?Chapter 432:


    Tapping off more ash, Malcolm instructed, “Make the captives talk. I want to know who’s orchestrating this.”


    The bodyguard’s face fell. “That’s going to be a problem, Mr. Johnson. They’re already dead.”


    “Dead?”


    Affirmatively, the bodyguard nodded. “They ended their own lives as soon as we had them cornered.”


    The chilling recollection sent shivers through the bodyguard. Such brutality.


    A cold, calcting look crossed Malcolm’s face as he dismissed the bodyguard with a casual gesture.


    “Assassins bound by loyalty?” Malcolm whispered with a trace of disbelief.


    Beside Jeffry, Lydia remained silent, her features set in a cold demeanor. Typically, loyal assassins were seen as unflinching and utterly devoted instruments of death. The assants today, however, defied that stereotype. They were top-tier operatives from the organization known as Shadow. Choosing death over suffering, they sought a quick closure.


    Earle’s tactics were notoriously savage, leaving even those who returned with failed missions to endure gruesome torment. To never return after failing missions was to defy the organization, provoking Earle’s relentless wrath. Given such dire alternatives, ending their own lives was the lesser of the evils.


    The unexpected arrival of the assassins ended the group’s recreational activities.


    Wesley had nned to escort Elena home, but she left with Lydia instead. Throughout the drive, Elena was behind the wheel, both women wearing expressions of grave concern.


    Lydia rolled down the car window, letting the hot air brush against her face, slightly soothed by a gentle breeze.


    Despite it beingte September, the heat remained oppressively high.


    With a heavy sigh, Lydia’s voice carried a cold edge. “Earle is out for my blood. I spoiled the day for everyone. When I next cross paths with Earle, he’ll regret it!”


    Elena shook her head. “It’s not just you he’s after. He’s targeting me as well.”


    Wesley’s timely intervention had been the only thing that saved Elena. Her previous confrontation with Earle had clearly left a bitter mark.


    Upon realizing Elena was also a target, Lydia’s anger turned to resolve. Furious, she said, “That maniac Earle! I’ll see him dead for this!” The threat against her was one thing, but endangering Elena was utterly unforgivable.


    Elena replied withposure, “We need to think this through. His men are already killing in the open. Earle will be relentless after this setback. For now, stay at Jeffry’s. His ce is secure, near the military base, and Earle wouldn’t dare make a move there.”


    “But Earle caused you harm…” Lydia’s fury was evident.


    Elena nced at her, and Lydia’s chest heaved as she suppressed her anger.


    There was no point in discussing it further at that moment.


    Lydia was still healing, and the notion of trekking to Avaloria for vengeance against Earle seemed far-fetched.


    Known for its stringent regtions, the, the capital of Houis, didn’t permit public acts of violence.


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