Chapter 225 What Is The Real Intention
She was drenched in cold sweat by the time she got out of the place. Madelyn took a deep breath, reassuring herself that the ordeal could be dealt with later. Thereafter, she took a cab back to the Thornton residence. It was finally over—meeting Morgana.
Unbeknownst to her, Sebastian, his assistant, and the others had been tirelessly searching the area. They just had not found the entrance to the underground casino yet. It was a shock for them to see Madelyn appear unscathed once again.
“Mr. Lockhart…” Malcolm’s gaze was filled with complexity. Who exactly was Mrs. Lockhart? He could not help but wonder. The Oceanic Empire is notorious for its ruthless demeanor, even in matters of life and death. The mere mention of their name sends chills down the spines of major underworld groups worldwide. Who wouldn’t shudder at the whisper of their infamous reputation? Mrs. Lockhart, who was just an unwanted heiress months ago, has repeatedly found herself in their clutches. Yet, time and again, she has managed to escape unscathed. How on earth did she do that? I bet no one will believe that Mrs. Lockhart has no connections whatsoever with the Oceanic Empire, huh?
With those thoughts in mind, Malcolm cast a worried glance at Sebastian. At that moment, Sebastian narrowed his eyes, watching Madelyn’s receding figure. His gaze was unfathomably deep, making it impossible for anyone to read his thoughts. Harriet’s words, which he had already nipped in the bud, suddenly started playing in his head again.
Upon returning to the Thornton residence, Madelyn hastily took a shower and was ready to hit the sack. However, no matter how hard she tried, she could not fall asleep. Lately, she had been constantly worried, uncertain if Sebastian knew she had been followed by members of the Oceanic Empire. Although she had never been completely honest in confessing everything to Sebastian, she had a feeling that he knew it all and chose not to confront her about it. Regardless of his awareness, she was now finally free. Madelyn lay in bed, heaving a sigh of relief. How long could this freedom possibly last?
Morgana’s wish to meet her was compelling, leaving her no option but to agree. After all, she could not afford to offend the Oceanic Empire; she had to safeguard her own life. Upon reflecting, she felt rather sad. Initially, Madelyn believed the matter had concluded and that she had finally escaped its grip. Little did she anticipate that suddenly, a host of new challenges would arise.
Chapter 225 What Is The Real Intentions
Additionally, I’m uncertain whether her desire to meet me stems from genuine goodwill or harbors ill intentions. Is all of this a blessing or a curse? Lost in thought, Madelyn suddenly felt a throbbing pain intensifying in her head. Eventually, she made a decision to cease dwelling on it and drifted into a hazy sleep.
Meanwhile, Sebastian did not return home but remained outside the casino throughout the entire night. He had assigned individuals to guard the entrance, keeping a close watch on Phantom. For some reason, he always felt that things were more complicated than they appeared.
Phantom’s subordinates were not fools either. The sudden appearance of strangers near the casino immediately put them on high alert. Right then, someone suddenly noticed Sebastian. Without hesitation, the subordinate rushed into the casino and whispered the news into Phantom’s ear.
“Oh.” Upon hearing so, a stunning smile graced Phantom’s lips. It was so alluring that it left others feeling breathless. He handed his glass of red wine to the person next to him and stood up abruptly. He smiled and then said in a playful tone, “Let’s go and have some fun.”
Shortly after, Phantom strode out with breathtaking audacity. Sebastian was not someone to be trifled with. Even when he stood still, his formidable presence commanded a sense of reverence from those around him. At that point, it was evident that the two powerful figures were on par with each other. Phantom distinctly perceived the formidable aura of nobility and power emanating from Sebastian, particularly as their gazes met. It was as if Sebastian embodied an invincible deity, leaving a profound impression on Phantom. Similarly, Sebastian could likely discern the intensity and madness within Phantom’s character. They were from completely different worlds.
“If I’m not mistaken, you must be Ms. Thornton’s fiancé, Sebastian Lockhart, CEO of the financial conglomerate Lockhart Group, am I right?” Phantom spoke first, his gaze on Sebastian growing intriguingly inscrutable. Actually, Phantom had some knowledge about him, fueled by an insatiable curiosity. He sought to understand the background of the man who could send a chill straight to his core.
Sebastian showed no interest in wasting his breath on Phantom. “What is your purpose in repeatedly taking away my fiancée?” His handsome face hardened into a cold expression as he posed the question in a frosty tone. Upon hearing that, Phantom suddenly burst into laughter. “Would you believe me if I said I had no ulterior motive: I was simply intrigued by that girl, so I invited her over for a chat?”
Sebastian’s face darkened as soon as he heard that. “Cut the crap.” Phantom laughed even more wildly, his entire presence exuding an aura of wickedness. His nearby subordinates, who witnessed the scene, felt a shiver down their spines.
“What’s my motive? Shouldn’t you be asking your fiancée? And even if there is a motive, what can you do to us anyway?” The chill in Sebastian’s eyes deepened. Actually, it was not that he could not take action against the Oceanic Empire, but rather, he chose not to do anything about them. He was a businessman, and there was no need for him to make enemies with the Oceanic Empire. However, with things having progressed to this point, Sebastian was absolutely unwilling to back down.
“Listen closely to what I’m about to say next,” announced Sebastian suddenly, his presence exuding a chilling aura. The atmosphere was so eerie that even Malcolm shivered. The playful expression on Phantom’s face deepened. “Regardless of the empire’s intentions toward my fiancée, henceforth, do maintain a respectful distance from her. Should Morgana choose to intervene, I won’t hesitate to stand my ground.”
“What a bold statement!” After Sebastian finished speaking with a cold tone, Phantom suddenly erupted into thunderous applause. Everyone was taken aback.
“I’ve never seen anyone bold enough to openly challenge the Oceanic Empire. You’re the first, Sebastian! But let me tell you, Ms. Morgana has staked her claim on that girl. If you dare lay a hand on her, feel free to try.” Phantom’s smile vanished as he spoke. The group standing behind Sebastian was clearly prepared to take action, having already forged an alliance.
“I’ve said it before, I can’t stand pointless chatter,” Sebastian remarked abruptly. A smirk curled at the corner of his lips, his aura so intense it sent chills down one’s spine. Phantom, not known for his patience, looked at the group before him with a wicked grin creeping across his face. “I wasn’t planning on getting my hands dirty, but if you’re determined to meet your end, I’m more than willing to oblige!”
“Give it a shot then,” Sebastian scoffed.