As Lionel finished speaking, Miles raised a trembling finger at him, his entire body shaking uncontrobly. "You... you..." Overwhelmed by a storm of emotions, Miles felt his chest tighten as blood surged violently within. Suddenly, he coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    He could never have imagined that Commander Bradley, a man he had always revered and could only look up to, would host amendation ceremony for the despicable man who had stolen his achievements.


    Even the new general, whom he regarded as omnipotent, personally attended to celebrate Lionel''s so-called victory, built on Lionel''s shameless theft of Miles''s hard-earned glory.


    Lionel stood before him, smug and triumphant. Perhaps he said all this to mock him, to rub salt in the wound and show him how foolish he''d been.


    Lionel''s grin widened as he watched Miles cough up blood, a glint of satisfaction shing in his eyes. Though he wasn''t worried about Miles retaliating, the thought of silencing him with a few words was the oue he wanted.


    After all, dealing with the dead is always easier than dealing with the living.


    "Captain Henderson, how are you holding up?" Lionel asked, his tone dripping with mock concern.


    Ken had initially nned to quietly record Lionel''s words, hoping to gather evidence of his theft of Miles''s achievements. But to his surprise, Lionel''s words were wless, each like a dagger stabbing straight into Miles''s heart. It took Miles nearly half a minute to steady himself.


    Finally, after a few deep breaths, he spoke in a weak voice, "I''m fine." His dark eyes locked onto Lionel, burning with hatred as he prepared to speak again.


    "Lionel, you stole my credit for currying favor with the higher-ups. Aren''t you afraid the truth wille out and you''ll be condemned by millions across Vyrdenia?"


    Tony''s polished smile froze abruptly. Then, his gaze toward Miles turned icy, a bone-chilling coldness settling over his expression.


    "Captain Henderson, I''ll pretend you were seriously injured and spoke without thinking. But if I hear you mentioning this same matter, don''t me me for punishing you for ndering your superiors!"


    Miles chuckled, his tone sharp and mocking. "Spoke without thinking? You know damn well whether I''m speaking the truth or not."


    Lionel stared at him for a long moment, then sighed.


    "Raven, my friend, even if what you said were true, which I believe is not, do you honestly think anyone would believe you? "Everyone in the military knows that I, Lionel Flemings, have always been upright and honorable, and they know my immense contributions to Vyrdenia.


    "And you? In all your years here, you''ve achieved nothing. Only Damian remains out of the thirty-six men who once followed you.


    "Tell me, if this gets out to the military or even the entire Vyrdenia, will they call you ipetent or use you of abandoning your brothers to save your skin?"


    Rage churned in Miles''s chest, and he felt something rising in his throat. He clenched his teeth, forcing the blood back down, refusing to show weakness.


    Miles''s re locked onto Lionel, zing with fury, threatened to consume him. "Lionel, do you not know why they died?" His voice trembled, each wordced with suppressed anger.


    After agreeing to kill a thousand enemies in exchange for Raven''s freedom, Lionel sent Miles on missions against enemy forces far stronger than his group.


    Thirty-six of his brothers-loyal to the end-had fallen in those hopeless battles. Yet Lionel dared to use their deaths against him. Calling this shameless would be an understatement.


    Lionel replied to Miles''s usation with a faint, mocking nod. "I wouldn''t dream of using you unfairly. But tell me, who would even believe you?" His tone was cold, dismissive, and smug.


    Miles''s fists tightened, his knuckles white. His voice, hoarse with rage, cut through the tension. "Lionel, what are you after?" Lionel shed a faint smile. "Nothing much. Justat


    "You wouldn''t want her future ruined because of galdumsiness, right?"


    Sessfully unlocked!


    thea kui at the hospital iming to be your granddaughter.


    Lat


    Miles''s face turned pale, thest trace of color draining away. Lionel''s words hit him right where it hurt the most.


    At his age and with his failing health, even without serious injuries, he didn''t have many years left. He could risk his life exposing Lionel''s crimes in pursuit of justice.


    Chapter 362 The New General


    But his granddaughter was different. She was young, with her whole life ahead of her. Miles hadn''t helped her as her grandfather. Instead, he''d be a burden, holding her back.


    Lionel saw through Miles''s thoughts in an instant. Sensing the timing was perfect, he finally revealed his true intentions. "Miles, your words earlier stung, but we''ve been through a lot together over the years. You''ve put in your share of effort, haven''t you?


    "Here''s the deal. Keep your mouth shut, and I''ll make sure no dirt on you gets out. Additionally, I''ll introduce your granddaughter to Commander Bradley and the new general at tomorrow''s ceremony.


    "If she''s interested in joining the military, I can even put in a good word for her with them both and do my best to secure her a juniormander position. What do you say?"