2026-10-26 07:02:19Maria Sten suddenly realized that beneath Cornell Bateman's frivolous playboy exterior might lie a soul utterly incompatible with his outward persona. Otherwise, how could he possess the mental acuity to extract telltale clues from a single sentence and then systematically verify them one by one? That kind of focus was something she herself couldn't muster.
A flicker of doubt crossed her mind. Perhaps her grandfather had been right all along. At the very least, Cornell's capabilities as
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Chapter 053
Maria was walking toward them. The moment she spotted the guard sprawled on the ground and Cornell surrounded by the security detail, she understood exactly what had happened.Anger simmered beneath her calm exterior, but watching Cornell strike down Uncle Edmund's men brought a rush of satisfaction. But the realization chilled her. Now that General Sten had been murdered, no one could rein in her uncle anymore. Edmund would come after her openly, with no restraint and no regard for consequences. He wouldn't have to answer to anyone.That was what worried her most. The protection her grandfather had provided was gone, and with it, any illusion of safety.The moment Maria arrived, the guards backed off. They retreated to the sides, their faces tight with frustration, watching helplessly as Cornell climbed into Maria's car and drove away. None of them dared move with her standing there.Outside the hospital entrance, Edmund emerged from the building, his face twist
Chapter 052
The lobby of the Grand Royale Hotel was quiet, save for the soft hum of conversation from scattered guests.Maria Sten sat upright on one of the leather sofas, wearing a purple coat that complemented her composed posture. Though worry lines marked her brow, they did little to soften the cold detachment in her eyes. A few flashily dressed young men from wealthy families had considered approaching her, their gazes lingering, but one look at her icy stare had been enough to send them elsewhere.Cornell Bateman settled into the chair across from her without a word.Maria's brow furrowed immediately. Her tone was flat, edged with disapproval. "Who told you to sit? I'm your employer. Don't you understand basic courtesy? Just because you saved me at the harbor doesn't mean you can act however you please in front of me."General Sten's sudden death had left Maria's mood dark and brittle. She had been standing by the window, staring down at the street below, anxiety knott
Chapter 051
Cornell Bateman still remembered the time Hannah Beatty had turned her gun on him in a fit of rage, forcing him to apologize. Wounded as he was, he had no intention of provoking Hannah into doing something she might regret.As his thoughts drifted to their current predicament, Cornell's expression grew somber. Gritting his teeth against the bone-deep pain radiating through his body, he forced himself upright. Every movement sent fresh waves of agony through his injuries, but he pushed through it."Thanks, Hannah. You took good care of me, and I'm feeling much better now," he said, his voice tight. "But I need to see General Sten. Right now."After a full night's rest, his strength had returned considerably. His priority was confirming the General's condition, no matter the cost."You can't go." Hannah reached out to steady him, her grip firm on his shoulder. "Edmund Sten isn't an idiot. He won't let you anywhere near General Sten. He'll have people waiting for yo
Chapter 050
"Bear with me."Hannah Beatty furrowed her brow as she pressed the blade into Cornell Bateman's mangled wound, carefully working to extract the bullet lodged inside. Without anesthesia, this kind of flesh-cutting agony tested the limits of human endurance. Several times, Cornell nearly passed out from the pain.When it came to field extraction, Hannah had no experience. She fumbled with the knife for nearly a minute, yet still hadn't managed to remove the bullet. Cornell could barely hold on anymore. Sweat soaked through his clothes, clinging to his skin."Cornell, I..." Watching him suffer like this, Hannah began to blame herself. Tears welled up in her eyes as panic made her clumsy hands even more unsteady. What had started as a small wound was now a gaping gash, blood flowing freely."Don't rush. Take your time," Cornell said, forcing a smile despite the agony.Hannah took a deep breath, willing herself to focus. She steadied her nerves and resumed the ex
Chapter 049
Hannah knew exactly what Cornell intended to do. She found cover to shield herself and quickly secured a favorable sniping position. From here, she could block any potential enemy reinforcements while also providing support for Cornell's retreat if needed.She had faith in Cornell's abilities. Once he locked onto a target, the sniper wouldn't escape alive.When Cornell reached the iron door leading to the rooftop, he scooped up a metal rod from the ground and kicked the door open with one powerful strike. The rooftop sprawled before him, littered with debris and concrete fragments.The sniper was an elite among mercenaries. After missing his shot and losing sight of his target, he understood his precarious situation all too well. The rooftop was cluttered with broken concrete blocks scattered everywhere, offering countless hiding spots. He'd vanished into the maze of debris, waiting for his moment.Concrete crunched under each step as Cornell advanced, fragments
Chapter 048
"I'm heading to Dunswell City tonight."Cornell Bateman had made up his mind. He needed to see Austin Sten in person. Something felt off. Though General Sten had been unwell before, it hadn't been serious enough that a single piece of bad news over the phone would cause him to collapse. With the precedent of the Sten family's eldest uncle fresh in his mind, Cornell found it hard to trust that everyone around General Sten was truly loyal.Maria Sten felt her mind spinning in chaos. Without asking further questions, she turned and walked toward the villa.The irritation in her eyes didn't escape Cornell's notice. But since she wasn't willing to say more, he wouldn't push. From the very beginning, Maria had looked down on him, so her attitude was nothing new. He'd long since grown used to it and didn't take it to heart.Back at the villa, Cornell rolled up a couple of shirts to take with him. He stood in the courtyard and smoked a cigarette, the ember glowing faintl
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