Chapter 114

Knock, knock, knock—

The withered fingers of the blood mage tapped rhythmically against the table.

She narrowed her murky eyes, her voice dripping with implication. "This technique... it must be Irene Powell and her son. They’ve hired an expert. They’re trying to kill Julian."

"Those wretched snakes!" Old Mrs. Powell slammed her palm on the table, her face twisted with fury.

She conveniently forgot that they had struck first against Vincent.

In her eyes, Irene was nothing but an outsider. Vincent had always been too close to the Powell family, which made him unworthy of her affection.

The most infuriating part? The company rightfully belonged to her son, yet Irene only gave them a measly million or two a year as compensation.

That was her son’s fortune! Now, that woman had stolen it all.

Taking it back was only fair. As for what happened to Vincent? He deserved it.

She conveniently ignored the fact that Powell Pharmaceuticals had been the Powell family’s ancestral business for generations.

"Grandmother!" Julian clutched her hand, his face deathly pale. "They’re trying to kill me!"

Now, his only hope was his grandparents.

Old Mrs. Powell patted his hand soothingly. "Don’t worry, my dear. I won’t let anything happen to you."

Julian turned back to the blood mage. "Master, if they can alter the engagement, then we—"

The blood mage cut him off with a cold glare.

"Search Vincent’s belongings for any talismans or charms," she ordered, rising to retrieve several blood-red stones from a cabinet. "Place these in the Powell residence—preferably in Irene and Vincent’s rooms."

A sinister smile curled her lips. "Even if the engagement is broken, they won’t live long."

Julian’s heart skipped a beat. The blood mage’s hatred for the Powell family seemed to run deeper than just money...

But he knew better than to pry. He took the stones and nodded eagerly.

The blood mage waved him off impatiently. "Get out. Don’t mess this up."

"Yes, yes!" The grandmother and grandson bowed respectfully before leaving.

Back at the Powell estate, the family immediately began scheming.

Old Mrs. Powell ranted about storming the Powell mansion.

Julian stopped her. The Powells held too much power. A direct confrontation would only humiliate them.

Instead, he quickly devised a new plan, and the others eagerly agreed.

Now, the entire family followed his lead—even his stepmother didn’t dare object.

After all, if they wanted a piece of the Powell fortune, they needed his cunning.

Meanwhile, Lucy White had just finished rehearsal when she received a call from Hank Cooper.

He and Victor Stone had come from the neighboring city just to take her to dinner.

Lucy agreed without hesitation and drove to the upscale, private restaurant they’d chosen.

The hostess led her to a private dining room where three men were already seated.

Aside from Hank and Victor, there was a strikingly handsome man in gold-rimmed glasses.

Lucy’s sharp instincts picked up on something—beneath his refined demeanor, the man exuded an unshakable aura of righteousness.

She already had a guess.

"Lucy!" Hank stood up enthusiastically. "This is my cousin, Agent Hanks. He’s with the Special Division."

He turned to the man. "And this is Lucy White, the one I told you about."

Agent Hanks extended his hand with a polite smile. "I’ve heard a lot about you."

Lucy shook his hand gracefully. "Likewise."

"Enough with the formalities!" Hank waved his hands dramatically. "Just use names!"

Agent Hanks chuckled. "He’s right. No need to stand on ceremony."

Lucy nodded. Since she’d already decided to join the Special Division, there was no point in being overly reserved.

Hank poured her tea eagerly. "Lucy, let my cousin explain how things work in the Division."

He shot Agent Hanks a meaningful look.

Agent Hanks straightened. "We need someone with your metaphysical expertise. If time is a concern, you can work as a consultant."

"The Division won’t interfere with your career. You can continue acting," he added, adjusting his glasses. "We operate on a merit-based point system—more assignments mean higher rewards."

His tone darkened. "But this job is dangerous."

Lucy listened intently. She’d already researched the Special Division and wasn’t unfamiliar with its workings.

Agent Hanks’ honesty earned her respect.

"I’ve made my decision," she said, meeting his gaze squarely. "I’ll join."