Chapter 674

Nikolas' expression darkened, fury contorting his features.

Just then, his phone buzzed-a message from the Bennett family. Everything was set. All that was left was for him to bring Daniela to the hotel.

Nikolas smirked.

"What are you laughing at?" Cedric snapped,catching the icy amusement flickering across Nikolas' face.

"Was I?" Nikolas asked, feigning innocence.

Cedric's gaze turned sharp as a blade. "If I were you,l wouldn't do anything reckless."

First Daniela, now Cedric? Nikolas clenched his jaw,irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "Oh? And if I do,what exactly will you do about it?"

The warmth Cedric usually reserved for Daniela had vanished. In its place was a glacial, merciless aura."You're in Olisvine now. Stir up trouble here, and don't expect your people in Oiscoll to save your ass."

Nikolas stiffened, caught off guard. Maybe it was because he'd grown used to Cedric's gentle smiles around Daniela, but this side of him? It was unsettling.

Without another word, Cedric grabbed a fruit knife from the table and strode toward the kitchen.

Nikolas shut his eyes, exhaling sharply.

Damn it all!

This family was nothing but a den of troublemakers.

Did they honestly believe he was afraid of them?

Once Ghost arrived, he'd make sure Daniela learned her place.

That very day, Ghost set foot in Olisvine.

"You made it! My father doesn't know, does he?"Nikolas asked.

Ghost didn't acknowledge the question. "Where's the target?" he asked instead.

Nikolas led Ghost to the villa. Being the weekend,Daniela was home.

She lounged in the living room, eyes fixed on the TV screen.

Ghost peered through the vast floor-to-ceiling window, scanning the interior.

His brows knitted together in a deep frown.

"Who's the target? The man or the woman?" he asked.

To Nikolas, it didn't matter.

Without hesitation, he ordered, "Take them both out."

Ghost shook his head. "I won't do it."

Nikolas froze, momentarily speechless. Then, after a beat,he let out a sharp laugh.

"You can't be serious. You're the top assassin working under my father, and you've never turned down a request before. Is it because you're hiding something from him that you're refusing to help me now?"

Ghost's expression remained unreadable. "I won't do it.I'm leaving."

"What?" Nikolas' amusement vanished. "You can't be serious. Don't mess with mne. They're nothing to you -taking them down should be effortless. Look at the woman.Her arms are so thin. The man might be tough,but you could still take them both easily."

Ghost's voice remained steady. "The man, I can kill.The woman-I won't."

Nikolas stiffened as a distant memory surfaced.′′Are you saying that she's...?"

Ghost's gaze was unwavering. "She's the most feared and respected mercenary leader alive. I've tried before -I failed."

Nikolas shut his eyes, struggling to reconcile the image of Daniela-so delicate, so unassuming-with the reputation Ghost spoke of.

Almost absently, he asked, "And if she tries to kill you?"

Ghost didn't hesitate. "She can."

After a pause, he added, "With ease."

Nikolas felt his stomach drop. Doubt flickered in his eyes. Was this really Ghost? "You're the best-undefeated in combat-and you're giving up just like that? She was injured before. Maybe she's weaker now."

Ghost's expression didn't change. "The moment she woke up from a three-year coma, I went to challenge her."

Nikolas leaned forward, anticipation sharpening his gaze.

Ghost's voice darkened. "I lost-worse than ever. The last time you saw me with a broken nose, it was from that failed challenge."

Nikolas stood there, stunned. "Then let Alexander handle Daniela. You deal with Cedric."

Ghost's eyes narrowed as he peered through the window,spotting Cedric peeling an orange for Daniela.

With a swift motion, he pulled out his phone and captured a shot of Cedric.

The sharp click of the camera drew Daniela's attention,and she turned.

Ghost swiftly spun around,his back now to the window.

Nikolas' frustration peaked. "Are you seriously afraid of her?"

Instead of answering, Ghost said, "Take a picture of the woman for me."

Without missing a beat, Nikolas grabbed Ghost's phone and snapped a picture of Daniela.

Ghost snatched the phone back and made his exit.

After a while, Hamilton studied the photo on his phone, a smile tugging at his lips. "He looks exactly like I did when I was younger. Who's the woman beside him?"

Ghost answered, "She's Clarinda, the most feared and respected mercenary leader."

Hamilton chuckled. "I once suggested that Clarinda marry my youngest son to solidify an alliance, but she dismissed the idea with a laugh. Now, she's involved with my illegitimate son. Quite intriguing. I can't wait to meet Clarinda myself."