Chapter 197 Strike Back (IV)
"Congratulations on your freedom!"
Confetti burst, showering colorful bits of paper, as the applause echoed throughout the luxurious apartment. The echo of applause filled the entire luxurious apartment. The dining table was full of five-star restaurant dishes and bottles of champagne.
Amidst the laughter and celebration, Vincent looked around and smiled. People in their finest suits attended his freedom party. They were loyal members of the Morning Star until the end.
During his time in prison, many guild members had left. Most of them had joined Morning Star for money and fame. If Morning Star lost its influence, they had no reason to stay. It disappointed Vincent, but at the same time, he knew who his true friends were.
As the party atmosphere reached its peak, Vincent took the microphone and addressed all the guests. They watched him intently.
"The past few weeks have been the toughest for me and for all of you," Vincent said, giving his loyal followers a sincere look. "While I was gone, Morning Star also hit rock bottom. At this critical moment, we should be there for each other. However, many so-called friends have abandoned the guild."
The guests pursed their lips in understanding. They knew how the boss felt.
"Morning Star is truly in the mud. People are mocking our guild, underestimating us, treating us like criminals. And worse, we've almost lost our Five Pillars status."
Silence filled the room. His men contemplated the situation. As members of Morning Star felt belittled, Vincent gave them a look of conviction.
"But!" he exclaimed, raising his voice. "We are Morning Star."
Nodding their heads, they looked at Vincent with hope.
"No matter how low we fall, we will rise again. We are the strongest guild in this damned city. We're the ones who protect those fuckers when monsters attack the city. We are Morning Star. Nothing can stop us," Vincent declared passionately. "I swear, with my life, I will restore Morning Star to its glory!"
"Yeah!"
The guests erupted in cheers. Applause filled the room along with whistles. They worshipped Vincent like a god.
After the speech, Vincent left the crowd. Walking quietly, he made his way to his private room and sat in a comfortable chair. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cellphone. A message appeared on the screen.
[From: Liliana]
[Congratulations on your freedom, darling. But I'm sorry, I can't come tonight.]
The noise around him felt empty after reading the message. The person he most wanted to see wasn't coming.
"Is this what it feels like to be a third wheel?" Vincent laughed bitterly.
Leaning back in his plush chair, Vincent closed his eyes. There were many things on his mind right now, from dealing with Klaus to rebuilding his guild and restoring his illegal business network. But for a moment, he wanted to forget it all. Loneliness was making him very tired.
As he was about to drift off, he heard footsteps amidst the silence. Naturally, Vincent opened his eyes. A young man in a silver suit approached him.
"Noah?"
Vincent couldn't help but furrow his brow when he saw that guy, He never thought the son of his lover would be present at his freedom party.
"What are you doing here?" Vincent asked.
After returning from Port Miami, Noah had severed all ties with Morning Star. Of course, he didn't do it openly. He made excuses every time Vincent contacted him. At that time, Vincent was severely injured. On several occasions, Noah had made negative comments about Morning Star for Vincent's failure to lead the raid in the Bermuda Triangle.
Vincent might not tolerate Noah if he weren't his lover's son. Even now, Vincent could barely contain his anger.
"I just wanted to congratulate you on your freedom," Noah said, smiling.
"After what you said about my guild in the media?" Vincent asked, sarcastically.
Noah lowered his head. "I'm sorry. That was foolish of me." His eyes showed regret.
Vincent squinted. He sensed something suspicious about the man. But he gave him a chance to explain.
"I shouldn't have let my greed take over," Noah continued.
With regret in his eyes, Noah explained his recent actions to Vincent. He admitted being blinded by greed after successfully conquering the orange dungeon in the Bermuda Triangle. Klaus had offered him a large number of monster cores, which could boost the Sons of Thor if he cooperated. Noah also mentioned that his guild's finances were in bad shape at the time. He was ashamed to ask his mother for help, leading him to accept Klaus's offer.
Hearing the story provided by his lover's son, Vincent just snorted.
"So, you came to me to admit that?" Vincent asked skeptically.
"Yes."
Vincent laughed, the sound echoing throughout the room.
"Alright, alright," Vincent retorted. "Now get the fuck out of my sight."
Vincent wasn't a naive person. In his forty years of life, he had tasted the ups and downs. Some betrayals were unforgivable. He might have killed Noah if the man hadn't been his lover's son.
Meanwhile, Noah lowered his head, biting his lip in silence.
"Vincent," Noah said seriously, "There's something I need to talk to you about."
