Chapter 1429
Everywhere Alaric walked, the guests instinctively recoiled, as if he were
contaminated with something repulsive.
The same Chairman Sinclair who had just been praised for his grand vision was now a rat running across the street, shunned by all.
The banquet hall fell into an eerie silence.
Who could have imagined?
The Vinton Debutante Gala for the Lancaster heiress had ultimately exposed a shadowy perimeter network of the Obsidian Sun.
And the man being publicly arrested was Alaric, a figure who had enjoyed a pristine reputation in Vaelion City’s scientific and philanthropic circles for years.
A layer of cold sweat broke out on many backs.
Especially those who had just considered Alaric to be a man of “great vision” and “responsibility” stepping up to “verify” Serena’s claims. Their faces were stiff, afraid to even lift their heads.
They had almost followed Alaric’s rhythm, pressuring Serena into releasing the Severian rescue protocols.
If they had succeeded p>
Wouldn’t they have effectively handed the knife over to the Obsidian Sun?
Just as the task force reached the hall doors, Alaric suddenly turned back. Across the brightly lit room, he locked his gaze onto Serena.
His eyes were dark, venomous, burning with a bizarre madness.
“Serena.” He suddenly laughed, his voice ragged. “Do you think catching me will stop them p>
“You’re too naive. Once the gates to Whitecliffe Harbor open, Project Zero-Transit won’t stop p>
“The Obsidian Sun can easily abandon the people you saved. But the real prize? You will never know where it is p>
The task force operative gripping his shoulders shoved him forward. “Shut up p>
Alaric had clearly thrown all caution to the wind. Ignoring the warning, his laughter grew more sinister. “Serena, aren’t you supposed to be a genius p>
“Then take a guess. Why is The Overlord so fixated on the data you hold p>
“Do you really think what your grandmother left behind was meant to save lives p>
The moment those words dropped.
The temperature in Serena’s eyes plummeted.
She lifted her gaze, staring coldly at Alaric. The very air in the room seemed to freeze solid.
Seeing her expression, Alaric seemed to find a twisted sense of satisfaction.
He pulled at the corners of his mouth, ready to spout more venom.
Serena abruptly raised her hand.
Thwack!
From
che the massive room, a
e sliced right past Alacet
silver
cheek, burying itself deep into the doorframe behind him.
More than half the needle was embedded in the solid wood, its tail vibrating wildly.
It was a terrifying display of raw power.
The smile froze on Alaric’s face. Cold sweat slid down his forehead.
Serena’s expression was glacial, her voice a deadly whisper. “You are not worthy of speaking my grandmother’s name p>
“Insult her one more time, and the next needle goes through your throat p>
Alaric’s lips parted, but meeting Serena’s freezing gaze, he didn’t dare say another word.
Old Mr. Lancaster’s face darkened menacingly, staring down Alaric with sheer contempt.
Catherine rushed to Serena’s side, wrapping her hands protectively around her daughter’s. Sweetheart, don’t listen to his nonsense.
She didn’t know about the Obsidian Sun.
She didn’t understand the full complexity of what had happened with Aria Wynn all those years ago.
But she knew those words were meant to stab her daughter in the heart.
Her grandmother was Serena’s untouchable boundary.
Serena lowered her eyes, looking at Catherine’s warm hands. The icy fury in her gaze slowly receded.
“Mom, I’m fine.” She brushed her
thumb against her mother’s hand know exactly who my grandmother was
better than anyone. He’s just trying to provoke me p>
Her eyes darkened slightly as she looked back up at Alaric’s twisted, resentful face.