The moment Chad Abernathy finished speaking, Alexia heard a set of grim footsteps behind her, like a venomous snake slithering out from the shadows, its forked tongue tasting the cold air.


    "Ms. Alexia, it''s been a while."


    Alexia spun around, her eyes wide with shock.


    "It''s you...n?!"


    "I''m honored you remember my name."


    Chad lifted his teacup and took a delicate sip. "Our ranks have grown stronger. Excellent."


    Alexia stood stunned for a moment before a realization dawned on her, her eyes widening.


    "Sir, the genius doctor you mentioned... the one developing the drug... is it Chasel Bright?!"


    Chad''s eyes curved into a satisfied smile. "As expected of the person I trained myself. You''re still sharp."


    The answer was painfully obvious.


    Alexiaposed herself and took two steps forward, looking atn''s cold, stern face. “What are your orders now?"


    "Ian, I know you''re eager, but we have our own rules here."


    Chad''s pale, slender fingers toyed with the lid of his cup as he gazed down at the tea leaves. “Everyone who wishes to stay by my side must offer a pledge of fealty to prove their loyalty. There are no exceptions."


    The man raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"


    Alexia''s heart skipped a beat.


    This was Sir''s method. He rarely needed to get his own hands dirty, preferring to use others to do his killing.


    He exploited every single person who came to his side to their absolute limit.


    Alexia stared into the man''s captivating, amber-brown eyes, her breathing heavy and her mind racing.


    She knew Sir had a saint''s words with a viper''s heart, a devil with an angel''s face.


    And yet, she foolishly clung to the fantasy that maybe, just maybe, Sir felt something different for her.


    Chad feigned surprise, blinking. “Can you really bring yourself to do it? He has the same face as your brother, Ethan."


    "My brother was one of a kind! What does it matter if Chasel looks exactly like Ethan? He''s nothing but a pathetic, grotesque copy!"


    a thing to exist in this world. I will destroy himpletely.


    My brother is gone forever, yet Chasel is walking around with his face, perfectly fine. And if that wasnt enough he even stale Ethan''s love and took Ethan''s ce in the heart of the person he loved most!


    How can I rest until he''s gone? How can I face Ethan at his grave?!"


    Chad listened in silence, then after a moment''s thought, he chuckled.


    "From the sound of it, Chasel seems rather innocent. After all, one doesn''t choose the face they''re born with.


    In fact, I find Cassius Ashbourne, the fickle man who used Chasel as a recement, to be far more despicable."


    Chad shook his head slightly, smiling. "A slow death invitesplications. And if you make a move on chase, it will undoubtedly cause a stir within the Ashbourne family. Once you tip your hand, it will be much harder to go after Cassius."


    "Killing one is the same as killing two. Why not seize this opportunity to catch them both in one?"


    Chad let out a low sigh. "It''s just a shame for them, bing tragic lovers on the run. I''m afraid your brother wont be able to restin peace content


    The man''s lips curled up slightly. “Then prepare yourself. I wish you sess. If you need any help, don''t hesitate to ask."


    “Sir, forgive me for being blunt, but making a rash move against Chasel could cause


    a major upheaval.....” Alexia said, her face etched with worry.


    The man continued to sip his tea. "What, are you afraid?"


    "No, I''m just concerned..."


    "It would be best if Cassius could be eliminated, but Chasel *must* die."


    The smile vanished from Chad''s eyes. "To Thaddeus Abernathy, Chasel represents his only hope for recovery.


    I once knew that kind of despair. I will not allow him to have any hope in his life.”