Vincent said it mockingly, "What now, kid?"
Noah took a deep breath before saying, "I know about your relationship with my mom, Vincent."
Naturally, Vincent was shocked. His relationship with Liliana was a closely guarded secret. He stared at Noah with a sense of unease.
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Vincent said, pretending not to understand.
Noah smiled and placed his hand on Vincent's shoulder. "No need to worry, Vincent. I know everything."
As Noah revealed the secret, Vincent could only gape. Vincent's jaw dropped when Noah mentioned the hotel where Liliana and he usually spent their nights. Noah truly knew everything.
Standing up from his chair, Vincent gave Noah a sharp look.
"Kid, I don't know where you got this information from. But believe me, I won't hesitate to take your life even if you're her son," Vincent said, sounding deadly serious.
Swallowing hard, Noah could feel Vincent's menace. But he tried to remain calm. He took a deep breath and said, "You've got it all wrong. I approve of your relationship."
Vincent raised an eyebrow.
"You know, having a father who's never been present in your life, it feels empty," Noah said.
Noah began to tell his sad story. He said that throughout his life, his father had never once shown any warmth toward him. He even forgot the last time he spoke to Johan Liebert. Noah had tried a few times to get his father's attention but received no response at all.
"And worse," Noah continued. "I had to watch my mom love a man who was heartless. She always wore a sad face at dinner. I didn't understand what she saw in a man like him."
His sad story shifted to Liliana's sad story. Noah talked about how his mother had suffered during her marriage.
Listening to how Liliana was treated, Vincent clenched his fists in anger. At the same time, he felt a sense of sadness.
Suddenly, Noah burst into tears.
"Who needs a father like that? Leaving his son and wife like trash?"
Seeing the tears streaming down, Vincent hugged Noah. It wasn't out of pity but out of opportunity. If Liliana's son approved of their relationship, it would be easier for Vincent to be with her.
Vincent didn't care about Noah at all. He had seen the vulnerable side of this man and would use him to his advantage.
"It's okay. Everything will be alright," Vincent whispered, patting Noah on the back.
Noah sobbed against his mother lover's chest.
"Thank you," Noah said.
Vincent gave a smile to Noah. "Stop crying like a baby. You're a grown man."
They both started laughing heartily, relieving the tension that had previously enveloped them. After going through that melancholic conversation, they talked at length in the dark room, discussing many things, including the recovery of Sons of Thor and Morning Star's relationship.
"Oh, I forgot something," Noah said.
Vincent raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"We have to go somewhere. I have something I want to show you," Noah said.
Bored inside this room, Vincent nodded in agreement. They both left the apartment and headed to Noah's car parked outside. As they got into the car and Noah began driving, Vincent had no doubts at all.
The car drove through the bright and bustling streets. During the drive, Noah continued to chatter non-stop, while Vincent simply said "yes" or nodded his head.
They arrived in front of a building that appeared deserted, with the surrounding not much different. There was nothing visible except darkness and silence. Vincent felt a cold sweat running down his back. He had a sense that something was not right.
"Noah, what are we doing here?" Vincent asked, his eyes narrowing.
Noah smiled mysteriously. "Don't worry, Vincent. I just want to show you something. There's something you need to know."
Of course, Vincent smelled something fishy. What could be shown in this abandoned building? However, he continued to follow Noah. He was confident in his abilities. Even if there were a hundred people waiting inside, he would take them down. After all, Vincent was an S-Class Awakener.
They continued to climb to the upper floors until they reached a large hall. There were no windows, only concrete walls and large support pillars.
Noah stopped in his tracks. He turned around, a smirk on his face.
"What does this mean, Noah?" Vincent asked once again, his voice low but intimidating.
"Just as I said, I'm going to show you something."
Vincent widened his eyes.
Footsteps echoed throughout the room. A group of people in dark clothing wearing cloth masks over their faces emerged from shadow. They held weapons in their hands.
It was quite easy for Vincent to interpret the situation.
"You little piece of shit. You're idiot if you think these small fries can defeat me," Vincent said arrogantly.
A dreadful aura filled the empty hall. Vincent was truly enraged. This time, he wouldn't spare Noah.
However, Noah wasn't intimidated; instead, he laughed.
"I may not be able to defeat you. But she can."
Noah was taken aback.
A girl in a gray hood emerged from the shadows. Her face was very familiar, and Vincent recognized her instantly.
Gritting his teeth, he said, "Zee, what does this mean?""
"As you can see, Vincent. No hard feelings. It's my job."
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