Chapter 208 Birthday Gala

Chapter 208 Birthday Gala

Stanley took a deep breath, suppressing the rage burning within him, and shook his head.

"No need. Celeste's birthday gala is in two days. We can't cause trouble right now. If something happens, she will definitely be upset."

His subordinate nodded and said nothing more.

Stanley stared out the window, a flash of malice gleaming in his eyes. He knew this matter couldn't be left unresolved. After the birthday gala was over, he'd find an opportunity to settle the score with them.

"By the way, how's the investigation into Ryan going?" Stanley suddenly asked.

"Still digging. Our people have been tailing him for days without finding anything unusual, but we get the feeling he's scheming something behind the scenes," his subordinate replied.

"Keep investigating. We must uncover his true purpose," Stanley said firmly. "I have a gut feeling this kidnapping incident is somehow connected to him."

Meanwhile, back in her office, Joan shut the door and opened her computer.

On a hidden forum, she contacted a hacker codenamed "Shadow."

Joan typed in the chat box: [Help me hack into an email account. Also, in two days there's a birthday gala at the Howard Manor. I need you to anonymously send the files from that email to the police, who'll be there. Leave no traces.]

The reply came quickly: [No problem. Fee is ten thousand dollars—half upfront, half after completion.]

Joan transferred five thousand dollars without hesitation, then closed the chat window. She leaned back in her chair, a cold smile curling her lips. She was going to force Matthew to choose between Olivia and Celeste. No matter who Matthew chose, both women would end up hurt, and she could reap the benefits.

Overseas, in a hidden castle, the underground secret base was brightly lit. Several people in black clothing gathered around computers, their screens displaying complex data and photographs.

"Boss, we found him. The person who breached the Hades Website was a student named Jasper," a man wearing glasses, turned to address the figure sitting on the sofa.

The man they called "Boss" wore a black trench coat and a mask that revealed only his cold eyes. He slowly stood and walked to the computer, studying Jasper's photograph on the screen.

"A student? Actually managed to breach our website. Interesting."

His voice was hoarse, carrying a dangerous undertone. "What else do we know about his background?"

"He has a sister named Olivia who married Matthew, the CEO of the Howard Group. We discovered they'll both be attending a birthday gala at the Howard Manor soon."

The Boss nodded, a cruel smile forming beneath his mask.

"Perfect. Since they dared to provoke Hades, let them experience our retribution. At this birthday gala, I want them to pay the price. Let everyone know the consequences of crossing us."

"Yes, Boss. We'll prepare immediately and ensure they're humiliated at the birthday gala without any trace leading back to us," one of his men said.

The Boss waved dismissively, signaling them to leave. He stared at the photographs of Jasper and Olivia, his eyes filled with murderous intent. In all the years since Hades was established, no one had dared challenge them like this. Jasper and Olivia had to die.

In the hospital room, Jasper had woken up and was reading a comic book. Olivia sat beside him, mending a shirt that had been torn during the attack. Her mind, however, was on the birthday gala in two days and how she should interact with Celeste.

After the kidnapping incident, she and Celeste had argued bitterly, and Celeste had even thrown her out of the house. She would definitely attend the birthday gala, but she wondered if Celeste would treat her the same hostile way as before.

"Olivia, what are you thinking about?" Jasper looked up, noticing Olivia's distraction.

Olivia snapped back to reality and smiled. "Nothing, just wondering what to wear to Celeste's birthday gala in two days."

She reached over to ruffle Jasper's hair, though worry still lingered in her heart. She didn't want to have another conflict with Celeste at the birthday gala, nor did she want to put Matthew in a difficult position.

Just then, Matthew walked in with a dark expression, phone in hand.

Red Fox's voice came through the speaker, "Sir, we've identified those thugs. They're all small-time criminals who used to work for someone called 'Tiger,' but Tiger has fled. We're currently pursuing him."

"Keep hunting. We must catch Tiger and make him reveal who's behind this," Matthew said firmly.

"Yes, sir. We'll capture him as soon as possible."

After hanging up, Matthew frowned. He had a feeling this wasn't as simple as it seemed. Those small-time criminals were definitely just pawns—whoever was behind this had to be someone significant.

Joan sat in her office, watching the time on her computer screen, filled with anticipation. The birthday gala was only two days away, and then her plan would succeed. But at that moment, Ryan called her.

"Just calling to let you know I'll be attending the birthday gala, too. After all, I wouldn't want to miss such a spectacular show. Don't look too shocked when you see me there."

"You're going too? The Howard family didn't invite you, did they? What if Matthew discovers you?" Joan asked worriedly.

"Don't worry, I'll be in disguise. He won't recognize me," Ryan laughed. "Just focus on your part of the plan and don't worry about anything else."

After hanging up, Joan's brow furrowed. Would Ryan's presence create unexpected complications for her carefully laid plans?

At the secret base in the overseas castle, the Boss was briefing his subordinates.

"You two will infiltrate the birthday gala, locate Jasper and Olivia, and strike during the chaos. Leave no traces."

The Boss pointed at two tall, muscular men.

"Yes, Boss. Mission will be completed," the two men replied in unison.

"The others will provide backup from outside. If anything goes wrong, evacuate immediately."

The Boss continued, "Remember, our targets are Jasper and Olivia. Don't harm anyone else unnecessarily—we don't need unwanted complications."

"Understood," everyone replied in unison.

The Boss watched his subordinates leave, his eyes ice-cold. He was certain that the birthday gala in two days would be quite entertaining.

At a dock by the harbor, several people disembarked from what appeared to be a smuggling vessel. One woman wearing a cloak emerged from the shadows, revealing her face—it was Scarlett.

Time ticked by, the birthday gala drawing ever closer. Various factions were making their preparations in secret, and an even greater storm was quietly brewing. The birthday gala at the Howard Manor was destined to become a battlefield filled with conspiracy and danger.