Chapter 916:

Edward hesitated, then said with dissatisfaction, “Now that the Hudson family issue is settled, you should release Elyse. Remember our wager. You’re not reneging on our deal, are you?”

Jayden shook his head. “I don’t break deals. While you may think the Hudson family matter is concluded and Elyse is safe, I disagree. The issue isn’t resolved to my satisfaction, and Elyse isn’t safe yet. Therefore, I can’t release her.”

Edward grew frustrated. “Elyse is her own person. You can’t keep her confined. She’s a living, breathing individual.”

“I haven’t forgotten. Even if I wanted to confine her, I wouldn’t.” Jayden knew better than to imprison Elyse again. To keep her close, he needed to be more subtle.

Watching Jayden, Edward scoffed. “You don’t really think this ends with you and Elyse living happily ever after, do you?”

Jayden replied, “I know you’ve always coveted my girl, but Elyse is mine.”

Edward smirked. “Oh? We’ll see.”

The following morning, in a deserted town, Brook learned of the news and arrived to search for Charlie’s remains. Brook and his crew searched the area and discovered Charlie’s body near a town fountain. Beside him lay his daughter Aarya’s severed head.

Brook turned away in revulsion and called Enzo. Enzo hadn’t heard from Charlie the previous day and felt uneasy when he saw Brook’s call.

When he answered, he received troubling news. Brook’s report was blunt: “Charlie is dead, along with most of his men. The operation took place yesterday. The remaining men fled or joined other factions.”

He paused, then added, “The Hudson family no longer exists.”

Enzo sighed. “I underestimated this. I shouldn’t have sent only Charlie. He’s past his prime… He’s not as sharp as Jayden.”

Brook waited for Enzo’s instructions.

“Where’s Elyse?” Enzo asked. “Is she with you?”

Brook replied, “Rory Griffin took her yesterday. I haven’t heard anything since. I don’t know if she’s alive.”