Chapter 149

The Social Affairs Department head tapped her fingers lightly on the desk.

She lifted her gaze to Alexander Kingsley, her expression chillingly composed.

"I truly don't know."

Alexander's eyes turned glacial, plunging the office into an arctic silence.

"Say that again."

The director glanced around, her tone measured. "Everyone heard me ask her whereabouts. She refused to answer."

Alexander suddenly leaned forward, palms braced on the desk.

"Then why did she leave?"

After a weighted pause, the director relented. "Her team member went missing. She went to find them."

Alexander's pupils constricted.

He straightened and turned on his heel.

That direction—

Led straight to Triad Hyde's territory.

......

The name Triad Hyde resonated through Kingsbury like thunder.

His real name had long been forgotten.

Alexander was no stranger to the man.

Two years ago, Hyde had arrived at Kingsley Group with suitcases of cash.

He wanted legitimacy.

Kingsley refused.

The grudge took root.

Hyde never missed a chance to curse Kingsley's arrogance.

Alexander couldn't care less.

Kingsley didn't associate with such men.

Yet today—

He would seek an audience himself.

......

"Lord Alex, the Third Master says—"

Before the underling could finish, Alexander cut in. "Ask him how much he lost on National Exchange's coffee futures."

The man scurried away, returning pale-faced.

"The Third Master says... the tide always turns..."

Alexander smirked. "Has a Horizon Media female reporter come through?"

"Never!" The reply came sharp as a blade.

The gates slammed shut in Alexander's face.

......

"Eight fingers. Divide them amongst yourselves."

Triad Hyde twirled his pipe, grinning through wreaths of smoke.

Evan Wells and three others were pinned to the floor, faces bloodied.

"Third Master, the wiretap was real—"

"Silence!" Hyde kicked the speaker. "You think Alexander Kingsley wouldn't detect surveillance?"

He crouched, pressing the hot pipe to Evan's cheek.

"Lesson time."

Steel flashed.

A blade hovered over Evan's fingers.

"Ring and pinky fingers. Consider it tuition."

Evan trembled, tears mingling with blood.

"I'm just an intern... please..."

Hyde threw back his head laughing—

When a cool female voice cut through the darkness.

"I'll compensate you for all ten."

Heads swiveled toward the shadows.

Evelyn Sinclair removed her hat, stepping into the light.

"I'm their editor-in-chief."