Chapter 230: THE GIRLS

We begin tonight with shocking revelations about the long-whispered Project Kairo.

For years, there have been rumours and whispers of an underground operation involving trained assassins and child victims. Many dismissed it as a conspiracy. But those rumours turned out to be true.

Late last night, a covert raid was carried out on Veyrith Island. Authorities confirm that an armed network of highly trained assassins was uncovered, men conditioned to kill, tied directly to the secretive project.

In that same operation, fifteen young girls, each under the age of ten, were rescued. Sources say the children were found inside a concealed facility deep in the woods, where they were being held for unknown purposes. Witnesses reported that an unidentified man, referred to by the rescued children as “the Shepherd,” infiltrated the building during the operation.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the full scope of the project, but initial reports suggest that advanced technology, surveillance systems, and underground testing facilities were discovered at the site. Officials are calling this the tip of the iceberg.

Tonight, questions are mounting. Who is behind Project Kairo? How long has it been operating? And just how many more victims are still hidden in the shadows?

The most interesting part is that we didn't receive an official report from the government, and most of the data from social media regarding this has reportedly been deleted. But it keeps appearing as if to remind the public of the atrocities happening around us.

The Mayor, Maxson Dufort and his family were allegedly involved in this for more than three decades. We are yet to receive evidence against them.”

Anchor paused, looking into the camera.

“We will continue to follow this developing story. For now, the rescued girls are safe, and the world is left reeling from the realisation that Project Kairo is not just a rumour. It is real.”

Kai sat on his couch, watching the news and cursing his future son-in-law and the present son who was about to be disowned by him because what the fuck?

None of them informed him about the attack on Veyriths.

They went right in and created chaos.

The public is outraged, which is none of his business.

But the Verricks will come after him.

"This Zaley has a death wish." He cursed on the phone. "And you too. You were better than this."

Kade was as silent as a ghost on the other end.

"Kade? What's the hurry? Why did you attack last night out of nowhere? You should have been more careful."

"Zaley said he has to finish it in a month. With his wealth and businesses, he will be in the spotlight. Soon, it will shift to the girls. He is eliminating everyone who poses a threat to them. Hang on a minute. I am getting a call from Layla."

A minute later, Kai's phone rang again.

"Who is taller? Zaley or me?" Kade asked him as if it were a million-dollar question.

"Are you high?"

"Answer the damn question." Kade hissed.

Kai didn't get to answer it as his phone vibrated with another incoming call from Layla.

It was Lilly, complaining about her parents.

Maybe he should buy some land in her name for future purposes, gift her half of the shares for her birthday.

All his anger was somehow dissolved into something else. Something soft, and he promised he would warn Zaley. As if it is possible.

To his surprise, Zaley has been silent.

Kai didn't find the usual arrogance in his tone. All he said was, Hello.

"Can't you just inform me before you leave for something dangerous? I know you have the best security. But I can look after the girls. Just because I am about to retire doesn't mean I don't have it in me. I can put my life before them if needed."

Kai sounded genuine, and Zaley doesn't doubt him now.

Not after what he had seen and learned.

It's because of him that Layla was saved, and he earned Zaley's respect for that.

"I will," he agreed. "If I ever go on a mission like that, which I won't in the near future, I will inform you. The girls can be with you."

"Really?" Kai sounded surprised, as if he didn't expect Zaley to agree so easily.

"Yeah."

"Okay. What's with Lilly? You didn't take much time to get back."

Zaley looked at his little girl, pouring ketchup on her plate.

"She is afraid that I would leave them again. It will take some time to trust me."

"I thought she loved you more."

"Trust is different," Zaley said. "I am going to earn it. I hope you do the same."

"I will. And let me handle the Verricks if they make a move."

Zaley agreed without a second thought.

Kai is capable.

The two men didn't say goodbye before they hung up.

He walked to the dining table and took Layla's hands in his.

"Aren't you doing a lot of work?" He asked her, tracing her palm, his finger rough on her smooth skin. "Shall I hire a cook?"

"You do most of the chores, Leon. We don't need a cock."

"Daddy, what is hire?" Lilly asked him, looking with her big, blue, curious eyes.

"It's when you give money to someone to do your work." He explained.

Lilly kept her fork away and showed him both of her palms. "See, my hands are achy achy after doing all the homework. Can't you hire someone to do it? My mamma said we have lots of money."

He is supposed to shake his head and say, No.

Instead, he finds himself nodding, looking at her little finger and imagining the worst that holding a pencil can do.

"Say, no," Layla whispered in his ear.

He smiled at his daughter. "I will do your homework."

Lilly nodded eagerly, "The Teacher gave me this much homework."

She stretched her hands, and as usual, the distance between them didn't satisfy her.

She stretched more.

"I will do the homework for you, Little Lilly," Zaley assured her. "And I will also order the teacher—"

"Good." Layla interrupted his words. "Then you can sit along with her on a time-out," Layla said.

The father and daughter duo scowled at the mother.