SWNOVELS Chapter 658: Hefty Hiring
Reginald was scolded harshly by Grandma Sterling, but he held back from pulling the trigger. "Old lady, rest assured, I will repay your kindness by letting you watch the Sterling family fall into ruin," Reginald said with a fierce look. "Terrence forced me into this corner, so don't blame me."
Reginald planned to destroy the Sterling family right before Grandma Sterling's eyes. "You scoundrel," she cursed, her few remaining teeth almost grinding to dust in anger.
"Take care of yourself, old lady. Keep breathing long enough to see the Sterling family's downfall," Reginald sneered. "The moment you faked your death to lure me back for the police, our debt was settled."
With that, Reginald opened the door to leave. Grandma Sterling called out, "Reggie, turn back before it's too late. If you surrender, I promise to save your life."
The name "Reggie" made him pause; he hadn't heard it in decades. "I'm over fifty. Even if I surrender, I'd either be executed or spend decades in prison and die there. Why not take my chances?" Reginald didn't change his mind and left. Meredith was very worried about the old lady, fearing that Reginald might harm her in his madness. She had just put Little Lucky to sleep after he cried himself out and anxiously waited for Grandma Sterling's return.
After a long wait, Grandma Sterling was finally brought back. "Grandma," Meredith sighed in relief, "Did Reginald hurt you?"
The old lady shook her head and sat down with a heavy sigh. "I tried reasoning with him, scolding him, but Reginald won't turn back. He wants to destroy the entire Sterling family."
"Grandma," Meredith comforted her, "Terrence surely knows we've been taken by Reginald. With Terrence supporting the Sterling family and the police searching for us, don't worry."
They were on the sea; opening the window showed nothing but water. Meredith felt hopeless inside, knowing that the chances of the police finding them were slim. Even if they did find them, there was no guarantee they could be rescued. With both an elderly woman and a child to care for, Meredith couldn't afford any mistakes but felt helpless. She had no way to contact Terrence as she was imprisoned without any means of communication.
On the other side, Terrence knew Meredith had been taken out to sea but could do nothing about it. He was equally anxious.
Terrence used his connections to contact Celestial Alliance's information department and reached out to Reginald through them. He offered everything he had-his entire fortune and even the Sterling family itself-in exchange for releasing his wife, daughter, and grandmother.
Terrence never valued material wealth; all he wanted was his family's safety. His desperation was evident as his weak spot had been hit hard.
Reginald ignored Terrence's offer completely.
Desperate, Terrence contacted another gang-Dark Knights-offering a large sum of money for their help in rescuing his wife, daughter, and grandmother from Celestial Alliance.
When Dark Knights received this task, Visnove simply replied: "Deal."
There were countless gangs besides Celestial Alliance dominating these years; Dark Knights were also at their peak.
Founded decades ago and developed over two generations, Dark Knights could look down on any organization in their path.
Terrence was a businessman without his own force; rescuing three people safely from the sea seemed possible only with Dark Knights' help.
Meredith's incident caused Grandma Sterling's funeral to be postponed, sparking much gossip within their circle as no one knew what was happening or why the Sterling family was acting this way.
Harvey called Terrence after hearing about it: "Boss, did something happen? The old lady's funeral is paused; I heard from your father that she's not dead but taken by Reginald. What's going on? Where are you?"
"It's a long story; I'm not in Auroraville right now," Terrence replied. "Please look after my parents and be wary of Celestial Alliance targeting them." He had arranged bodyguards and police protection but still felt uneasy; Harvey could notify him promptly if anything happened.