Chapter 25
"This Ghosthand is way too careless, letting someone launch a sneak attack on his home base."
Ironclaw snorted through his nose, his face showing disdain.
Falcon was cleaning his precious pistol and spoke up when he heard that. "The decadent life in San Francisco probably made him soft."
"Ironclaw, arrange the people."
Ironclaw immediately stood up from his chair, "Yes, Lord."
No matter how much disdain he felt, when Damien gave an order, Ironclaw obeyed one hundred percent.
Falcon also stood up, and Damien looked at him deeply. "The Panther Squad will stay behind to protect them."
Falcon's expression suddenly became serious, "Lord, rest assured. If anything happens to Mrs. Shaw, I am willing to give my life in apology!"
Damien reached out and patted his shoulder heavily, then turned and left.
---
Celestial Temple
White looked at the message his subordinate brought, his expression unreadable as his fingers tapped on the desk.
"Someone's moving even faster than us."
Someone had sent word of Damien leaving New York. Although White didn't doubt the authenticity of the message, he didn't trust whoever was behind it—hiding their identity like that, who knows what their purpose was.
"God King, regardless of who sent the message, now that Damien has left New York, this is our opportunity."
White lowered his eyes and paused before speaking, "Then proceed according to plan."
The grand trap originally prepared for Damien could now be set in motion ahead of schedule.
"Yes, I'll arrange it right away."
---
The next day, a person named Elodie Turner showed up at the villa where Sophia was temporarily staying.
Although it was only a temporary residence, the security was extremely tight. Given Elodie's background and capabilities, she shouldn't have been able to find this place, but she had Celestial Temple backing her.
Although Celestial Temple had suffered heavy losses, its elite forces remained, so it was not surprising that they had located Sophia's residence.
Elodie came alone, which quickly caught the attention of Falcon, who was protecting the perimeter.
"Send her away," Falcon didn't take her seriously.
But Elodie actually made it to the villa's front gate.
"Please leave."
"Sophia and I are good friends. What's wrong with coming to see her? Why are you so inflexible?"
Elodie said indignantly.
Falcon waved his hand, and immediately someone stepped forward to escort Elodie away.
"Sophia! Sophia, are you there? It's Elodie!" Elodie shouted loudly, disturbing Sophia, who was keeping Faye company during her lessons.
She walked out the door and saw Elodie being dragged away, surprise flashing in her eyes.
"Elodie? What are you doing here?" She looked at Falcon.
"This person's background is unclear. She says she's here to visit you." Falcon said with a stern face.
"Sophia, it really is you!"
Elodie broke free from the two men and tried to get closer but was still blocked. She could only talk to Sophia from several feet away.
"I saw you before and thought I was mistaken. I came specially to visit today, but your bodyguards not only won't report it, they're trying to throw me out. They really don't know manners."
"Sophia, are we still best friends or not?" Elodie deliberately put on a stern face, and Sophia felt a bit guilty.
"Let her come over. She really is my friend."
Sophia said to Falcon.
Falcon hesitated.
"There are so many people in the house, nothing will happen," Sophia continued.
Falcon agreed to let Elodie in, but only after she was searched to ensure she was not carrying anything dangerous. Elodie reluctantly agreed.
Sophia looked at Elodie apologetically, then warmly welcomed her inside.
The two were old acquaintances, and Sophia was completely unguarded around her.
"Come on, I'll take you to see Faye."
Elodie actively linked arms with her, acting very intimate.
"I haven't seen you in so long, you've become more and more mysterious now, with so many bodyguards at the door."
As they entered, Elodie noticed not only the many bodyguards outside, but also several female bodyguards inside who cast cold glances at her.
Elodie tried hard to keep her composure.
"It was all arranged by Faye's dad. He said New York has not been very safe lately," Sophia said casually.
Elodie nodded in agreement, "That's true. I heard there was a gunfight on a street some time ago, and many people were killed. No wonder your husband is being so protective of you."
As she spoke, she secretly observed Sophia's expression and found that aside from blushing when the word "husband" was mentioned, she had no reaction to anything else.
"By the way, is your husband home? Should I say hello?"
"He had something to do, he went out," Sophia replied.
"I see. That's even better—no one to interrupt our catching up. Let's go, let's go. I can't wait to see Faye."
Elodie mentioned Damien only once. After that, she merely asked how Sophia had been over the years before playing with Faye.
Since her injury, Sophia had barely left the house. Usually only Faye kept her company, so when a friend finally came, the two chatted until very late before Elodie left.
Sophia saw Elodie off, a smile still on her lips.
"Mrs. Shaw, This person's sudden arrival is suspicious. She may have ulterior motives that could harm you and Ms. Shaw. You should still be careful."
Falcon had to walk over and remind Sophia.
The smile on Sophia's face froze, and a trace of worry appeared between her brows.
"But Elodie was only catching up with me. She did not say anything else."
Sophia wasn't stupid either. As soon as Falcon reminded her, she understood. Today she had been too happy about her friend's arrival and overlooked how suspicious it was for Elodie to suddenly appear here.
"I understand, thank you."
Sophia nodded at Falcon and went back inside.
Thinking about how after all these years, she didn't even have one true friend by her side, Sophia couldn't help feeling deflated. She had really lived a failed life.
As she thought this, Sophia sank into a gloomy mood.
"Mommy, why aren't you happy?"
Faye ran over, hugged Sophia's leg, and looked up with her little face to ask.
"Mommy isn't unhappy."
"You're lying. Mommy's not being honest."
Faye said with a serious face.
Sophia was stunned for a moment.
"Mommy, don't be sad. If I hug you, you'll feel better," Faye hugged her waist, pressing her little face against her.
"Daddy says I'm an angel, and just seeing me makes all worries go away."
She looked up at Sophia with a sweet smile, which immediately softened Sophia's heart.
She picked up Faye, "Okay, let Mommy hug Faye, and Mommy will recover quickly."
Sophia held Faye tightly in her arms, kissed her forehead and cheeks, and then the mother and daughter returned to the room together.
Falcon reported Elodie's visit to Damien, who was still on the plane.
"Lord, should we take care of this Elodie?"
Falcon had countless ways to ensure that Elodie would never appear before Sophia again.
"No need. Just be on guard against Elodie and find out what she's really trying to do. I'll return immediately after dealing with Ghosthand's affairs."