By the ti Ethan and Davis returned to the estate, dusk had already deepened, the mansion glowing faintly against the darkening sky.
Deborah hurried to welco them back, her hands quickly setting the dining table. But Davis brushed past her gesture, his voice flat.
"I'm not eating."
She watched his tall fra retreat toward the staircase, a knot of worry tightening in her chest. At last, she couldn't endure it anymore.
"Davis," she called softly.
His footsteps faltered mid-stair. For a heartbeat, he stood motionless, shoulders tense, before slowly turning his head, as he waited for her to co over.
Ever since she moved into the estate, Deborah had always called him Sir, keeping that careful boundary of respect.
But now hearing his na leave her lips, Davis felt sothing stir deep inside. For an instant, he thought he heard his late mother's voice.
The ache of loss welled up inside him, his emotion spun. He wanted to tell her how much he was hurting, but the words remained trapped in his throat. He couldn't and he will never..
"Davis," she said again, her voice trembling.
She was not expecting him to answer, but to her shock, his lips parted, and a single word slipped out, "Ma'am."
Deborah's heart lurched. Her world spun at the sound, tears stinging her eyes.
"They told you haven't been eating well," she whispered. "Seeing you after just a few days… I can tell it's true."
Since Jessica's accident, Deborah had spent most of her ti at the hospital, tending to Jessica and the twins. She only ca ho briefly for essentials. waiting for Jessica and the twins.
But just this afternoon, Ethan got worried about Davis' eating habits.
He was afraid he might be down with gastro problems, and it would be more challenging.
With no option left, he sought the help of Deborah. Thinking back now, Deborah felt she had been wrong to have overlooked the one who might be hurting more.
"I eat," Davis clipped curtly.
But when Deborah reached for his wrist and gently guided him back toward the dining hall, he didn't resist.
For her sake, he forced himself to take a few bites before retreating upstairs. She watched him disappear, she sighed helplessly.
In the study, Davis imrsed himself in work until Ethan entered.
"Get so of the teams ready in two hours," Davis instructed without looking up. "We're getting soone tonight."
Ethan frowned. "Who?"
Davis leaned back, his eyes cold. "The Night rchant."
The words sent a chill through the room. "What?" Ethan almost shrieked, a cold shiver ran down his spine.
"Will tonight be good for this?" he asked. He was not just scared about taking this trip, but he's scared about what the outco might be.
"This night is best," Davis said firmly. "The earlier we end this, the safer it will be."
Ethan understood exactly what Davis ant. Over the years, they had investigated Desmond, and Sylas but there's a man who had always been a variable.
During the investigation into Jessica's attack at the estate, it had been his n, but then he was invited by Desmond.
Now there's no doubt he might be aware of Sylas' state, and having worked closely with Sylas, leaving him at large might spell doom for them.
Looking at his character trait, he usually instigated another to do his bidding, exploiting their greed and desires.
Desmond was a part of his puppet. Desmond paid him handsoly, diverting several of Allen funds in the hope he would help him ascend the seat after careful elimination of Davis.
To put it simply, he orchestrated the attack against Davis and Jessica when they left the Allen mansion.
Ethan exhaled. "Why tonight, though?"
"Ethan, it seems you forget a lot now. Maybe you should keep so distance from Bella and have your brain back."
Ethan flinched but forced a weak smile "Not really like that."
"It's settled. Tonight," Davis said. His tone left no room for debate. "If we leave him loose, the next phase of the Group's experint of that prototype will be compromised."
Ethan nodded in understanding. Now that he thought about it, Night rchant was much more interested in the developnt of the blueprint under the Allen Group.
"If you succeed in getting him?" Ethan asked tentatively, studying Davis. His expression was as blank as a slate.
"Handle neatly, cripple his bone, and send him to the police chief. The evidence are ready for his conviction."
"Before she recovers, no stone is remaining unturned," he muttered.
"Alright." Ethan answered and left the study.
Three hours later…
In an underground casino of 24 Hours club. The ground vibrated with music, clinking glasses, and the sound of dice rolling.
Smoke from cigars floated thick in the air, mixing with the sll of whiskey and sweat.
n in expensive suits sat around tables stacked with chips, while won in glittering dresses leaned close, whispering in the ears of gamblers.
To the outside world, it was nothing but a simple high-end club.
Davis dressed in a simple black shirt with sleeves rolled up, veins running strong along his forearms.
Tonight, he didn't need a suit or his gold watch. He ca for business… either it's a do or a die.
In silence, he sat at the head of the table, and opposite him was his target… the man who had always wanted everything about him and the Allen Group.
The man that works with the elimination thod. The fallen heir of bamkrupted Arthur Groups.
His code na: Night rchant.
At the center of it all, under a bright hanging light, was the high-stakes table.
Stacks of chips sat between them, and the crowd pressed in close, whispering.
Their gaze locked on each other with coldness and fire raging as they stared at each other with each state more nacing than the other.
For the onlookers, they felt the tension brimming between them, but it doesn't matter… this an underground casino. And fights are inevitable.
Besides, a fight tonight will make it more thrilling, and in this world there's always a rule; no police, no excuses, no questions, the winner takes it all, and if you aren't up to the task, it's better you don't join.
Davis took a deep breath, his gaze cold and his face with a blank expression as he stared at the man before him.
Over the years, he has tried to understand why this man wanted his head, but only since after his accident did he get it clear…
It was the prototype in the hands of the Allen Group. More troubling was the fact he loves operating behind the scene.
But this ti, he is tired of any sort of behind the scene sche, and for this enemy he will leave no room to advance further…
But then, it's only on this ground could he be able to get this man who seed elusive.
And a mistake must not be made tonight neither is failure acceptable.
The dealer, a thin man with nervous hands, shuffled the deck.
His eyes flicked back and forth between Night rchant and Dave, as if expecting the table to explode at any mont from their silent glares.
Night leaned back in his chair and smirked. "Ready to lose your freedom tonight, Dave?" he drawled.
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