Chapter 274
Hearing that, Reece didn’t know what to say.
So did Hamish.
The two of them looked at Ian and Memphis with indescribable expressions.
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As expected of men from the DDC Vanguard Mercenary Special Operations Base, each one was more ruthless than the last.
They were probably the only ones who could get so excited about a killing spree.
But they were mercenaries from the DDC Vanguard Mercenary Special Operations Base, so being ferocious was normal for them.
Reece cleared his throat, trying to reason with the two men who were itching to follow Briar on a killing
spree.
“Ashton won’t let Briar do that. You know that Dasmieca is different from other countries, and you can’t go on a killing spree here, especially in Shoneport.”
Shoneport was the most important political center in Dasmieca. Anyone who caused trouble there, whether an individual or a family, would not end well.
Not to mention him and Hamish, just take Ashton for example. Back then, no matter how wildly he acted, he never dared to make trouble in Shoneport, but instead went abroad to wreak havoc.
As for him and Hamish, their family elders were afraid they would cause too much trouble, so they sent them to a military camp against their will.
They were not allowed to return to Shoneport until they could handle things on their own.
Even though all of Ashton’s shady businesses were extremely profitable, he never considered moving them to Dasmieca, letting them grow freely overseas instead.
Take the International Dark Net organization founded by Ashton, for example.
Another example was the 121 Overseas Mercenary Organization.
Was it that Ashton didn’t want to relocate his global mining operations back to Dasmieca, to Shoneport?
No, he did!
Putting aside Dark Net and 121 Overseas Mercenary Organization, just consider those mineral resource companies. If they were relocated to Dasmicca, with their headquarters established in Shoneport, imagine how much tax revenue they could generate in a year.
However, such lucrative and illicit ventures often fueled not only legitimate industries but also gave rise to more clandestine operations.
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Chapter 274
Therefore, some businesses must remain overseas.
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Ian nodded. “We all know. Don’t worry. When it’s time to make a move, we’ll do it covertly to ensure it can’t be traced.”
Memphis also nodded. “That’s right. Our assassination skills are the best in the world. We specialize in making people disappear without a trace.”
“… You sound quite proud of yourselves,” Hamish retorted.
Reece massaged his forehead and said, “Forget it. Let’s leave this problem for Ashton to deal with himself.”
Hamish chuckled. “That’s right. Briar is his wife, so why are we worrying?”
The two of them sauntered away.
The lab in the cave still needed cleaning, so Brandon stayed behind. He had to personally supervise his men as they removed everything that Mrs. Wade needed, making sure it was all taken away intact.
However, everyone was in a heavy mood.
This group of men felt very uncomfortable looking at the contents of all these bottles and jars.
Ian and Memphis didn’t leave either.
They stayed, not to help move things, but to collect evidence of the Lopez family’s crimes.
Although they were vicious mercenaries, the DDC Vanguard Mercenary Special Operations Base did not kill indiscriminately, as their actions must be supported by convincing evidence.
*****
In the car, Ashton was driving.
At the same time, he kept an eye on the silent girl in the passenger seat beside him.
Briar was quiet. She sat quietly, breathed quietly, and blinked quietly–her silence was terrifying.
She had changed out of her blood–stained clothes and was wrapped in Ashton’s oversized black coat, making her small frame look even thinner and colder.
The car was heading toward Moonspring Estate.
Originally, Ashton had wanted to take Briar to the old residence first. His grandfather had also heard about her situation and was furious.
But seeing her looking so lost and broken, he knew his grandfather would not be able to contain his anger. He could only take her to Moonspring Estate first.
He would take her to the old residence to see his grandfather once she had recovered.
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Chapter 274
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Just then, his phone rang.
Ashton picked it up; it was his grandfather calling.
He answered, his voice steady. “Grandfather, Briar and I are together.”
He reminded the old man to be careful with his words and avoid upsetting Briar.
Sure enough, Griffin’s tone softened on the other end of the line. “How is Briar?”
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Ashton glanced at Briar again. “She’s not in a good state. I’ll take her to Moonspring Estate first, and I’ll bring her to see you when she’s feeling better.”
Griffin’s heart went out to her as soon as he heard. “Okay, okay. First, take Briar back to get some rest. You must stay by her side. This is when she needs someone with her the most. Tell me if anything happens.”
“Understood,” Ashton said.
Griffin hesitated but finally said, “About the Lopez family…find a suitable opportunity to mention it to Briar. Have her ask Marvin first.”
Ashton’s brow twitched. He switched his phone to his left hand and instinctively lowered his voice. “Grandfather, is there something you know?”
Griffin coughed lightly, and his discomfort was palpable even over the phone.
“Ahem, I don’t actually know much. Back in the day, Marvin and his circle and I… we didn’t run in the same crowd. But some of the things they did back then didn’t escape Steven’s notice.”
In his early years, Griffin had been a follower of Steven. As the head of state, Steven naturally had a vast intelligence network.
Fearing Ashton would press for more details, Griffin said, “This is all I can tell you for now…”
Ashton gritted his teeth and asked bluntly, “Grandpa, you weren’t involved in this, were you?”
On the other end of the line, Griffin snapped in frustration, “You brat! Do you think I’m as crazy as a bunch of mad scientists?”
Ashton was relieved. “Good. As long as you weren’t involved, that’s fine. Otherwise…”
“Otherwise, what? You wouldn’t dare turn on your own family, would you?” Griffin retorted.
Ashton smiled and didn’t reply.
After hanging up, Ashton met Briar’s dark eyes. The smile on his lips froze into a straight line. “Honey…”
Briar stared into Ashton’s eyes and asked, word for word, “Honey, what did Grandpa just say to you?”
Honestly, Ashton loved it when she called him “honey.” Her soft, sweet voice was so alluring.
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But at that moment, Ashton did not want Briar to call him that at all.
Her tone was meant to be endearing, but he heard a clear threat in her words.
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It felt as if she would kick him out of the car the very next second if he did not tell the truth.
Ashton had no choice but to confess, “Grandpa just called. He suggested that if we want to investigate why the Lopez family acted so unscrupulously back then, we should start by asking Marvin…”
“Turn the car around. We’re going to Shoneport University right now,” Briar ordered.
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