Chantelle let out a cold laugh. “That’s right. That’s exactly what he did. Mr. McCormick, don’t you think the man’s out of his mind?”
Derek narrowed his eyes but stayed silent. After a long pause, he finally exhaled and said, “No. On the contrary, I think you’re completely wrong about him. I don’t see Andrew as a lunatic–I think he’s playing a long, dangerous game.”
Chantelle had not expected Derek to say something like that, and her expression turned tense. “Mr. McCormick, without the protection of The Sovereign Residences, do you even realize what kind of storm that madman has invited upon himself?
“Two of the most powerful families in Holtrien have issued bounty kill orders at the same time. The combined reward is nearly a billion–enough to send every killer and martial artist across Gabo Creek Province, maybe even the entire country, into a blood–fueled frenzy!”
Derek gave a faint sneer, his tone laced with disdain. “It’s true–money can make even the dead dance. The old saying still holds. A bounty like that is guaranteed to bring every butcher and scoundrel out of hiding.
“But Andrew isn’t some reckless fool; even Mark holds him in high regard. While I’ve kept my distance, I’ve been watching him quietly. Here’s something you didn’t know Andrew has been on my radar for quite a while now. He’s definitely not some shallow pond fish.”
Chantelle blinked in surprise. “You’ve been watching him? May I ask why, Mr. McCormick?”
Derek chuckled and waved it off. “Of course you can ask. You’re my chief of staff, my most trusted person–what would I ever hide from you?
“Mark recommended him as a ‘national hero,‘ and I didn’t think much of it at first. But after I ran a thorough investigation into everything he did in Jayrodale–every last detail–my impression of him changed completely. Still, that’s not even the main reason.”
Chantelle did not interrupt. She waited, sensing something deeper was coming.
Derek glanced at her with a knowing look and said, “Years ago, when I was studying at Chetvine, I met someone. I didn’t know his name, didn’t know where he came from. I just knew that he was the most gifted, flawless human being I had ever encountered.”
He added, “There’s an old saying–‘A true national hero brings peace with intellect and victory with strength.‘ The man I met back then? He was the living embodiment of that phrase.”
Chantelle was stunned. She had rarely heard Derek speak about anyone with that level of admiration.
Moreover, Derek was not just anyone–he was one of the most powerful figures in the province, a true authority. So, for a man like him to revere someone so deeply… that person had to be extraordinary beyond belief.
“Chetvine is known as Holtrien’s crucible of powerhouses where geniuses and monsters alike are forged,” Derek stated.
“But what does this have to do with Andrew?” Chantelle asked, genuinely curious.
Derek hesitated for a long moment before answering. “I don’t know why… but Andrew gives me the sa that man did. The resemblance–not just in aura, but even in facial features—is uncanny.
feeling
“I know it sounds insane. It’s not logical or scientific. But every time I see Andrew, it’s like I’m looking at that man again.”
Chapter 1157
+25 BONUS
Chantelle stared for a moment, then chuckled. “Mr. McCormick, you’ve been working too hard. You’re seeing ghosts! Andrew and a legend from Chetvine? They’re world apart! By the way, did you ever find out who that man was back then?”
Derek smiled. “I’ve climbed pretty high to get where I am now, and over the years, I’ve built a bit of influence over at Chetvine too. So, digging into that man’s identity wasn’t hard at all. He was a direct descendant of the Lloyds‘ royal bloodline. As for more details, I couldn’t get much further.”
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