermaine glanced at Joshua. Apparently, in the Kingdom of Xyperia, he had built his influence faster than she expected. In such a short time, he already had his own loyal force.

She shook her head. “No need. Everything’s been handled.”

The mercenaries might still be alive, but the pain they were in would keep them down for a while. After tonight, she doubted anyone would dare come after her again. As for Simon, with Joshua around, she didn’t even need to get her hands dirty. If Simon so much as came near her, Joshua would be the first to take him out.

“Let’s go back. It’s too noisy here. It’ll disturb Gracie’s sleep,” Shermaine said.

Joshua nodded. With just one glance from him, the silver-haired assassin moved ahead, clearing the way.

Simon stood frozen where he was.

The silver-haired assassin looked at him and said coolly, “Sir, step aside. Don’t block the way.”

Simon’s eyes darkened with frustration, but he moved slightly, voice low and bitter. “I’m only moving out of respect for Ms. Hanks. Remember that.”

The assassin scoffed. He couldn’t care less about Simon’s so-called warning. Neither did Joshua. If Simon ever actually got in their way, a bullet to the head wouldn’t be off the table. They weren’t about to cut him any slack just because of who his father was. Joshua may have accepted the mission, but from the look of it, he had no intention of following through. The silver-haired assassin was now certain that Joshua would break the deal and take Simon out when the time was right.

Before leaving, Shermaine called for Jasmine.

Jasmine stood frozen, still trying to process everything. She couldn’t believe Shermaine’s man had shown up, let alone in such a jaw-dropping way. It was unreal. When she saw that man cradling Gracie, one hand gripping the railing as he pulled himself up, her heart nearly burst from relief. If anything had happened to Gracie, she wouldn’t have been able to live with herself. Her mission wouldn’t have mattered. And then there was Gracie’s father, the man with violet hair. Violet hair was a symbol of royal blood.

Jasmine had gotten hurt.

Shermaine treated the wounds herself, carefully applying medicine and wrapping the injuries. Only after making sure she was okay did she head back to Joshua’s room.

Inside, Joshua stood beside the crib, looking down at the sleeping Gracie. He reached in and gently touched her soft, chubby cheek, thinking, ‘She feels like a cloud.’ A strange warmth rose in his chest.

Shermaine came up behind him and leaned against his back, smiling. “She’s adorable, isn’t she?”

Joshua let out a quiet hum. She was so adorable he wanted to pick her up and twirl her in the air. But Gracie had cried herself tired and was now fast asleep. He didn’t want to wake her, so he forced himself to hold back. This was their daughter, his and Shermaine’s. And the more he thought about it, the softer his heart became.

But what weighed on him most was the fact that Shermaine had carried Gracie alone. He hadn’t been there for her. Hadn’t fulfilled his duty as her man.

Joshua turned and pulled her into his arms, settling her onto his lap. “But the Sheary who gave birth to Gracie… she’s the cutest thing in the world, and the strongest.”

Shermaine’s lips curved into a smile. The look in Joshua’s eyes told her everything. The exhaustion and the pain suddenly felt worth it.

“Giving birth does a number on a woman’s body. You should’ve been resting. Did you take care of yourself afterward?” Joshua asked, his voice suddenly serious.

Gracie was still so small, not even a month old. In their world, postpartum recovery was taken very seriously. Women were expected to rest and be cared for properly. But Shermaine had barely recovered before she was already up and about. And today, she’d fought off multiple attackers. The thought made his brows draw tight with concern.

“This world has advanced tech,” Shermaine explained. “Postpartum recovery shots. I’m fine, really.”

Joshua hadn’t known such things existed here. Ever since arriving, he had been busy building his power and leading the Eagle Assassins. He hadn’t had time to study every convenience this world had to offer.

He paused and then looked at her. “Then what were those pills you bought for?”