Chapter 63: Chapter 63

"Praise God, Ute and Beatrice are safe, Sam. But I haven't received any news about the others. Sister Ute hasn't provided further updates. I've already asked Deni to take Beatrice and Ute to the hiding place in the Southeast. I apologize if I acted impulsively—"

"No, what you requested was right, An," Sam quickly interrupted. His jaw tightened, his eyes filled with furious anger. The bottle in his hand had shattered since Anne's news arrived. He absorbed each word carefully. Don't ask how overwhelming it felt. His thoughts were solely focused on one person; Beatrice Catalina.

He was caught off guard.

His memory immediately flashed back to a series of events he had experienced. Piece by piece, his mind assembled a puzzle that suddenly resembled shards of glass. Sharp and capable of causing harm. They couldn't be arranged haphazardly because each fragment could disrupt the arrangement of the others.

"Keep me informed, An," Sam said curtly. His eyes stared at the road they were currently traversing. It was a smooth, high-speed highway where Rulli's driven Jeep raced. Sam could see the convoy trailing behind through the rearview mirror. Including one conspicuously occupied by Ferdi.

"Boss?" Hugo didn't know how to express himself. He listened attentively, just like Eland, who was stunned in his seat.

"What are you going to do?"

It was Ferdi's voice. Since Anne's news arrived, he had been listening. He was the only one from the police side whom Sam granted access to communicate. The rest followed Ferdi's orders. Sam also didn't want anyone reporting his actions. Perhaps, in his fury towards Gerald, would he kill the man on the spot?

Both Eland and Hugo exchanged glances. The ruler even released his cigarette, lighting it with a casual yet determined manner. They were both certain that Sam was engulfed in a storm of rage. Nothing could stop Sam's determination this time. Moreover... this anger was not solely Sam's.

Especially because the attack struck their headquarters. The place where they shared all sorts of things together. Their brotherhood was not merely about the blood that flowed; it encompassed many factors, and they both understood that well. Sam's constructed headquarters, which they knew, was built upon the memories of the ruler. Memories that could be described as both beautiful and dark, yet made each side of the building steadfastly challenge the sky.

One of their members was shot without knowing where he went wrong. Sam pursued him until he found out who the executor was. The person who subjected Twin Dragon Clan members to such brutal treatment would not be let off so easily. Especially now.

"Order your most trusted subordinates, Fer, to come and enter the headquarters. I'm sure there will be a second attack. The only target they have in mind is Beatrice."

Ferdi was taken aback. "Are you serious?"

Sam chuckled. "They attacked when they knew I wasn't there. Only certain people know what I intended to do, Fer."

Ferdi fell silent. What Sam said had some truth to it. Throughout his acquaintance with Twin Dragon, no influential headquarters had ever faced such an open attack in this territory. Aside from the difficult-to-penetrate security system, there were also many of Sam's people.

Perhaps because some of them sided with Sam to settle scores with Gerald and Jimmy, the defense system in the headquarters weakened. Or it could be...

"You're no longer suspecting certain individuals, are you?" Ferdi asked straightforwardly.

Sam's response was only a laughter that sounded terrifying.

"Return the favor I asked for, send your people to the headquarters. I'm certain Beatrice won't want to leave."

"But the headquarters is dangerous now, Sam. You should ask Beatrice to leave there."

A grin formed on Sam's face. He released the bottle he was still holding, leaving behind a minor cut that he paid little attention to. He resumed enjoying his cigarette. The smoke filled the car cabin immediately. "You have no idea how stubborn my woman can be, Fer."

At the other end, Ferdi laughed. "Okay. I'll send people there. Fully equipped to protect the headquarters and the ambulance. I've instructed some of the injured ones to receive immediate treatment. My people can make that happen easily. But the hospital? The place where Jack was attacked?"

"I'm confident Jack can slaughter anyone who stands in his way."

Once again, Sam heard Ferdi chuckle. "I'll surely be asked to file a report on multiple deaths."

