Chapter 52

For Dustin, the events of the day were a minor inconvenience. That night, he accompanied Simone to her room while she worked on some documents. The delivery date was approaching, keeping Simone very busy. Dustin frowned.

"Simone, I'm going outside for a moment," he said, leaving the villa.

Outside, a tall, dark figure stood in the shadows. Their face was obscured. Their gaze was fierce, radiating potential violence. Dustin regarded him calmly.

"Shadow Two, under whose orders are you here?" he asked.

This was one of the nine elite assassins trained by the Wyatt family—Shadow Two. Drake had killed Shadow One previously, making Shadow Two's appearance ominous. Shadow Two was stronger than his predecessor.

"I am here on Miss Clara's orders," Shadow Two said, his voice icy.

Dustin frowned. The Shadows, trained by the head of the Wyatt family, were a hidden asset. Dustin's adoptive father had told him they would fall under his command after his death. Yet, they followed Lydia's orders. What surprised Dustin was Clara's ability to command Shadow Two. They were loyal only to Lydia, the current matriarch, not even to her daughters. Even Amara, the eldest daughter and company president, couldn't command them. This highlighted Lydia's esteem for Clara.

"Why are you here?" Dustin asked.

"To deliver a letter from Miss Clara," Shadow Two replied.

He flicked his wrist, sending the letter flying toward Dustin like a blade. Dustin nonchalantly caught it with two fingers, his expression unchanged. Inside, he found two tickets.

"Miss Clara invites you and Ms. Langley to her art exhibition the day after tomorrow," Shadow Two said. "She said, 'If you dare, you can attend.'" Dustin grinned, guessing Clara's intentions.

"Tell her I'll be there," Dustin said.

Shadow Two remained, glaring at Dustin. His gaze hardened. Moving with bullet-like speed, he attacked. His momentum created a whooshing sound. Dustin remained motionless, striking out with his palm. Their palms collided with a loud slap, causing Shadow Two's eyes to narrow. He stumbled back, leaving deep footprints in the ground. He retreated a dozen steps before stopping, shocked. Blood dripped from his mouth.

"You are indeed his best student!" Shadow Two said slowly, acknowledging Dustin's superior skill. The Wyatt family had underestimated him.

"You killed Shadow One, didn't you?" Shadow Two asked.

"He wasn't worthy," Dustin said disdainfully.

Shadow Two froze, then relaxed.

"Miss Clara was right. You're dangerous! But you can't defeat the Wyatt family," Shadow Two said, shaking his head. "This is just the tip of the iceberg. Even the Wyatt sisters know little about what happens behind the scenes. You're formidable, but not the best. You can't overcome the Wyatt family. Leave Rivenesco, and you'll live."

Dustin frowned. He knew the Wyatt family held many secrets, but he didn't care. Leaving Rivenesco wasn't an option.

"Shadow Two, why do you obey Lydia? Did my adoptive father say anything before he died?" Dustin demanded. He hadn't been present at his adoptive father's death, having been engaged in a battle with an international assassin organization. He'd missed the funeral and didn't know his father's last words.

"I refuse to answer," Shadow Two said solemnly. "Even if you kill me. Miss Clara is the most intelligent of the Wyatt sisters; the matriarch is the most capable."

Shadow Two left. Dustin watched silently.

"Men!" Several dark figures appeared instantly.

"Awaiting orders, My Liege."

"Investigate the movements of the other Shadows and the matriarch!"

"Roger that!"

The Wyatt family slept, except Clara. Her room lights were on. She awaited Shadow Two's report. A dark figure knelt before her.

"How did it go?" Clara asked.

"He's more powerful than me…" Shadow Two said slowly.

Clara looked appalled.

"How powerful?"

"As strong as Shadow Five."

Shadow Two's face was grim; his palm bled. His attack hadn't moved Dustin, but it had injured him severely.

"Are you sure? He's comparable to Shadow Five?" Clara stood, shocked.

"He was your father's only student," Shadow Two said. "I've sparred with him; his skills are close to Shadow Five's."

Clara frowned.

"This person must be removed from Rivenesco!" she declared. "Did you deliver the tickets?"

"He said he'll be there."

"Excellent." Clara smiled. "When the elite fighters arrive, I'll force Dustin out of Rivenesco! Let's see if he resists!" She looked at Shadow Two. "You may leave. Report back if Dustin does anything."

Shadow Two didn't rise.

"Miss Clara, could someone help me downstairs?" he asked respectfully.

"What?!" Clara was confused. Shadow Two collapsed, bleeding profusely. Clara was stunned.