Vindictive King of Hell

Chapter 5: Threats

MAX returned to his cabin, riding his motorcycle at full speed. It was his way of clearing his mind. He’d never expected this sudden turn of events, perhaps he was not meant to live in peace in this life.

He quickly refreshed himself and held back from consuming another bottle of his favorite brandy. He had to carefully think about his plans now that he couldn’t escape his current predicament with the Griffins.

“Damn that old man for giving me such a weight on my shoulders,” he muttered. Max went to the balcony and lit a cigarette.

He came up with a lot of strategies to avoid the old man’s burden. Maybe he’d just give everything to Amanda. She looked capable.

“Geez, I think I need some sleep,” Max decided since he had not arrived at a proper conclusion to his problem.

He was in a deep slumber in his room, and around three o’clock in the morning, Max suddenly opened his eyes because he sensed a sudden motion around him.

Max heightened his sense of hearing to locate the movement near him. And since he had no pets, he realized it was a human based on the sound from the wooden floor.

“One, two...” Max counted in silence. He was sure two people were inside his house, approaching his room. However, even though he became aware of the danger lurking around him, he remained nonchalant and did not budge in his bed.

As soon as he heard the slow click of the doorknob, Max prepared himself for his assailants.

Two assassins were inside his room, and based on their scents, Max could tell that one of them was a woman.

The man wore a black suit and a mask covering half his face. His night glasses helped him see the bed vividly. He could tell that the target was peacefully asleep under a thick comforter.

The masked man attacked using a gun with a silencer. He pulled the trigger three times, targeting the bed. However, as soon as he pulled down the comforter, he was astounded to discover that he had been shooting pillows. By the time he realized he had made a mistake, someone hit a critical spot on his neck that knocked him out.

The woman started to attack after her companion fell; she held a knife and attacked Max. They fought hand-to-hand, but after a few struggles, Max found an opening to grab the knife and point it at his assailant’s neck.

“Who sent you?” he dangerously asked.

The woman giggled as if she were not afraid that she might die at any moment.

“Maximus, or shall I say, Ares, the infamous Night Ghost?”

Max eased his breathing and put down the knife, especially when he recognized her signature scent. “What the hell are you doing here, and how did you find me?”

The woman laughed. She turned on the lights and removed her face mask. “It’s nice to see you again, Max. It’s been a while.”

“Goodness, Adara! I almost cut your throat, you little wench!”

“I know you’d easily recognize me, even if it’s pitch black.” Adara’s lips quivered up. Her genuine expression at meeting her longtime friend could not be concealed. “That guy was commissioned to take your head, Max. When I heard about it, I planned to join him, although he’s unaware.”

Adara kicked the body of the unconscious man on the cold floor. “Is he dead? You’re as merciless as ever.”

Max rolled his eyes. “Get this trash away from my house, or else I’ll bury him alive.”

“Well, at least, none of the underground organizations issued a commission to kill you after you retired. Such a wasted talent.” Adara shook her head. “Who do you think wants you dead, Max?”

“Who?”

Adara groaned and sat on his bed. “Drop the act. You know it’s the Griffins. Grandpa left a fortune, everyone is threatened.”

“I’m impressed you know a lot. But you’re still as clumsy as ever, Adara. I thought I’d be visiting your grave as soon as I retired.”

“Oh, come on! I’ve improved a lot. Look at me now, I’ve established a name.” Adara paused and teased, “And yes, I know your ex-wife cheated on you with an older man. How ironic, does that bitch know how rich you are even without relying on your grandfather’s assets?”

“If you came here to gossip, go away.” Max forced her to stand up and guided her to the door.

Adara easily freed herself and returned to the bed, lying down comfortably while playing with her knife in a circular motion.

“If I were you, I’d play their little game. It’ll spice up your boring life. Or you can always go back to the team. Everyone is missing our captain.”

Max fell silent and sauntered towards his bed. “I’m retired. All I want is to live in peace. Anyway, do you know which of the Griffins commissioned him?”

“I tried to look into it, but it’s highly classified. It seemed like one of your family members had a connection underground.”

Max gazed down at the unconscious man. “As much as I hate to admit it, your idea of playing their game sounds interesting.”

Adara got up and put the knife back in its sheath on the side of her leg. “Whoa! You mean you’re going to reveal that face to the world as the heir to one of the biggest conglomerates? I’d love to see how many assassins would flock to take your head.”

Max chuckled. “I’ll remain low-key.”

* * * *

ON THE same night, Georgina gathered everything that would prove she was once married to Max. She was at the back of her house, burning all their pictures together.

“Jesus Christ! This is too many. I should’ve gotten rid of these before!” She complained in silence.

She watched their wedding pictures burn to ash, and her lips twitched to a satisfying smile.

A few more days from now, she would be working at a top company and could spend more time with Theodore. And from there, all her dreams would come true.

“Oh, Theodore. I’m so thankful you came into my life.” She threw everything into the blazing fire, down to the last piece.

“I need to erase him from my life completely. I don’t want to remember that I once married a loser!”