"Most of the police are incompetent, Fer, you have to admit that." Sam took another drag from his cigarette. "The team is divided into three. The most well-equipped weapons are assigned to the teams I've chosen." At that moment, the ruler turned his gaze towards Hugo and Eland. His two trusted men had been listening attentively.

Waiting for the order that would come from Samuel.

"Eland, you and Ferdi continue the journey. Gerald and Jimmy Lee are definitely preparing to defend themselves. Leave Bella to me, Eland. You can do whatever you want, but Bella must still face punishment from me."

"Understood, Boss."

"Gerald and Jimmy are my business, Sam," Ferdi interjected. The only thing he desired was the two individuals whose names Sam had just mentioned. They had committed numerous crimes. Punishment had to be delivered, even though Ferdi wasn't entirely sure if dealing with thugs like Sam would cost their lives. "You promise me, Sam." Indeed, Ferdi didn't want the chance to capture criminals like Jimmy and Gerald to slip away due to Sam's selfishness.

Sam grinned slyly and then laughed. "You know what to do, Eland?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Ferdi. They won't die by my sword." Eland tugged the corner of his lips, as if they were having a conversation while sitting leisurely in a room filled with cigarette smoke, the smell of alcohol everywhere, and the sounds of Sam's subordinates shouting, eager to take action in the headquarters.

Just like their usual routine.

Ferdi let out a long sigh. Working with a dark and ruthless world ruler like Sam indeed came with consequences. Unfortunately, it wasn't that easy for Ferdi to sever ties with Sam in all forms of cooperation. It was up to others to think however they wanted, but as far as he was concerned, Sam rarely got involved in cases that could harm him. That's what made Ferdi appreciate the collaboration with Sam over the past few years. "Okay. At the exit, Eland, you come with me."

"Hugo, turn around. There's only Anne and Uti at the headquarters. They won't stop attacking until nothing is left."

"Okay." Hugo nodded in understanding. "You're coming with me, right?"

Sam's gaze remained sharp and rigid. It was filled with unmistakable burning vengeance. "I won't let the mastermind behind all of this laugh freely at the control screen."

Hugo furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

"I have one message for you, Hugo. Don't let Beatrice know where I'm headed."

"But Sam, you can't leave without telling us where you're going, can you?"

Still wearing the same sly grin, Sam slowly closed his eyes. "I'm going to the place where it all began."

***[]***

Anne continued to monitor the air route. She focused on the cameras that captured the convoy of Sam's cars. There was a concern in her mind that the troublemakers might intercept Sam on the road. The expressway connecting the Southern and Southeastern Savannah regions was long and rarely congested. Most of the vehicles passing by were large trucks transporting food supplies.

"Ute, Deni will probably arrive soon," Anne informed after glancing at the clock in the corner of the screen. "Get ready, okay?"

"Beatrice doesn't want to, Anne. She insists on staying there to protect the headquarters."

"What?!" Anne slammed the table. "I already talked to Boss Sam about Ute and Beatrice being escorted to the safe house."

She couldn't imagine what would happen if Beatrice stayed there. The recent attack had already scared her, and even when she reported the latest news, her voice trembled. She was afraid of conveying any information related to Beatrice incorrectly because Sam would show no mercy.

Ute chuckled softly. "I tried to persuade her, but Beatrice is as stubborn as Sam." Ute was overwhelmed by Beatrice's determination. She had never even held a weapon before, yet her resolve was incredibly strong. It was as if she was born to be a source of inspiration while some of the people in the headquarters were engulfed in an unpredictable anger.

"Don't worry, Anne. As long as I'm here, Beatrice will be safe," Ute assured confidently. "She's currently learning how to handle a rifle, Anne. You should join us."

Indeed, what Ute said was true. The faint sound of Beatrice's enthusiastic voice asking how to quickly learn to handle a weapon could be heard.

