Chapter 353: Master Venicus

In the Jantz family residence, Zachariah sat on the couch, a warm towel on his head. The loss of his daughter had given him a severe headache.

Wilbur approached. "Anthony's back, Dad!"

Zachariah, eyes closed, asked, "Did he bring our man?"

Wilbur shook his head. "No."

"The Department of Justice is useless," Zachariah said, throwing off the towel. His eyes snapped open. "We'll do it ourselves. Jared's still in Horington, right?"

"No."

"What?" Zachariah's eyes widened. "He escaped? Did Anthony let him go? I won't forgive him if he did!"

Wilbur considered. "Jared's not in Horington, but he hasn't left the country. He's likely returned to Summerbank. Lizbeth wasn't with Anthony, so I suspect she smuggled him there to protect him from us."

"An eye for an eye!" Zachariah shouted. "No one stops me from killing Jared! Wilbur, have our men capture Lizbeth and find out where Jared is!"

"Right away, sir," Wilbur said, turning to leave.

"Wait," Zachariah called. "The Whitaker family's businesses—any movement?"

Wilbur looked worried. "Not yet, but other families are eager to move in. Most of the Whitakers' business partners have ended collaborations. Many senior executives are panicking, looking for escape routes."

Zachariah sighed. "Tell them we'll take over the Whitaker businesses and maintain the status quo. That should calm them." The Jantz family, though formidable martial artists, lacked business acumen, but Zachariah had no choice.

Wilbur nodded. "Understood."

Zachariah gestured for Wilbur to leave. The Jantz family butler entered, hesitating before Zachariah, who was resting. Before the butler could leave, Zachariah called out, "Leonardo?" He recognized the butler's presence.

"Master Venicus of the Crescent Sect is here, Mr. Jantz," Leonardo replied respectfully.

Zachariah leaped up, panicked. "What? Invite him in! No, I'll greet him! Help me get dressed!"

The butler quickly assisted Zachariah, who rushed out. An elderly man stood outside the mansion.

Zachariah approached respectfully. "Master Venicus, I apologize for the wait. I'll punish my servants severely!"

Venicus smiled enigmatically. "Old Mr. Jantz, they did nothing wrong. No punishment is needed."