Irene’s voice trembled. “I must ask—could you really take Cole out this time?”

Miguel’s tone shifted with a hint of annoyance. “Do you doubt me?” ? find~novel~net

“No! Of course not,” Irene hurried to reassure him. “I’m just worried about unexpected twists. Last time, you hired the Phantom Mercenaries to finish Cole, but surprisingly, Death Thorn interfered and ruined your plan. That split my son and me. If it fails again and I’m exposed, my son will hate me forever.”

Miguel paused and then replied coolly, “Last time, I didn’t expect Death Thorn’s interference. But this time, I’ve prepared thoroughly. Cole will die in Yadnard, and Lilah will accompany him to the grave.”

“Wonderful!” Irene breathed.

Miguel’s voice returned to business. “Mrs. Evans, don’t forget the terms of our cooperation.”

Miguel’s words had barely faded when Irene quickly assured him, “Rest easy, Mr. Griffiths. I have never once forgotten the terms of our deal.”

Their arrangement was straightforward. Miguel would help Irene get rid of Cole and ensure Jason became the new head of the Evans family. In return, Irene would secure a single item for him—a serpentine bracelet that once belonged to Cole’s mother.

Irene knew nothing of the Serpent Society or the Griffiths family. She didn’t understand the bracelet’s true value. To her, it was worthless. To Miguel, it was priceless. So when he’d suggested a partnership, she had accepted without hesitation.

According to Miguel, the bracelet had been passed to Jarrett by Sophie. But where Jarrett had hidden it remained a mystery.

Irene believed that once Cole was gone, her son placed as the Evans family head, taking the bracelet from Jarrett would be child’s play.

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“Very well,” Miguel said with quiet satisfaction. “Follow the plan. And keep a close watch on Taylor. When you injected the liquid chip into him a while back, the spot wasn’t precise. Therefore, there could be unexpected consequences.” Miguel had chosen Taylor as his puppet after careful thought. He had wanted his own men to perform the procedure, but Jason’s ironclad security left no opening.

With no other option, Miguel had handed the liquid chip to Irene and told her to find a chance to inject it into Taylor.

One night, while Taylor was drunk, Irene had seized the moment and injected the chip into his brain. But her lack of skill spoiled the effect. Otherwise, Taylor would already have been Miguel’s mindless puppet. “Yes, Mr. Griffiths. I’ll watch him closely,” Irene replied.

Miguel gave only a dismissive acknowledgment before ending the call.

Irene gripped her phone tightly, her cheeks flushed with both nerves and excitement. If Cole truly was finished off this time, the balance of power in the Evans family would shift forever.

Far away, in a vast and ancient castle, Miguel stood by the window, staring out at the rolling green lawn. His face was calm, but inside burned a storm of hatred. “Rita, you fled from our arranged marriage. Don’t blame me for being ruthless now. Your son, your daughter, even your precious Arthur—I’ll send them all to the grave.”

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