Chapter 177: Must Fake Death

Daniel's eyes lit up when he heard this—like he'd just been thrown a lifeline. He scrambled after Jaxon, desperate.

"Tell me, tell me! I'll agree to anything as long as you don't kill me!"

"It's simple. I have to save Thalia, so you'll have to fake your death."

At those words, Daniel's brow furrowed, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

"We're enemies. I tried to kill you. Why would you let me go? You're not planning to use 'faking my death' as an excuse to actually finish me off, are you?"

Seeing that doubtful look, Jaxon snorted.

"If I wanted you dead, would I need to go through all this trouble? I did want to kill you earlier, but circumstances have changed. You can't die. If you do, it won't help me one bit."

"After all, you're a general of Frostkeep. If you actually die here, Laurent will make a big deal out of it, and the other two generals won't sit still—they'll come after Audrey and the Carrington family."

"With their current strength, they can't handle two generals at once. So you can't die!"

Daniel finally understood.

Without wasting any more words, Jaxon continued.

"I'm going to record a video next. Even though we're only putting you in a state of apparent death, it has to look real. That means I'll have to rough you up a bit. So brace yourself."

Before Daniel could process what was happening, Jaxon's foot slammed into him.

Daniel flew backward, crashing hard into the wall, his face twisted in agony.

"You—!"

Before he could finish, Jaxon was already in front of him again.

"You can fight back if you want, but I'd advise against it. A waste like you doesn't stand a chance against me."

Jaxon didn't bother sparing his dignity. Furious, Daniel swung his fist.

The moment he did, Jaxon caught his arm mid-swing.

With a sharp twist—'crack!'

His arm snapped on the spot.

Daniel screamed in pain, struggling with everything he had, but he couldn't move an inch.

Jaxon's gaze was cold. Without a single unnecessary word, he drew a dagger and plunged it straight into Daniel's chest.

Daniel's eyes went wide, blood spilling from his mouth.

"You—?"

Before he could finish, his eyelids grew heavier and heavier. His vision went black, and he went completely still.

Jaxon's expression remained icy as he tossed Daniel's body to the floor.

"How'd it go?"

At the sound of his voice, Nightshade emerged from the shadows and flashed Jaxon an 'okay' sign.

"All set."

"Send it to Laurent."

Nightshade nodded and forwarded the message immediately.

When Laurent received it, a triumphant smile spread across his face.

"Jaxon really is ruthless—worthy of the Storm family. Too bad he's a traitor."

He gave a cold laugh and dialed Jaxon's number.

"You work fast. But just to be safe, bring Daniel's body. Once my people verify it, I'll return Thalia to you."

"Fine. Where?"

"Sentinel Vehicle Fabrication. My people will be waiting."

"You'd better keep your word, or don't blame me for what happens next."

"Don't worry. Given my position, I wouldn't joke around about something like this."

With that, Laurent hung up without another word.

"Tyrell."

At his call, a young man walked in from outside.

"Mr. Storm, what do you need?"

"Take Thalia to Sentinel Vehicle Fabrication immediately."

Tyrell Storm's brow furrowed, a trace of seriousness crossing his face.

"Mr. Storm, are we really giving Thalia back to him?"

"Keeping Thalia serves no purpose now. She's already provided enough value. All you need to do is verify whether Daniel is truly dead."

"After all, whether that guy lives or dies is crucial to our plan."

Tyrell nodded quickly.

"Understood."

……

Half an hour later, Jaxon arrived at the meeting point.

After waiting over ten minutes, Tyrell finally showed up with his people.

He kicked open the car door with a cocky expression and jumped out.

"You really are quick."

He wore a smug smile. Jaxon's gaze was ice-cold, his tone flat.

"I don't have time to waste. Where's the person I came for?"

Tyrell chuckled and waved his hand. Two of his men carried Thalia forward.

"Since we're making a trade, of course I brought her."

Thalia was bound hand and foot, gagged so she couldn't make a sound. But her eyes were filled with terror.

After confirming there were no issues, Jaxon started to move forward, but Tyrell blocked his path.

"Not so fast. I need to make sure Daniel's really dead first. Where's the body?"

At his challenge, Jaxon simply opened the car door and tossed Daniel's corpse out.

Daniel's face was deathly pale, no sign of life left in him. Still, Tyrell stepped closer.

He examined Daniel carefully, scrutinizing every detail.

After a thorough inspection, he had his answer—Daniel was definitely dead.

"You done looking?"

Hearing Jaxon's voice, Tyrell smirked coldly and pulled his hand back.

"I underestimated you. You actually killed a general."

"Cut the chatter. I did what Laurent asked. I hope you'll keep your end of the deal—or I promise not one of you is leaving here alive."

Jaxon wasn't bluffing. If he wanted these people dead, it would be easy.

"Relax. Whatever beef you have is with Mr. Storm, not me. I'm just following orders."

"Besides, if you kill me, 'you' started it. The Main Storms will flatten every bit of territory Audrey and the Carrington family hold."

With that, Tyrell gave a contemptuous smile and signaled his men. Without another word, they tossed Thalia over to Jaxon.

"Good luck!"

Tyrell grinned smugly and left with his people.

Once they were gone, Jaxon immediately untied the ropes binding Thalia.

But Thalia didn't recognize Jaxon. Fear filled her eyes as she kept scooting backward.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

Seeing her reaction, Jaxon quickly tried to calm her.

"Don't be scared. Your sister Audrey sent me to rescue you."

"You know my sister?"

Thalia looked doubtful, still on guard.

Jaxon nodded and immediately made a phone call.

The moment she heard Audrey's voice, Thalia's eyes welled up with tears.

Seeing this, Jaxon wasted no time taking her back.

……

Meanwhile, Tyrell had already returned home.

"Mr. Storm, it's confirmed. Daniel is dead. Stabbed straight through the heart—there's no way he's coming back."

Hearing this, Laurent's face lit up with a triumphant smile.

"What a guy, that Jaxon—truly ruthless. But that works just fine. We can move forward with our plan now."