Chapter 484

The five-person team that Shirley dispatched to participate in the International Gambling Tournament successfully made it into the top eighty.

Among the five-member group, Barrett Rubio served as their representative—a rugged-looking man whose face was covered in thick facial hair, leaving only his eyes visible.

At three o’clock in the afternoon, they arrived at the designated meeting location.

The location was the same restaurant where Mandy had foolishly provoked Shermaine and ended up getting herself killed. The establishment remained sealed off due to the death that had occurred there.

Joshua was a terrifying figure–this much became clear the moment he appeared before them.

First, they recognized the men flanking Joshua as assassins from Eagle Assassins, which meant Joshua had to be the organization’s new boss.

Second, they’d already heard whispers about Queen Cobra’s defeat the night before. Third, his unmistakable red hair, which he made conceal, marked him as the man Judy’s people had been desperately searching for.

That red hair instantly reminded them of the ancient royal family from a thousand years ago–a bloodline that had commanded both reverence and fear.

Beyond that, they’d already been scheming to win over Boa Hanks, hoping her formidable skills could help them seize control of Baykeep.

Damien was brewing coffee for Joshua when the visitors arrived. He smoothly produced cups and played the perfect host, every inch the competent butler attending to guests.

“Good afternoon, Cain,” Barrett said.

“Please, have a seat,” Joshua replied, his voice cool and measured.

Barrett settled into his chair and cut straight to the chase. “We’re curious what you wanted to discuss with us today, Cain.”

Joshua gave Damien a subtle nod. Without hesitation, Damien tossed a hit list onto the table.

Barrett and his companions glanced down at the document, and their faces visibly darkened.

Damien said, “From the moment you boarded our ship, Baykeep already knew that you were Her Highness Shirley’s people. That’s why they paid Boss to eliminate you.”

He continued, “Of course, since we invited you here, we won’t lay a hand on you. Boss’ real target is taking down Baykeep.”

It might not stop at just Baykeep, though. Joshua never said it outright, but whenever the organization had assignments that would harm Judy’s interests, he’d always have his assassins take those jobs—sometimes even directing operations himself, strategizing and planning every detail.

After all, both Joshua and Shermaine were on the wanted list, which meant they definitely had bad blood with Judy.

When Barrett and his companions heard that Joshua’s target was Baykeep, they visibly relaxed. “If I’m not mistaken, Cain, you’re the man who issued Her Highness Judy’s bounty list, aren’t you?” Barrett asked, his tone slightly probing.

Joshua’s expression didn’t change as he confirmed. “That’s correct.”

Barrett and the others’ faces lit up with even greater joy. They were all enemies of Judy now, after all. This revelation made them much more trusting.

“In that case, perhaps we could become allies. What do you think, Cain?” Barrett continued.

Damien pulled out an alliance agreement already prepared.

Barrett took the agreement and scanned through it. Nothing struck him as unreasonable.

If they were the ones who captured Baykeep, then Joshua’s group would merely be their allies–they certainly wouldn’t have the right to boss them around regarding Baykeep’s affairs. Of course, it wasn’t like they wouldn’t get anything out of the deal.

Baykeep would fall under Shirley’s faction, and Baykeep would pay her taxes annually.

When Judy inevitably mobilized her forces to reclaim Baykeep, they’d naturally have to send reinforcements to support their ally.

The only sticky point was Joshua’s demand for two S-level mecha fighter jets. That request was going to be tricky.

“We don’t have any issues with the earlier terms,” Barrett said, “but we need to discuss those two S-level mecha fighter jets with Her Highness Shirley’s faction.” They could contact military headquarters directly.

When they got through to headquarters, a woman answered the call. Damien and his team couldn’t hear the conversation since they were standing too far away.

Meanwhile, in another room, Shermaine lay sprawled across her bed. She let out a lazy yawn, then winced as a dull ache pulsed through her chest again. After checking the time, she opened her Orthish and placed a video call to Joshua.

Joshua picked up instantly.

“Things wrapping up on your end?” Shermaine asked.

“We’re negotiating for those mecha fighter jets that Sheary wants,” Joshua replied. “Should be finished soon.”

“Good. Almost done then.” Shermaine had been lying flat, but now she shifted to her side.

Seeing her movement, Joshua asked, “Feeling uncomfortable again?”