Chapter 399 399 Potential Threats

Chapter 399 Chapter 399 Potential Threats

Mary, on the other hand, laughed out loud, thinking that Tiffany was not yet her match.

Seizing the opportunity to steer the conversation, she taunted, "Tiffany, you've always had a flair for the dramatic. Is this your attempt at a hostile takeover?"

Tiffany's gain her composure with her resolve hardened. "This is about principles, Mary. Something you seem to have forgotten in your pursuit of wealth."

Mary, with a sly smile, shot back, "Principles don't pay the bills, Tiffany. But I suppose you're too idealistic to understand that."

As the snake poised for an attack, Nexus, acting on instinct, swiftly positioned himself between the two adversaries, he interjected, "Ladies, perhaps we can find a middle ground. There's no need for a showdown." The ballroom, oblivious to the brewing storm, continued its lively affair, the music and laughter forming a stark contrast to the tension that gripped this particular corner.

Nexus, with a firm resolve in his eyes, addressed Mary Kay, "Stop this Mary, I won't be swayed by threats or intimidation. My loyalty lies with the Russell family, and nothing will change that."

Mary Kay, a master of manipulation, switched tactics. She adopted a fa?ade of vulnerability, a theatrical expression of sadness that belied her true nature. "Nexus, your words cut deep. I had hoped you'd see the opportunities the Kay family could offer. But if you've made up your mind, I won't force you."

However, the drama was far from over. In a sly move, Mary Kay leaned in, her lips near Nexus's ear, and whispered words meant for his ears alone. Nexus, caught off guard by the unexpected proximity, listened as Mary Kay tantalizingly promised conquest with her body. "If you don't want to work for the Kay then I will make sure you will be addicted to my body and unable to resist coming to me"

Nexus's dick bounced a few times in his pants when Mary said this because she does have a body and looks that seduce all men, If she was not considered scary and dangerous many of the nobles would have approached her.

Tiffany, observing this private exchange, rolled her eyes at Mary's tactics. She understood the allure of power and desire but refused to let such manipulations cloud her judgment. Her glare intensified, a silent challenge to Mary Kay's overt attempts at seduction.

As Mary Kay pulled away, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips, Nexus found himself wrestling with conflicting emotions. The complexities of his newfound role in Castra City unfolded before him, and the choices he made in this moment would ripple through the intricate tapestry of alliances and conflicts.

The celebration continued, the nobles unaware of the clandestine battle transpiring. Nexus, now at the center of this power struggle, realized the gravity of his presence in a city where ambitions clashed and allegiances shifted like sand. n(-o/(v--e((L--b(-1-.n

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From the other side of the room, Mike stood- leaning on the wall, arms folded across his chest, and right leg on the wall. None of the conversations around him excited him one bit. Deep in his chest- he felt the tightening of his lungs- trying to bottle in his suppressed rage.

With flaming eyes raging silently in their sockets, Mike watched Tiffany and Mary- huddling over NEXUS like a bunch of mother hens. . .

'What in the world are they talking about?' he wondered.

With a soulless piercing gaze, Mike glared at the trio- trembling in jealous rage as the answer streaked through his consciousness.

'NEXUS!'

He scoffed- balling his palms into fists-

'You arrogant, self-important prick!! Just who do you think you are?!'

Under Mike's robes, his beating heart thundered- sending homicidal thoughts squealing through his body!

Both his eyebrows were curved upwards. Like twin hawks, they highlighting his flashing eyes. As his arms eased up from his chest, a faint cracking sound echoed under his sleeves- clenching his fists!

'Damn it,'

His foot slid off the wall- landing with a slithering thud. On either sides of his cheeks, his jaws tautened- watching with raw indignation as Tiffany and Mary bickered over Nexus.

'I need to make a move on this mother fu**ker–' he thought; '–before he ruins everything. . .maybe teach him a lesson, and wipe off that smug expression off his face!'

Nexus must have said something funny, because Tiffany giggled like a little girl.

Mike's face went up in jealous flames. The daggers in his eyes glistened. And as dissatisfaction clouded his face, he gritted his teeth so hard, blood clots started to form.

'What do they see in him anyway?!' he scoffed; 'Just one lucky strike, and he suddenly thinks he's a top alchemist?'

Mike was a jealous.

That much was apparent.

But his jealousy was spun of threatened ambition. In truth, the young man had actually prepared for the worst possible outcome. But, like a tornado, Nexus had swooped in with the unexpected element of surprise.

And now, watching the two women fawn over him- Mike saw it all clear as day- he was the disadvantaged one here!

His chest collapsed again- this time, with a loud sigh.

'Gee, I wonder who'd miss him. . .if he just happened to- DISAPPEAR.'

A flicker of excitement lit up his irises!

'I bet it'd be real easy. . .catch him outside the castle's walls. . .on one of those moonless nights. . .and BAM!'

Mike swallowed longingly- picturing Nexus' face squealing in shock as his blade sliced through his neck.

'No. . .'

Logic- like thick clouds of darkness- immediately swallowed up the tiny rays of hope.

'Too risky. . .there's so much that could go wrong. . .but wait. . .'

Mike's face lit up as he remembered one tiny detail;

'Of course! Why seek him out alone, when I could get him HERE!'

With a sober alertness, Mike's quick eyes flipped around- drinking in the scene. It was a celebration. The perfect environment for an ambush! Mike's lips curved upwards. Yes, this was the perfect opportunity!

'Heaven knows he has no shortage of enemies. . .if he dies here. . .everyone and anyone would be a suspect! Even Mary.'

Mike swallowed- steaming so hard, smoke should have curled out of his nostrils.

But he was no fool. He knew his own limitation. He was no assassin. Not by a long shot. However, if he could somehow turn the narrative- and turn it into attempted murder. Then all fingers would point to Mary Kay, and the motive would be clear enough.

Mike could almost picture the headlines;

'MATRIARCH TRIES TO KILL ALCHEMIST- over refusal to join her family.'

Yes.

Nexus' prospective career with the Kay family would be obliterated.

The big vein on Mike's forehead began to thump wildly. The clattering of plates and cups- as well as the chattering of male and female voices- all melted away in the background. Fighting to keep himself from grinning, Mike's head reclined all the way back- flattening on the wall.

'That right, Mary Kay would never consider him again. . .'

From his left, a short servant girl came gliding through- holding up a tray of sparkling wine in glasses. Absentmindedly, he reached for one- sweeping it off the silver platter with a swing of the arm.

'Checkmate.' he whispered- lifting up the glass to his puckered lips.