?Chapter 582:


    Marissa’s relief was palpable when she saw that Bu was protecting Xander. She had hoped that Xander would avoid any severe punishment for this task. If he suffered badly, she would be deeply regretful. It now appeared that Xander would not face harsh consequences.


    Marissa was unfazed by Bu’s threats. Despite the power of the Hoffman family and Bu’s formidable presence, the Doomsday Base stood unafraid. The chip was crucial to them, and Marissa was determined not to yield it, regardless of who supported rissa.


    She was confident that Bu would not jeopardize his entire family by opposing the Doomsday Base, which wielded significant global influence. As the leader of the Hoffman family, he could not afford such a sacrifice just for rissa.


    Once Bu stopped speaking, Marissa responded defiantly, lifting her chin. “Let me make this clear, Mr. Hoffman: even if God intervened, it couldn’t stop me from taking that chip away!”


    Bu squinted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “So, breaking in, causing destruction, and theft is the modus operandi at the Doomsday Base? Are you all just thieves?”


    Marissa retorted, “The chip rightfully belongs to the Doomsday Base! rissa infiltrated our base five years ago and stole it, merely iming what’s ours. You may be close to rissa, Mr. Hoffman, but your family aims to be honorable. Will you really side with a thief?”


    Bu’s expression was skeptical. He was uncertain whether to believe Marissa.


    At that moment, Xander moved closer to Bu and spoke softly, “Bu, what ck Mallow is saying is true. The chip originally belonged to the Doomsday Base. rissa not only stole the chip but also shot ck Mallow in the shoulder.”


    Bu furrowed his brow, his voice low. “Really?”


    Xander confirmed, “Yes, I saw her shoot at ck Mallow. ck Mallow barely missed being fatally wounded.”


    Understanding dawned on Bu. He realized why ck Mallow had such a vengeful agenda against the Skytop Mansion. It was not only about the chip but also personal retribution.


    Bu acknowledged that rissa was indeed at fault, which meant he shouldn’t obstruct ck Mallow’s quest to reim the chip.


    However, remembering the mistreatment Xander endured, Bu felt conflicted. ck Mallow’s raid on the Skytop Mansion was driven by her own desire for vengeance. Preventing her from taking the chip might also serve as retribution for Xander.


    Upon realizing the depth of the situation, Bu offered Marissa a cold smile. “I don’t care who’s right or wrong between your Doomsday Base and the Peridot Consortium. But let me be clear: as long as I’m here, you won’t be taking the chip anywhere.”


    Marissa scanned him with a dismissive grin. “Mr. Hoffman, are you suggesting you want to duel with me?”


    “By all means, ck Mallow, show me what you’ve got,” Bu retorted with a sneer.


    Before Marissa could reply, Silver Fox stepped up briskly. “I’ll handle you, Mr. Hoffman. ck Mallow needs to conserve her energy for that bitch rissa. She can’t afford to waste it on you.”


    Bu regarded Silver Fox silently. Despite his anger at how she had earlier demeaned Xander, he found himself unwilling to strike her. There was a reluctance he couldn’t shake off.


    After observing Silver Fox for a moment, he turned back to Marissa and inquired, “And what exactly do you n to do to rissa?”


    Marissa’s response was immediate and fierce. “I’ll make her suffer. I’ll make sure she knows the pain of a sharp weapon piercing her shoulder.”


    Bu’s eyes narrowed as he issued a stern warning. “As long as I stand here, you won’ty a finger on her.”


    Silver Fox scoffed loudly at this. Then, she taunted Bu disdainfully. “You present yourself as a man of principle, yet you defend someone like rissa. What’s wrong with you? Are you blind?”


    .


    .


    .