NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 19: DTCD [19]
With things said to this point, Gavin had no face left to stay any longer. He asked about the price of [Cyber-Stein], swiped his card, and left.
"Since Young Master Gavin has already paid, please follow me."
Talia stepped forward—but once again, someone blocked her path.
"Ah, Miss Talia, no need to rush. I have something to say, too."
Talia and Kai turned to the source of the voice.
Both their expressions darkened instantly.
…Was this still not over?
Talia might be just a receptionist, but she had the backing of the Skye Family.
She had never been treated like this.
As for Kai, his previously calmed emotions were reignited.
The others looked on curiously.
Even after Kai had demonstrated his strength, someone still dared step up? Who in Tenkai City had the guts?
In full view of the crowd, a young man emerged in a fresh suit.
"Noir, what are you doing?"
Marina's brows knit tightly. Wasn't this the guy who spilled wine all over her?
She thought he had left. Why was he back?
"No need to get worked up, Miss Marina. I just wanted to ask if this gentleman saw any other cards he liked."
"I'll pay this time. Save him the trip."
"Think of it as a small apology."
His words left everyone with confused expressions.
What angle was Noir playing now?
"Apology?"
"Apology for what?"
While the crowd remained puzzled, Marina was the first to catch on.
"You're the one who told Gavin where to find me?"
She had wondered why Gavin came at them like a rabid dog right after they returned from the Trial.
Now it made sense... Noir had seen her and Kai leave the Trial together.
"Haha, just a little selfish ploy. I sincerely apologize."
He extended a hand to Kai.
"Could you give me a chance?"
"If nothing caught your eye here, feel free to come browse at Snow-Noir Pavilion."
"Choose any card. My treat."
Kai stared at the hand, then reached out.
Their palms met—the touch smooth and warm, like fine jade. Although realizing it was a man's hand, Kai instantly felt repulsed.
He quickly said, "I didn't really lose anything, so I don't care. But no need for an apology gift. I wasn't hurt or anything."
He released the handshake and looked toward Talia. She immediately understood and led the way.
Even after being declined, Noir didn't mind.
It was expected. No one in their right mind would accept a gift from someone who just manipulated them.
He hadn't meant any harm, but Kai being with Marina meant his reputation was likely shot.
"What are you plotting this time?"
As expected, Marina snapped.
"Miss Marina, don't assume the worst. I simply wanted to make amends."
Everyone present mentally scoffed at that.
Marina even let out a cold laugh.
"Heh."
They'd lived in Tenkai City alongside Noir for years, and knew his methods well; You could probably write a survival guide just from all the tricks he'd pulled.
Now he says something like this? Who would buy it?
"Sigh, it seems you all really misunderstand me."
Noir shook his head with a helpless sigh, then left the hall.
Meanwhile, Kai followed Talia through two turns into a room of antique decor.
Inside was a man in his forties, hair slightly gray but looking healthy.
"Here is your card, honored guest."
Indeed, prepared in advance, the man handed Kai a rustic wooden box the moment he stepped inside.
Kai opened it and found the genuine [Cyber-Stein] lying within.
So the card outside was indeed a fake—the real one was here all along.
With the card in hand, Kai thanked them and followed Talia back to the hall.
Goal accomplished, Kai and Marina didn't linger.
They drove back to their residence.
…
Inside a grand villa—
Noir stripped off his formalwear, dressed in silk pajamas, and sighed at the empty room.
"Sigh~ Looks like the plan needs to be delayed again. Some people really are blessed."
A woman's voice came from a hidden corner.
"But... what about the master—"
"Tell that old fool to wait."
Noir's tone was irritated as he waved a hand dismissively.
"Understood."
The room fell silent again, until—
"Young master, why did you expose yourself on purpose?"
Realizing her slip, the woman's tone grew anxious.
Noir, not in a good mood, didn't bother pursuing it.
"I just wanted to gauge the man Marina brought back."
"Depending on his strength, I could adjust my plans… but I didn't expect him to be that strong."
"I wasn't even that discreet. Just ask Gavin, and anyone could figure out I was behind it."
"Doing things from the shadows is one thing, but revealing yourself versus getting exposed—those are two very different plays."
As he spoke, Noir recalled the moment at Sea-Skye Pavilion:
The massive machine uncoiling before him, its steam burning against his face.
"To command such a monster in the real world… Even that old man might not be capable of it."
"If I can befriend someone like that, great. If not, then at least I don't want to become his enemy."
"Understood!"
The woman replied promptly. But just as she thought it was over—
Noir's voice came again:
"Mistakes in addressing me… I don't want that happening again. Your younger brother just graduated from elementary school."
"If it happens again, go home and keep him company."
His tone remained calm, but it sent a chill down the woman's spine.
"Yes, sir!"
...
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