Chapter 651
Chapter 651 The Shadow of a Bat
Chapter 651 The Shadow of a Bat
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“Are you asking me to bid for that item?” Leander took a sip of his drink, a faint smile playing on his lips. “General Leon, the favor you’re asking of me isn’t simple at all p>
The meaning behind Darrow’s request was obvious. If Leander won the item, he would instantly become the common enemy of the four King Phases.
Darrow looked apologetic, but he still forced himself to continue.
“General Ashcroft, if you’re the one who wins the item, their attention will shift entirely to you. Once it’s in your hands, you’ll become their main target. After that, you only need to return to the military district with us and stay there for a while. No matter how arrogant they are, they wouldn’t dare to break into a military base alone,” he explained.
“As long as the four of them don’t start fighting inside the city, the rest of us can rest easy. That way, we can prevent a four-way battle from breaking out p>
Leander nodded.
Darrow was right. If the item fell into the hands of any of the four, it would cause serious trouble. Their movements were unpredictable, and if a fight broke out anywhere in Ravenridge, it would be impossible to guard against.
But if the item ended up with Leander, his movements could be controlled, and he could go straight to the military base. As one of the top military districts in Astria, the Crestgate Military District had formidable defense capabilities.
No matter how bold the four King Phases were, they likely wouldn’t dare storm a military base and challenge the power of the state. This would resolve the chaos, and Ravenridge would no longer become a battlefield for the four Kings.
“It does sound reasonable,” Leander said, rubbing his chin before spreading his hands. “But I can’t guarantee I’ll win the bid. I’m still in school, after all. A college student isn’t exactly filthy rich p>
Darrow and the two Major Generals beside him rolled their eyes, unsure whether to laugh or cry. If the chairman of Jeff Enterprises wasn’t wealthy, no one in the world could call themselves rich.
Still, since they were asking for help, they had to show sincerity.
Darrow spoke frankly. “General Ashcroft, of course we wouldn’t expect you to pay out of pocket. All expenses at the auction will be covered by the military. You only need to win the item and return to the military with us. The official account will transfer the funds directly to the auction house at The Lafayette p>
A smile curved at the corner of Leander’s mouth. “That sounds like a good deal p>
He paused briefly before changing the subject. “I don’t have an issue with this, but I am curious about one thing. If the reason those hundred-year King Phases are coming is because of an item at the auction, why not approach the Lowell family directly and have them hand it over to the military for safekeeping? That way, the item wouldn’t even appear at the auction. Wouldn’t that prevent the four King Phases from fighting over it in the first place? Wouldn’t that be simpler p>
A trace of helplessness crossed Darrow’s face, and he shook his head. “That was our first idea too, but it wouldn’t work p>
He explained, “The Lafayette has existed for over a hundred years. It started as the Lafayette Inn and has been in business to this day. The underground auction has never stopped, not even once. For a century, they’ve been hosting it, and every time it draws top martial artists from all over Astria.
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Chapter 651 The Shadow of a Bat
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“It’s practically become a tradition. In the 1960s, it even received official recognition and tacit approval. In fact, Julian was hailed as a national hero. He has certain privileges, and the Lowell family has long been under state protection.
“If we asked the Lowell family to withhold the item and hand it directly to the military, Mr. Lowell would most certainly agree. But those four King Phases wouldn’t believe it. In the end, they would still track down the Lowell family and demand to know where the item is. By then, the Lowell family would inevitably suffer a major blow” Darrow continued, “So, the safest approach is for someone to win the item at the auction in full view of the four King Phases. After that, the military will escort that person away. And the best candidate for that role is you, General Ashcroft p>
Leander held his cup in one hand and finished the last of his drink. At that moment, he finally understood the full picture.
The Lowell family had deep roots in Ravenridge. Their business was fixed in one place, and The Lafayette was a family legacy they would never abandon.
If the Lowell family dealt directly with the military and handed the item over, the four King Phases would likely become furious and go straight to the Lowell family for revenge.
When that happened, the Lowell family wouldn’t be able to run. They could hide the priests, but not the church.
Leander was different, and he was alone. His relatives were all in Highcliffe, a highly sensitive area that even King Phases wouldn’t dare enter lightly. If he handled the matter, the four King Phases would have no easy way to deal with it.
Even if the four King Phases came looking for Leander, he had no burdens, and he could leave whenever he wanted.
Simply speaking, he could disappear without worry.
“Looks like I can’t refuse,” Leander said as he set down his cup and nodded. “I’ll help, but I have one condition p>
Darrow was overjoyed and immediately gestured. “Anything you want, General Ashcroft p>
Leander’s eyes were murky as he raised one finger. “The item I win at the auction belongs to me p>
Darrow exchanged a glance with the two Major Generals beside him. Then, the three of them nodded firmly and agreed on the spot.
By the time Leander left Ravenridge’s military district, it was already 7 p.m. A military vehicle dropped him off at Salford Street in the northern part of the city. Darrow paid out of his own pocket and treated Leander to a local delicacy.
They drank strong liquor freely during dinner. Only when Darrow and the other generals were slightly tipsy did the gathering end. When Leander left Salford Street, his expression remained unchanged, unaffected by the alcohol.
It was 8.30 p.m. when Yvette called him. “Lean, where are you p>
Hearing the slightly awkward nickname, Leander frowned faintly but still replied, “I’m at Salford Street, What’s up p>
He could hear a hint of drunkenness in Yvette’s voice.
“Salford Street? What a coincidence! The school leaders invited the outstanding graduates to dinner tonight. We were at Salford
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Chapter 651 The Shadow of a Bat
Street too. The dinner just ended! Ginny and I are heading to Coco’s for some drinks. Want to join us p>
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“It’s just the two of you. What would I do there?” Leander refused almost without thinking. “You two have fun. If you guys have had too much to drink, call me, and I’ll take you home p>
He was about to hang up when suddenly, an extremely faint current of air brushed past his side. It was so weak and subtle that anyone who wasn’t a King Phase would probably not notice it at all.
“Hm?” He looked up at the sky.
A massive bat-shaped shadow flashed across the air. Its wings spread wide like a giant roc as it glided forward, disappearing into the bar district at the end of Salford Street.
Leander’s gaze shifted slightly.
“I’ve changed my mind,” he said into the phone. “Wait for me at Coco’s. I’m coming now p>
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.