Chapter 231: Contradiction

"It was indeed a rout. Last night, the thirteen leaders of the Blood Hand Gang spread the word through the underworld. From now on, they have nothing to do with Antonio; they no longer recognize him as their godfather. The operation where they sniped Black Axe Richard and swept the Revelers' Nightclub was simply too brilliant, making all members of the Blood Hand Gang wary."

Oliver's tone also carried a hint of incredulity: "But I doubt whether Young Master Andre truly has such ability. Mr. and Mrs. Li Chuchu did leave him some men, and he did hire a large number of magic-energy professionals through the Red Sparrow Club. But people like Howard Eisenhower, the Eye in the Sky, and the top sniper who shot Black Axe Richard—those aren't the kind you can hire just with money."

"You suspect it's Dwight Payton, or someone acting under Andre's name?"

Jennifer said in a noncommittal tone: "But what about Andre's almost supernatural combat skills?"

She had already confirmed this point. Thanks to some arrangements she had made at Lynden Academy months ago, Jennifer was thoroughly familiar with the situation of the Cold Weapon Combat Club there.

She knew that over the past two weeks, all sparring matches between Li Mochen and the coaches had ended in draws. According to her insider's assessment, he was 'handling it with ease' and 'holding back.'

"But we can't be sure."

At that moment, Oliver also frowned: "It's hard to say whether Young Master Andre wasn't hiding his abilities before. After all, you hadn't been in contact with him for a year and a half before this. Isn't there an Eastern saying: 'One should look at a scholar with new eyes after three days' separation'? And your father—I mean Mr. Li Chuchu—his combat skills were indeed extraordinary. Also, I think Young Master Andre's character hasn't changed much. He still has an unusually rigid value system, tough and strong, yet somewhat impulsive and quick-tempered. I think if the young master had been possessed or reincarnated by someone else, the family lab would have detected it long ago. They have his soul mark and blood samples; the family council would never allow such a thing."

"Li Chuchu—"

At the mention of this name and the word 'father,' a complex expression flickered in Jennifer's eyes.

Had her biological father made some arrangement before his death that she couldn't know about?

But as this thought arose, an inexplicable jealousy stirred in Jennifer's heart. She had to shake her head violently to dispel the idea from her mind.

"You're right, that idea is indeed absurd. Let's first worry about our own affairs. Oliver, I'm afraid we must consider the worst-case scenario. After today, it will be difficult for us to gain Christian's support."

Oliver detected the irritation in Jennifer's tone, but his face showed little reaction.

This was expected. If that Young Master Andre could single-handedly defeat Edwin Antonio, then with such power, how could a strong-willed young master like him bow to the Wiltons and wash away his Eastern bloodline?

It was only natural that Christian would withdraw his support for their young lady when his wishes were not fulfilled.

Fortunately, not long ago, they had gained the support of Chairman Consueli, greatly reducing the pressure from the Wiltons Group. Otherwise, they would have found it hard to cope with the current situation.

Unless, today, that young master lost this match—

Just then, Oliver's peripheral vision caught a glint of mirror reflection from a certain box opposite. Someone was using binoculars to look toward the ring.

"Box nine, that's Abraham Archibald. He's here quite early."

"This is, after all, a battle that concerns his career."

Jennifer let out a bitter laugh in her distress: "Now everyone knows that the head office of Arcadis has grown impatient with him. If Cadio Rhodes loses this battle, the president of Arcadis's Southeast Region will likely be replaced. Speaking of victory or defeat—"

Jennifer's voice paused slightly, her expression complex: "If Andre loses, his fate probably won't be much better, will it? Without the support of the Nathan Sports Group, how will he deal with the Dragon Witch Cult's retaliation? Oliver, this really puts me in a dilemma. That guy never lets me have peace of mind."

...

Abraham Archibald had indeed arrived at his reserved Box 9 and was looking down through his binoculars. But as expected, he did not see Li Mochen.

After entering the quarterfinals, the tournament committee would provide lounges for all contestants. Li Mochen should be in his lounge now.

"Are you nervous?"

As this voice sounded in the box, a large amount of water droplets suddenly condensed on another French window nearby, quickly forming a figure—that was Creasy Jakes.

"There's no need. That lucky Andre is probably doomed to lose."

"Relying solely on Ancient Tracing and the 'Cretan Black Bloodstone' you implanted in his body? That's not enough to ensure our victory, Mr. Jakes. Even our company's information department knows what you're trying to do. Do you think the Nathan Sports Group is unaware? But look across—"

Abraham used his binoculars to look toward Box 3.

That was originally a private box, hard for outsiders to see inside, but at this moment, the French window of Box 3 was wide open.

Dwight Payton and Alec Brood of Penguin Bookmaking were holding red wine, chatting and laughing by the window railing.

"They look relaxed, don't they?"

"They might be doing it deliberately, sending signals to the outside world, setting up a decoy, right?"

Creasy Jakes laughed dismissively: "Besides, do you think our arrangements are only that? We did indeed plant the 'Cretan Black Bloodstone' inside Cadio Rhodes's body, but on top of that, I added a little extra. Our sacrifice this time is great, Mr. Archibald. That thing is enough to guarantee our victory, but it comes at a steep price. However, Mr. Archibald, since you have kept your promise, I naturally must go all out."

"You're not the only one paying the price. You've really put me in a tough spot this time, Speaker Jakes. Now everyone knows you're connected to the Dragon Witch Cult, and you want to resurrect that Flame Dragon Maiden!"

Abraham Archibald gave a light snort, but his previously tense expression gradually relaxed.

"I hope Cadio can truly defeat that lucky Andre, as you said."

"He will!" Creasy Jakes laughed heartily: "Mr. Archibald, I think you should prepare a bottle of victory champagne."

At that very moment, in a certain lounge of the Storm Stadium, Cadio Rhodes looked at a vermilion vial in his hand, his eyes showing hesitation and struggle. But after just one minute, Cadio still tilted his head back and drank the liquid inside into his stomach.