Chapter 69

"What? What are you talking about?" Ryan blinked,clearly confused, unable to grasp Colton's words.

"It's the top genius secretly trained by the southern faction," Colton explained, his tone unusually patient.

Despite his immense wealth and privately trained forces, the upper ranks of the nation were beyond his reach. No matter how powerful he became, he still couldn't override the authority of the state.

Even the highest powers had to answer to justice-at least in theory. But beneath that official surface, the reality was far more complex.

As far as Colton was concerned, the national leadership was secretly split into two rival factions-northern and southern-both claiming to serve the country,yet constantly engaged in a covert power struggle.

Colton belonged to the northern faction. He had been nurtured by its leader, a connection that had elevated both his influence and theirs.

As Colton rose in strength, the northern faction's hold on power deepened.

Two years ago, Colton had completed a high-stakes mission to dismantle a massive drug cartel. He captured the kingpin alive, securing a critical victory for the northern faction-one that decisively outshone the southern faction.

But the success came at a steep cost. During the operation, Colton had been poisoned with a rare and lethal toxin that nearly claimed his life.

The incident almost shattered the northern faction's dominance. Yet, against the odds, they held their ground and continued to lead.

In the aftermath, rumors began to circulate. Word reached Colton that the southern faction had quietly cultivated a top-tier genius-someone unmatched in hacking, combat, business strategy, and other elite skills. Her intellect was said to be extraordinary, her versatility beyond belief.

However,everything about her was sealed in secrecy.This so-called genius-engineered and nurtured by the nation itself-was a ghost. Not even Colton could uncover any concrete details.

Only one fact had been confirmed: she was female.Her name, her age, her face-none of it was known.

All that searching,all those dead ends-Colton figured it was time he handled things personally.

"So,the southern faction finally has something worth showing off," Ryan said, brow tightening in thought."That genius of theirs might even be able to match you. No wonder they've had such a string of victories lately."

"Her age and identity remain a mystery," Colton said coolly. "Uncovering her will take time."

It explained everything-the southern faction's rapid advancements in the past two years. Their foreign intelligence network, military breakthroughs, and talent development likely all stemmed from her efforts.

That woman's efforts were probably the cause.

"I think she's an elderly woman. From there, we could begin the hunt," Ryan conjectured once more.

Geniuses like Colton-those who rose to legendary status at a young age-were exceedingly rare. If that female genius was truly a woman of such remarkable capabilities, then she likely wasn't young either.

After all, how else could she have cultivated such a formidable skill set?

"Not necessarily," Colton replied, his voice cold and razor-sharp. "I will find her."

"Then it's clear-you've gained a formidable enemy,"Ryan said, his tone sobering. "Unless you completely sever ties with the northern faction, you'll have no choice but to defeat that woman."

If she remained unchecked, the hardline elders of the southern faction would never give up their pursuit.

Though both factions claimed loyalty to the nation,their clashing philosophies and cutthroat competition often turned them into enemies.

"I'll make sure she's out of the picture," Colton said flatly. "And I'll walk away from the northern faction."His eyes, deep and impenetrable, revealed nothing.

To Colton, neither the female genius nor the political factions held any real significance. They didn't stir his emotions. They didn't even register.

He absently tapped his fingers on the tabletop-a quiet, rhythmic sound that only intensified the oppressive stillness hanging in the room.

The only reason he hadn't cut ties yet was simple-leaving now would ruin the fun.

Colton thrived in the shadows. Why not go all in this time? Let them tear each other apart while he watched from the sidelines. Now that would be entertaining.

The atmosphere in the room had grown oppressively heavy. Dominick didn't dare make a sound-he didn't even breathe too loudly, quietly standing by, waiting for instructions.

Sensing the shift in mood, and realizing the topic had been thoroughly dissected, Ryan pivoted-slipping back into his usual lighthearted tone.

"By the way,Colton, I really think it's great that you've taken a liking to Miss Miller. She's quite the woman,"Ryan said with a grin. "Not only did she save your life,but she's incredibly skilled. She's got talent in stone gambling, probably aces every academic test, and always stays calm and sharp. Honestly, she's a perfect match for you."

At last, it all made sense to Ryan-why Colton gave Grace such special treatment. He clearly wanted to win her over and use her as a weapon against that mysterious genius.

It was a brilliant strategy.Typical Colton-calculating,methodical,always three steps ahead.

"Oh?" Colton arched a brow, expression unreadable."Did I ever say l intended to pursue her?"

"Didn't you?" Ryan pressed, still grinning. "Why else would you treat her so well? Isn't it all part of the plan?Use her to eliminate that mysterious genius and bring

down the northern faction in the process?"

After all, Grace was gorgeous, so it was the ideal plan,and there would be no loss!