Chapter 316
Jasmine Kingston stood tall, exuding confidence and a chilling grace.
“Listen carefully, Mr. Nobody. My man is far stronger than you could ever comprehend. When he comes for you, you’ll regret every single decision you made today p>
She turned away with a contemptuous smirk, fully aware that any resistance would result in slaughter.
Jasmine stepped outside, holding her composure despite the dread building in her chest.
“Me? Regret?” The massive figure sneered with derision, his voice a cold growl.
“Lady, I’m the most dangerous man walking this country. If your hero dares to show up, I’ll make sure he’s damned straight to hell, regretting every moment he ever dreamed of saving you p>
Two of his henchmen emerged, dragging old Joe Thompson forward.
His face was a battered mess, blood running freely from his head, glasses shattered.
Through the haze of pain, Joe spat defiantly, “You’ll pay for this, Hugh Jones! Mark my words p>
Surprise flickered briefly in Hugh’s ruthless eyes, followed swiftly by cruel amusement.
“Didn’t expect to find a ghost from Chicago here. Pathetic as always, Thompson.” Stepping forward, Hugh gripped Joe’s broken face firmly, twisting painfully.
“You once ruled as Chicago’s sixth kingpin. But you got soft, tossed out like garbage. And now look at you-chasing scraps in this worthless hole, beaten again by the Kingstons p>
With deliberate brutality, Hugh smashed Joe’s nose, the sickening crunch echoing clearly.
Blood erupted, unstoppable and vivid against Joe’s pale skin.
Through blinding pain and fury, Joe watched helplessly as Hugh hauled Jasmine roughly toward a waiting helicopter.
Rage and despair consumed him, his shout fierce and desperate.
“Get word to Alfred and Kelly Kingston now p>
Joe knew the brutal truth behind the chaos brewing.
He knew from his Chicago connections that only two families like Dupont and Hernandez openly favored war, while the rest waited quietly.
Yet all Chicago’s ruling families were itching for war, waiting for someone else to spark the flames so they could feign victimhood.
And it seemed the Jones family was quietly preparing to seize the biggest rewards from the coming clash.
“Jasmine’s been kidnapped?” Alfred Kingston’s voice trembled with fury as he processed Joe’s frantic message.
Immediately, he reached out to the minister, his voice sharp and uncompromising.
“Chicago’s gone too far this time. Kidnapping Jasmine Kingston, governor of Vancouver, is a blatant act of war. This can’t stand p>
The minister wasted no time contacting Chicago’s lord, his voice tense and direct. “Tom Jones, did you sanction your son’s kidnapping of Jasmine Kingston? Answer me plainly p>
Tom Jones laughed harshly, mockery dripping from his voice.
“Alfred’s getting creative now, isn’t he? Trying to play the victim to justify an attack on Chicago. Everyone knows he, Jasmine, and Kelly have been craving our territory for years. But make no mistake-we won’t be intimidated p>
The minister interrupted sharply, his patience thinning, “Cut the nonsense, Tom. Did you order your son to abduct Jasmine? Yes or no p>
Tom snorted dismissively, his voice coldly defiant. “Hell no. They better have solid proof before flinging accusations my way p>
Alfred’s face twisted with controlled rage.
“Conveniently, all surveillance footage was destroyed, but we have a witness. Joe Thompson himself can swear on his life-your son, Hugh Jones, is responsible p>
“Joe Thompson?” Tom spat out a harsh laugh.
“That snake would sell his own soul to start a war with us. Don’t you get it? He’s no friend-Chicago booted him out for a reason p>
“Now he’s crawling back, begging for scraps by causing trouble. Got any other witnesses? No? Then I’m dropping this right here p>
“Go lick your wounds somewhere else and stop dragging your daughter into your pathetic schemes p>
Kelly watched the exchange carefully. She knew Tom Jones was strategically dismissing Kingston’s claims.
He wanted to push them into war, painting the Kingstons as desperate troublemakers to rally Chicago’s soldiers into a righteous fight.
Pure propaganda, but effective.
Kelly quietly picked up her phone and dialed Alex’s number.
Across town, Alex Leonhard stood uncomfortably in the lobby of the Chicago
Kingwell branch. Hostility seeped from every glance around him.
A towering man stepped out, voice deep with authority. “Alex Leonhard, right? I’m Chicago First p>
Alex shook his extended hand firmly. “Good to meet you, First p>
“We recognize your role as a special consultant for Vancouver, but HQ didn’t give us any instructions on handling you. You’ll be treated like any other agent here. Now, what’s your report p>
Alex met his gaze squarely.
“I’ve uncovered intel indicating Chicago plans to hit Vancouver with a nuclear strike within a week. Hugh Jones kidnapped Jasmine Kingston, the governor p>
Chicago First’s face hardened instantly.
“That’s one hell of an accusation. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Return to your post; the Chicago branch will handle this p>
“No,” Alex interrupted firmly. “Jasmine Kingston is Vancouver’s responsibility. I’m joining the rescue p>
Chicago First clapped sharply, signaling the entry of an elite squad in sleek black gear, each step exuding dangerous confidence.
At their head stood a striking woman, her long hair framing a sharp, piercing face, her form accentuated by the tight tactical gear.
“This is Chicago Four,” First announced without emotion. “She knows Hugh Jones’s hideout. The operation starts there p>
Four eyed Alex disdainfully. “First, with all due respect, Team Four can handle this alone. We don’t babysit outsiders. His presence jeopardizes our coordination p>
“Alex brought the intel. He needs to confirm Jasmine’s safety himself, First retorted coldly. “You don’t have to babysit him-he’ll be your O shadow p>
“Fine,” Four hissed through clenched teeth. “But he follows orders. One wrong move, and I won’t hesitate to cut him loose p>
Alex nodded grimly. He had no interest in arguing, his sole focus on Jasmine’s safety. “Chicago rules it is p>
Four leaned in close, eyes icy with disdain. “From now on, you breathe, move, or speak only if I allow it. You’re nothing more than a silent shadow-got it p>
Alex merely stared back, determination steady. “Understood p>
Hours later, trudging through the dense jungle toward Jones’s hideout, Four glared back at Alex.
“Ever heard of the three monkeys? Cover your eyes, ears, and mouth. That’s you -silent and invisible until we secure Kingston. Think you can manage p>
“Yeah,” Alex muttered tersely.
Later, the sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows through the jungle— when everything went wrong.
Hugh Jones’s men ambushed them, pinning Four and her team down, completely helpless.
They even held Four down, trying to rape her. She turned to Alex, eyes pleading silently for help.
But Alex, hiding off to the side, just stared back. His lips moved faintly as he whispered, “See nothing, hear nothing, speak nothing. Right p>