Mr. Chavez, we have solid information. Caleb will attend the upcoming emerald auction with Bradley in three days. It's been five years since his last appearance at such events, and since we recently dismantled his human trafficking ring, he's suffered significant losses. He has no choice but to attend and attempt to recoup those losses. Emmett reported solemnly.
Caleb was a formidable opponent, the dominant player in the Golden Triangle for years. The local government largely ignored, even protected, his activities. They collaborated closely, using Kransbay as Caleb's headquarters, centralizing his influence. Gathering sufficient evidence for arrest proved extremely difficult. Jeremiah's covert forces had to remain hidden, making reliance solely on overt operations problematic—a concern for Emmett.
Jeremiah rose, walked to the window, and surveyed the bustling traffic below. The city glittered above, yet beneath its surface lay countless victims. Crime, theft, and arson were rampant; danger lurked everywhere. The light cast a shadow across Jeremiah's face. He turned, instructing, "Be prepared. Caleb's reckless actions against Clusia will have consequences. We will not tolerate such lawlessness. Those who violate our land will be punished." The final words were chilling.
Emmett nodded, understanding Jeremiah's resolve. From the moment they discovered Caleb masterminded the international human trafficking operation, he'd considered Caleb a dead man.
"Mr. Chavez, I will have everything ready for the emerald auction in three days. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Emmett said.
Jeremiah dismissed him with a wave.
Emmett bowed and departed, reaching the elevator just as Eagle King returned with dinner. They paused as they passed, Emmett inwardly noting Eagle King's intense aura. Eagle King, sensing the presence of a powerful martial artist in Emmett, paused. Their eyes met, a silent clash of internal energy.
A cleaning lady emerged from a room, puzzled. "Gentlemen, do you need anything?" she asked in her Uprian accent.
Eagle King withdrew his energy, replying, "Nothing." Turning to Emmett, he said, "No winner this time. Another match later?"
"Sure," Emmett replied.
Once Eagle King left, Emmett stepped back, realizing he'd held his own only through sheer grit. Eagle King's internal energy was formidable. He'd have been in trouble if it had continued much longer. Emmett worried that this expert's presence might jeopardize the boss's plan. The trip to Kransbay felt fraught with uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Yvette sat on the couch, researching Caleb on her phone. In minutes, she'd uncovered his history. "He killed his father as a child and took over Kerton Group at twelve or thirteen? In ten years, he's expanded his influence through drug dealing, human trafficking, running casinos, supplying weapons to Afrian terrorists, and laundering money with government assistance at the emerald auction? Shocking! He's committed every crime imaginable!"
Yvette's information was more detailed than Emmett's, including Caleb's mistress in a mansion north of Kransbay and Bradley's plan to overthrow him.
Eagle King entered, noticing Yvette engrossed in her research. "Boss, dinner's ready. I thought you might prefer something different, so I got food from a Clusian restaurant," he said.
He presented a feast: risotto, pasta, donuts, pizza, duck confit, and more. The restaurant owner had been surprised to learn it was for only two. Eagle King knew Yvette's considerable appetite; a full stomach improved her mood.
Yvette ate slowly, methodically. Thirty minutes later, every dish was empty.
After cleaning up, Eagle King sat beside her, producing two white envelopes—invitations to the Emerald Auction. Invitations came in three tiers: regular, gold, and diamond (the highest). Those without official invitations from the Kransbay government or the Jewelry Association had to pay an 80 million Manchernius dollar deposit to participate. Each tier had a different price; Eagle King held the diamond invitation, costing 500 million Manchernius dollars.
Yvette consulted her map, marking three locations. "I've pinpointed three possible hiding places for Caleb's captives; Flying Fish might be in one. Avoid alerting them; watch these locations for three days. If Caleb attends the auction, he'll have heavy security. If I go, you rescue them and meet me."
Eagle King was astonished at Yvette's speed. With her, nothing seemed impossible. Yet, he was puzzled. "Boss, knowing where Flying Fish is, why attend the auction? Can't we rescue her and leave, or do you have other plans?"
Yvette stretched, then calmly replied, "Since we're here, why leave those people behind?"
Eagle King shared her sentiment. Caleb will pay dearly for messing with my people! I need to get the Boss and Flying Fish to safety before returning to kill Caleb. Since the Boss has said to do it... I'll eliminate Caleb to avoid future trouble. This place is too hot.
Meanwhile, Caleb fumed at his mansion, unaware he was considered expendable by others.
In the basement of a luxurious mansion north of Kransbay, a woman in a red dress—Flying Fish—was imprisoned.
Flying Fish tugged at her dress, resentful. Damn! My carelessness led to my capture. He tricked me using a child. Infuriating! A week has passed, I stink. Those bastards! If Eagle King rescues me, I'll destroy this place. I won't let my reputation as a top assassin be wasted!