Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“You’ve finally learned to keep a cool head during a moment of conflict.”
I frowned. “Tell her to put distance between you.”
“As you wish, son.” He must have gestured for her to walk off because soon she stepped several feet away from the vehicle.
I gave a nod to Chen.
He gave the order, and slowly, with deliberate care, those massive gates began to open.
The metal loudly creaked and groaned.
The crowd gasped and whispers spread like wildfire through them as they realized what was happening.
What are they thinking?
Finally, the gates slowly creaked open, inch by painstaking inch, revealing the world beyond that had been hidden from view since I’d closed the East off from Paradise City after Chanel’s death.
As the gap widened, sunlight spilled through the opening, casting long shadows that danced across the faces of the onlookers.
People craned their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of what—or who—might come through.
My father spoke, “This was an interesting visit, son.”
“Do not come back to the East again. The next time I see you will be our battle.”
“Well. . .Moni will explain that I must return to the East just one more time.”
I frowned. “Moni will explain?”
“Yes. She is becoming quite the Mountain Mistress.”
The phone clicked.
Fucking psychopath asshole.
But none of that mattered anymore.
The fear and tension that had gripped me so tightly began to evaporate the moment I saw his back door close shut and his car speed away.
Finally. . .she’s safe.
The phone in my hand became irrelevant. I dropped the damn thing, and it clattered to the ground as I broke into a sprint toward her.
Thank you, God. Thank you.
The crowd, which had been a dense mass of bodies just moments ago, seemed to sense the shift in the air. They parted, their expressions a mix of horror and shock as they watched my sudden charge.
Perhaps it was the raw emotion on my face, or maybe it was the sheer force of my resolve that pushed them aside.
My men, ever vigilant, were quick to reinforce the track I had started, their bodies moving with practiced precision. They barreled through the crowd, creating a clear path that cut through the sea of people like a ship through water.
My heart pounded in my chest as I drove forward.
The distance between us closed rapidly, the faces in the crowd blurring into indistinct shapes, their whispers and gasps fading into the background.
All I could focus on was Moni, standing just ahead, her figure becoming clearer with every step I took.
Thank you so much.
With Hu guarding, she began to walk towards me.
God, I’m falling for her hard.
When we met halfway, she threw her arms around me and buried her face in my chest.
I trembled, holding her tight. “Moni.”
“I knew you would trust me.”
Cameras flashed.
Some people shouted out questions.
All I could do was breathe in her scent and keep her close to me.
The weight in my chest lightened seeing the smile on her face. “Are you okay?”
“I'm fine.”
“Lei,” Chen got to my side. “We have to get out of here.”
The crowd got louder, but now the news cameras were out.
Shit.
Reporters yelled out questions.
“Mountain Master, can you explain what just happened at the gate?”
“Is the East now open, sir?!”
“Lei, what does this mean for your leadership in the East?”
“Come on.” I placed a kiss on her cheek, stepped back and gently grabbed her hand. “Let’s get to the car.”
“Was that the Grand Mountain Master?”
“Is there a new deal between the South and East? Can you share the details with us?”
“What were the terms of the agreement that led to this moment?”
But I didn't answer their questions.
Instead, I let go of her hand and wrapped an arm firmly around Moni’s waist, shielding her from the barrage of curious eyes and intrusive microphones.
Chen hurried in front of us. “That’s enough! Out of the way!”
I whispered to Moni. “We’ll be out of here soon.”
Duck appeared out of nowhere, got right next to Chen, and took out his sword.
Fast, all reporters in our way gasped and jumped several feet back.
Moni widened her eyes. “Wow. Are they afraid of Duck?”
I grinned. “The press and Duck have a. . .complicated history. Therefore, they like to give him space whenever they can.”
She blinked.
We followed closely behind Chen and Duck, our small group sticking together like a shield against the sea of speculation swirling around us.
Still more questions roared.
“Mountain Master, is there any truth to the rumors of a rebellion brewing against your rule?”
“They are calling themselves, Blue Silence. Would you like to comment?”
Tension gathered in my shoulders.
“Will there be changes in the policies regarding free speech and press after last night’s events?”
“Mountain Master, how do you respond to the concerns about human rights violations in the East?”
Moni whispered to me, “They’re talking about Leo killing the influencers?”
“Yes.” I spotted the car getting closer. “I’ll deal with that later—”
“But have you said anything yet?”