Chapter 977 Meeting the Person of One's Affection
En route, Abella's phone buzzed with a call from the head of security at Long Island Manor.
"Ms. Medici, just as you predicted—two assassins managed to escape moments ago."
A knowing smile curved Abella's lips. "Keep tabs on their movements."
Whether they made contact with their handler or their handler sent people to eliminate them, either scenario would provide the breadcrumb trail she needed to unmask the puppet master.
"Understood," the security chief replied with deference.
After ending the call, Abella briefed Dennis on the development. His expression turned predatory, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "They clearly don't know who they're messing with. When this mastermind finally surfaces, I'm going to make damn sure they experience every ounce of pain and suffering you've endured over the years."
Abella's smile softened. "You know, if not for that mix-up at birth, I might have lived an ordinary life—never developing these particular skills."
"That's where you're wrong," Dennis countered, his voice earnest as he navigated the winding road. "Growing up in our family, Mom and Dad would have hired the finest tutors money could buy. With your natural talent, you'd still have reached these heights of excellence—just without the brutal training grounds of Triangle City, without those nights of bleeding and crying alone. Instead, you'd have had a childhood filled with family love and protection."
Abella's gaze drifted to Dennis, watching his confident profile as he drove, and warmth bloomed in her chest.
"I'm going to find out exactly which bastard orchestrated this conspiracy," Dennis growled, his knuckles whitening on the steering wheel. "And when I do, they'll learn what it truly means to wish they were dead."
Soon, Dennis's sports car led the convoy of six cargo trucks in a magnificent procession toward the castle. This wasn't merely another mansion or estate—this fortress embodied true royal grandeur and aristocratic power. The imposing structure featured a grand central gate flanked by four smaller entrances on either side.
Commercial vehicles delivering goods to the castle's residents were restricted to the leftmost side entrance.
As Dennis's convoy approached the main gate, guards stationed above and below snapped to attention, weapons raised and trained on the approaching vehicles with fingers poised over triggers.
The ground-level security formed a human barricade as their captain bellowed with military authority: "HALT!"
He wouldn't allow these vehicles another inch closer to the main gate.
Dennis's sports car came to an arrogant stop directly before the entrance, the six cargo trucks falling in line behind him.
Though the captain knew a clothing delivery was scheduled for today, his duty to protect the castle's occupants demanded unwavering vigilance.
"All personnel, exit your vehicles for inspection!"
The captain's command drew a cold laugh from Dennis. What kind of small-time operation was this? During previous high-level meetings, this family's patriarchs had courteously invited his participation and deferred to his judgment. Since when did some security captain have the audacity to block his path?
"Dennis," Abella said, ever the diplomat, "let's comply with their procedures."
"Fine." Dennis's devotion to his sister overrode his irritation. If she said get out, he'd get out. He unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped from the vehicle.
The six truck drivers, seeing their boss comply, quickly followed suit.
"State your business here," the captain demanded.
He'd been told to expect a female designer delivering garments personally, but these men clearly weren't ordinary delivery drivers. Each carried himself with the bearing of someone dangerous—especially the sports car driver, whose arrogance was palpable. On closer inspection, he bore an unsettling resemblance to the infamous Dennis, a figure whose very name struck terror into hearts across the region.
What was he doing here? What did they want?
"We're together," Abella replied smoothly. "Please announce our arrival so we can proceed inside."
Though she'd already scheduled this appointment with the castle's owner, someone of such exalted status would never personally greet visitors. Everything in this noble household followed labyrinthine protocols.
The captain ordered his subordinates to scan the visitors for weapons, but not one guard stepped forward. They were facing the legendary Dennis—who among them dared lay hands on him for a security check?
Abella quickly grasped the situation. These men feared Dennis. Theo had once mentioned that in this country, Dennis wielded tremendous influence—nothing happened in either the underworld or legitimate circles without his approval.
Apparently, that reputation preceded him.
"Well? Are you going to scan us or not?" Dennis's patience was wearing thin. He took a single step forward, causing a dozen guards to instinctively retreat.
Dennis fell silent, bemused. He'd simply moved forward to accommodate their security check, yet these cowards were practically cowering.
Though the captain held his ground, even he regarded this man with profound respect. Someone whom their master's own brothers dared not offend—what right did mere guards have to antagonize him?
"Mr. Medici, we weren't informed of your personal involvement in today's delivery. We have our protocols to follow..."
"Then get on with the damn scan," Dennis snapped impatiently. "Or do I need to do it myself?"
The captain quickly bowed. "My apologies for the intrusion."
He wielded the metal detector with lightning speed, barely grazing Dennis's front and back.
"Christ, you're standing halfway across the courtyard! If you're going to scan me, do it properly—what kind of half-assed job is that?"
Dennis's rebuke nearly shattered the captain's composure. This man was every bit as difficult as the rumors suggested. Yet the captain hardly dared approach closer, extending his detector while keeping his body at a safe distance, managing only a few more perfunctory sweeps.
"Are you finished?"
"Y-yes, sir."
When the captain moved toward Abella with his detector, Dennis's voice cut like a blade: "Keep your distance from my sister!"
This female designer was his sister? His actual sister?
Should he scan her or not?
"It's fine, go ahead," Abella said calmly, and the captain exhaled in relief, quickly completing her inspection before moving on to the drivers.
These so-called drivers were obviously anything but—each one looked like trouble incarnate. Whether Dennis was here merely to escort his sister or had other business remained unclear.
"Can we proceed now?" Dennis had always despised bureaucratic red tape. In the past, he'd simply walked through front doors without ceremony. Being subjected to security screenings was a novel and unwelcome experience.
"This way, please." The captain gestured toward the leftmost side entrance.
"My sister has to use the service entrance?"
"Apart from the castle's owner, all visitors must use the side entrances."
Dennis's expression turned incredulous. He'd always used main entrances at other members' residences.
"Mr. Medici, we weren't expecting you today. If you'll permit me a moment to request special authorization for an exception."
"That won't be necessary—we'll use the side entrance," Abella interjected graciously.
The captain's relief was palpable. "Excellent, right this way."
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