Chapter 54: Nightfall Approaches

Early morning in Chicago.

The season's first snow falls, covering the national cemetery near Lake Michigan with a thin layer of white.

Leo and Chloe stand side by side in front of Luke's grave.

On the tombstone, Luke's young smiling face is frozen in the photograph.

Leo wears a black trench coat, a nearly burnt-out cigar between his fingers.

Chloe is dressed in a black dress, her golden hair flowing in the wind as she stands quietly beside him.

Leo takes another drag, and says softly, "Luke, your revenge is done. The Drake family is destroyed, and the Romano family is gone too."

"You can rest in peace now."

He just stares quietly at the tombstone, a flicker of conflicted emotion flashing in his eyes.

After a long while, Chloe looks at him. "Leo, what's next... what are you going to do?"

"It's not over yet."

Leo exhales a puff of smoke, his voice low. "The ones who killed Luke weren't just the Drake family."

Chloe is slightly startled, then understands. "You mean... people in high places?"

"Exactly."

Leo flicks the ash. "Although the Drake family had massive power, to swallow up Luke's technology in such a short time and erase every trace... they couldn't have done it without cooperation from the top."

"The technology monopoly in the energy sector involves huge interests. Oil giants, traditional energy groups, even the military-industrial complex... none of them want to see disruptive clean energy technology emerge."

Chloe is silent for a few seconds, then says softly, "So, the ones who killed Luke back then were an entire interest group."

"Right."

Leo turns around, looking at the gray sky in the distance. "The Drake family was just the executioner on stage. The real puppet masters are still hiding in the shadows."

Just then.

"Tsk tsk tsk..."

A lazy woman's voice comes from the cemetery entrance.

Victoria walks over in high heels, wearing black sunglasses, her figure swaying gracefully.

She's wearing a wine-red trench coat with a low neckline, her golden hair flowing in the wind.

"Leo, I knew you'd be here."

Victoria walks up to them, removes her sunglasses, and her deep eyes look at Leo with a trace of gravity.

"I have some not-so-good news to tell you."

"Speak," Leo says flatly.

"Nightfall organization's European headquarters has started gathering forces."

Victoria takes out a slim cigarette from her handbag and lights it with practiced ease. "According to my intelligence network, they've mobilized at least fifty top assassins, preparing to launch revenge against you."

"You killed Killer and destroyed their North American operations. Nightfall organization won't let you go."

Chloe's expression changes slightly. "Fifty top assassins?"

"That's right."

Victoria exhales a puff of smoke. "And Nightfall organization's leader, code name 'Mourner', is an extremely dangerous figure. Rumor has it he was once a special forces commander in another country, then defected for certain reasons and joined Nightfall."

"This person's abilities are no less than Killer's."

"Interesting."

A cold smile curves Leo's lips. "I was just worrying about not being able to find Nightfall organization's hideout. Since they want to come and die, I'll grant them their wish."

"Are you crazy?"

Victoria frowns. "Fifty top assassins - even you can't possibly escape unscathed!"

"Who said I'm going to face them alone?"

Leo turns around, looking at Victoria. "They'll come to New York, right?"

"Should be."

Victoria nods. "Nightfall organization's intelligence shows you've been active in New York recently. They'll strike at you in New York."

"Good."

Leo exhales a puff of smoke, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. "Since they're coming to New York, I'll wait for them there."

"I'll use this opportunity to completely eliminate Nightfall organization."

"First, wipe out the invading enemies in New York, then..."

Leo pauses. "I'll personally go to Europe and take out Nightfall organization's headquarters in one stroke."

Chloe walks to Leo's side, her eyes determined. "I'll mobilize all of the Rosenberg family's connections to support you. Whether it's intelligence, funds, or manpower - whatever you need, I'll provide."

Victoria looks at Leo's stern face, a trace of admiration flashing in her eyes.

"Worthy of being a Reaper."

She smiles. "Everyone else is thinking about how to escape, but you're thinking about how to catch them all in one net."

She turns her head to look at Chloe, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Chloe, this man of yours is a madman. Following him, you could lose your life at any moment."

"I know."

Chloe lifts her head, no trace of retreat in her eyes. "But I trust Leo."

Victoria lets out a seductive laugh. "Looks like I, a woman from Europe, still can't compare to you, a friend who's been by his side since childhood. No wait, you're probably lovers now."

"Victoria..."

Chloe's cheeks flush slightly. "Leo and I aren't..."

"Aren't what?"

Victoria leans closer to her, eyes full of teasing. "Not lovers? But the way you look at him, you practically want to devour him."

"I..."

Chloe is left somewhat flustered.

Leo watches the two women's interaction, a helpless smile tugging at his lips.

"Alright, stop it."

He walks between them. "Victoria, I need you to provide detailed intelligence on the Nightfall organization. The more detailed, the better."

"No problem."

Victoria puts away her playful expression and says seriously, "However, I need to warn you. Nightfall organization has been operating in Europe for decades with extremely deep roots. Completely eliminating them won't be easy."

"And..."

She pauses, a trace of gravity flashing in her eyes. "Behind the Nightfall organization, there's an even more mysterious force supporting them. I haven't been able to find out exactly who through my intelligence network yet."

Leo is silent for a few seconds.

"Whoever it is."

He exhales a puff of smoke, his eyes full of cold killing intent. "Anyone who stands in my way must die."

Chloe looks at Leo's profile, complex emotions surging in her heart.

She knows Leo's past is mysterious.

Where he came from, why he has such powerful abilities, why he can mobilize military resources...

She doesn't know any of this.

But she knows one thing.

No matter who Leo is, no matter what kind of enemies he faces.

She will stand behind him.

Forever.

"Leo..."

Chloe speaks softly. "I know your past is mysterious, that there are many things you don't want to talk about. I won't force you to tell me."

"But I want you to know..."

She lifts her head, those azure eyes looking at Leo seriously.

"No matter where you go, no matter what you face."

"I'll stand behind you."

"Forever."

Leo looks at Chloe's sincere eyes, warmth surging in his heart.

He reaches out and gently ruffles her hair.

"Thank you."

"Oh my, what an enviable scene."

Victoria leans against a nearby tree, smiling seductively. "Even I, a single old woman, am jealous."

"Victoria, you're not old..." Chloe is somewhat helpless.

"Chloe, you're still too naive."

Victoria exhales a puff of smoke, a playful gleam in her eyes. "But I quite like you. At least, you're much easier on the eyes than that woman Ivy."

Chloe knows, of course, that the relationship between Leo and Ivy isn't simple.

But she says nothing, because she trusts that Leo won't abandon her.

"Alright."

Leo stubs out his cigar. "Victoria, send Nightfall organization's intelligence to Olivia. I need to formulate a detailed battle plan."

"Yes, sir, Reaper."

Victoria smiles seductively. "However, I do charge a fee, you know."

"I know."

Leo says flatly. "The promise of three weapons depots still stands."

"Deal."

Victoria nods with satisfaction.

She puts her sunglasses back on and, in her high heels, sways away from the cemetery.

"Leo..."

Chloe takes a deep breath. "After we return this time, I'll immediately gather the Rosenberg family's core members. We'll fully support you."

"Good."

Leo nods.

He takes one last look at Luke's tombstone, then turns and walks toward the cemetery exit.