Anne suddenly felt dizzy. She took a deep breath. "The most important thing is to be careful. I have to inform Boss Sam about Beatrice's decision. We can't take it lightly because it involves Beatrice, Ute."

"You're right." Ute laughed again. "Boss Sam needs to know Beatrice's current condition."

Anne forced a faint smile on her face. She redirected her gaze to the screen, making sure not to lose sight of the movements from the air. A moment later, her eyes widened in astonishment. It felt as if they were about to pop out from sheer surprise. Her trembling hands gripped the edge of the table. "Ute, someone is coming from the South."

Ute growled. "I'm sure there will be a follow-up attack. If we had left earlier, I think we would have been executed on the way."

Anne no longer knew which way to think.

"Anne." Hugo's voice could be faintly heard, but that couldn't be. Anne shook her head immediately, focusing on the airborne connection with Ute.

"I need to inform the others quickly. Be prepared for any possibilities."

"Anne!" Hugo snapped impatiently.

"Boss Hugo?" It was as if she had just realized that she wasn't hallucinating. It really was Hugo's voice, even though she had set it up specifically to receive and connect from various sources.

"Can you concentrate? Don't lose control."

Anne closed her eyes tightly. She pressed the edge of the table harder, needing something to hold on to. It made her palm slightly sore, but she ignored it. "Yes, Boss. There's someone coming from the South. The screen confirms that it's an unrecognized vehicle. It's black and there are many motorcycles carrying firearms."

"Has Ferdi's people arrived?"

Anne quickly scrolled through the screen in front of her. "Oh... yes. Based on my calculations, the unidentified individuals will arrive earlier than Ferdi's people."

"Ferdi, ask them to hurry. I'm sure this is the second wave of the attack."

Faintly, Anne could hear Ferdi's grumbling voice through the airborne connection but immediately ordered her subordinates to move faster. They must not arrive late, or all their efforts to protect the Twin Dragons headquarters would be in vain.

"Are you still at Flown?"

"Yes, Boss."

"I'll be there in ten minutes. Open the weapons warehouse gate. Ask Boss Jack and the others there to deplete the available weapons and bring them to the headquarters."

"Okay, Boss."

"Lock Sam's safe with a special code. Inform Jack and Boss. Once done, get ready to bring all your equipment back. Sam needs aerial support."

"Yes, Boss." Anne nodded obediently. "I'll prepare everything."

"Good. Remember, An, we won't let anyone bring down the headquarters. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Can I choose the weapons I like, Boss?"

"Up to you. The important thing is that you know how to protect yourself and those around you." Hugo laughed. "Wait for me at Flown, An. We'll go to the headquarters together."

A smile appeared on Anne's face, albeit half-heartedly. "Yes, Boss. I'll wait."

Unbeknownst to Anne, two people around her overheard their conversation: Ute and Ferdi. Ferdi, in particular, lazily avoided making eye contact with Hugo. He didn't want to engage in much conversation with one of Sam's trusted subordinates.

"Do you two have a special relationship?" Ute asked without needing to think too much.

Ute’s voice immediately made Anne flustered. "Eh... no, we don't." She only said that after making sure her conversation with Hugo had truly ended.

"It's okay if you do." Ute laughed. "I'm getting ready to welcome the arriving guest. Will Ferdi be here soon?"

"Yes, ma'am." Anne quickly ensured the safety of the data she had. It wasn't easy for someone to infiltrate her access to view various parts of the city. That's why she needed concentration to move the devices. Using the loudspeaker in Flown, Anne instructed all of Sam's subordinates to take action. They needed to take the necessary weapons and bring as much as they could.

Preserving the headquarters was their current objective.

On the screen, the long convoy of cars, which had been speeding up, was now divided into three. Sam must have devised a special strategy to deal with the sudden attack. Anne herself had never expected this situation to arise. However, one thing was certain: when she joined the Twin Dragons Clan, she was ready to risk everything.

Including her life.