"Yes, my Lord." The subordinate immediately opened aptop and pulled up the pier''s security footage.


    On the screen, Shanley and Juniper sat calmly on a bench, nked by their twockeys who were basking in their bosses'' reflected glory. Anyone watching would think they were here to acquire Liberty Ind, not beg for a favor.


    The audacity!


    "My Lord, our intel confirms that the missiles the Sigma Network leader brought are incredibly powerful," the subordinate reported cautiously. "If one were to hit the castle, I''m afraid it would—"


    It might not be reduced to ashes instantly, but it would surely copse. Sigma Network''s ruthless methods were infamous in their world. If Shanley threatened to bomb them, he would actually do it.


    As Warren''s anger simmered, Celine suddenly leaned toward the screen. Her pure, bright eyes stared intently at the girl in the video. She pointed at the screen, then at herself.


    "Celine, you see the resemnce too?" Warren forced a smile, patiently exining, "But she''s a bad person. We don''t y with people like her."


    Anyone associated with Sigma Network couldn''t be any good.


    A bad person? Celine studied the girl''s face, frowning as she immediately retorted, "No."


    Warren was too preupied to argue. “You y by yourself for a little while. I''ll be back to join you after I handle this."


    After Warren left with his men, leaving theptop behind, Celine crouched on the ground, her chin resting in her hands, and stared at the girl in the video with a look of pure delight.


    At the pier, Warren arrived and nced up at the helicopters overhead.


    "As the leader of Sigma Network, you really have a way of asking for favors,"


    Warren sneered, "bringing such a generous gift."


    "You''re too kind," Shanley replied, his eyes crinkling as a cold smile touched his lips. "Your wee gift wasn''t so simple either."


    The armed men surrounding them exchanged nces, not daring to speak.


    "Even if the deal falls through,


    goodwill should remain," Shanley said, mis eyes narrowing


    meaningfully, his voice dropping to an icy tone. "You don''t want to make this ugly, do you, Warren?"


    Warren''s gaze, fierce and terrifying, flickered from the humming helicopters back to Shanley. If it weren''t for him, he would have had the cure. Shanley thought he could just walk away?


    "It''s gettingte, and we need to head back," Shanley said, ncing at his watch. "Surely you''re not going to insist we stay for dinner?"


    "Shanley, the score between us isn''t so easily settled,” Warren said, his voiceced with menace as he twisted the wedding band on his finger.


    "We''ll meet again," Shanley promised with a slight smile, taking Juniper''s hand. "Juniper, let''s go home."


    “Okay,” Juniper replied, rising to follow him obediently. "I can endure this," she thought. "For the antidote, I will endure this."


    "My Lord..." one of his men began, looking to Warren as the group started to leave.


    "Let them go, he said. As much as


    he hated it, Warren had to consider


    the safety of everyone else on


    Liberty Ind. If he made a met


    Shanley would drop bomb Several helicopters were aimed directly at the castle, where his Celine was still in the garden pulling weeds.


    "Open the gate."


    A subordinate waved his hand, and the pier gates rumbled open. Shanley''s group of four walked out.


    Just then, another of Warren''s men hurried to his side. "My Lord," he said respectfully, "we have a lead on Nocturne."


    Halfway out the gate, Juniper''s steps faltered. Slowly, she turned her head.


    Who did he just say? Nocturne?!