Chapter 188: Foiled Plans

Words : 1297 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Chapter 188: Foiled Plans The last gangster standing—or rather sitting now—on the floor of the elevator, whom Athena didn’t bother to get the name of, gazed in admiration at his captors, marveling at their speed and expertise as he recalled again the gun battle that had unfolded between them in mere seconds. The air was still heavy with the scent of gunpowder, mixing with the sharp tang of fear that gripped him. Then, he glanced at his fellow gang members, sprawled lifelessly in a pool of their own blood, their eyes open and staring vacantly into the void. He would close their eyes, but he feared that any movement from him might warrant a gunshot. So, he remained sitting, nerves racking his frame as the elevator continued its ascent, the numbers flickering by in a relentless countdown. Would they keep their word and let him go? That kind of mercy was unheard of in his circles, and the fear tightened its grip around his chest like a vice. He didn’t want to die. Just then, the elevator dinged, the sound echoing ominously in the small space, and the man, overwhelmed with anxiety, urinated on his pants. The warmth spread, mingling with the cold sweat of panic. Athena tweaked her nostrils and glared at him with a mix of disgust and annoyance. "You know what, just stay here. You will follow the elevator down," She said, covering her nose, mirroring Aiden’s actions. The two of them stepped out into their lobby, their senses, should the remaining gangster decide on revenge. "Thank you!" They heard the gangster call out just before the elevator doors closed, sealing him off from their sight. "What are we going to do about the mess in the elevator? It’s possible that the guy will run once the door dings open..." Athena asked, as they moved into their VIP suite, which boasted three lavish bedrooms, each more extravagant than the last. "That’s if the hotel security doesn’t catch him first," Aiden murmured, removing his coat and tossing it onto a plush chair. He felt a sense of relief wash over him as he shed the tension of the moment. Athena sighed, running a hand through her hair, tiredness etched across her features. "I hope he runs away first. I don’t have the strength for questioning and answers from the police." Just then, Aiden’s phone started ringing, shattering the silence of the suite. He glanced at the screen and shrugged his shoulders at Athena, who was now removing her coat. "I guess your wish isn’t riding this time around," He said as he answered the phone, noting the name flashing on the screen. It was his manager friend. "Hello, Sunny, what’s happening..." He began in a jovial tone, after hearing his friend’s gruff ’hello’ "What’s happening? Aiden, my security detail caught a man with blood-soaked hands running out of elevator seven! And when they caught him and retraced their steps, they discovered four dead bodies in the elevator. I thought you weren’t working, Aiden... at least that’s what you told me." "It just happened. They were assassins. It was an impromptu incident," Aiden replied, putting the phone on loudspeaker. "So, why didn’t you do away with the fifth? You left him for me to handle?" Sunny pressed incredulously. "We promised to let him go." Aiden darted an amused glance at Athena as she raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. Sunny chuckled in disbelief. "You gotta be kidding me. I’m handing him over to the police. No way am I inviting interrogations to my staff and all, and I am sure you don’t want that for yourself..." "No, I don’t. Thank you, Sunny. I owe you one." "That’s a wrong calculation, Aiden. You owe me ten." Before Aiden could ask what the latter was talking about, the manager hung up, leaving Aiden staring at the phone in disbelief. "So, I take it that he is not going free?" Athena asked, settling on a sofa. Aiden shook his head, plopping into one of the comfortable seats too. "So, what are we going to do about Bolin?" Athena sighed, leaning back as she contemplated their next move. "No matter what, he is Master Shen’s son. I just can’t take revenge or something. This is his first strike, so I will pardon his stupidity, but I won’t be lenient the second time. As a matter of fact..." She brought out her phone, her fingers flying across the screen as she scrolled to Bolin’s contact. In moments, she dispatched a message, a direct line to the man who’d underestimated her. "I got your message, Bo. This is your first strike, so I will pardon you. But if you dare the nonsense again, I will make sure you join your father in his grave. I’m sure your other siblings will have better use of your inheritance." "There, done," Athena stated, dropping her phone onto the space next to her with a soft thud. "Let’s see his next step." "I hope he takes the hint, though. I don’t want his blood on my hands," Aiden remarked, his voice serious. Athena nodded. "Word." However, their conversation was interrupted as her phone buzzed once more. Thinking it was Bolin, she squinted at the screen until she saw Sandro’s name flashing across. "Hello, Sandro..." She answered, causing Aiden to pique his right eyebrow in curiosity. "He is awake now? Can he talk and walk?" Aiden gestured that Athena should put the call on loudspeaker. She complied immediately. "...he might be around for the shareholder’s meeting tomorrow," Sandro’s voice came through, his tone infused with relief and gratitude. Tomorrow? Aiden and Athena exchanged knowing glances, urgency overtaking them. They had to devise a new plan and return to their city now. "I will see you tomorrow then, Athena. Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it." "You’re welcome, Sandro," Athena replied, right before the call ended abruptly. "We have to go," She stated, pushing herself to her feet with determination. "I am sure Old Mr. Thorne has some things to share with me concerning the meeting tomorrow. I missed two calls from him when we were back at the headquarters." Meanwhile, in the Shen’s residence, Bolin was fuming, having just received Athena’s message a few minutes ago. The text carried an unmistakable air of superiority; it was clear she had done away with the men he had sent to kill her so that her inheritance would fall to him. "What the hell?" He hollered, throwing his phone in a fit of rage. It struck the wall and shattered into pieces. "What is the problem, Bo?" His sister’s voice cut through his anger. Hearing her call him "Bo" reminded him of the nickname Athena had used for him, and he shot her a hot glare. The first daughter of late Master Shen shrank under his searing gaze, looking away in swift submission. "What’s the problem, Bolin?" "She escaped the attacks. Sent me a warning message to watch my back." He answered, frustration lacing his voice as he spoke to his brother, who sneered in anger. "Threatening us, is she? We will have to deal with her properly then," The brother said, a dark smirk forming on his lips. "But how?" Bolin asked, anxiety creeping into his voice as he began tapping frantically on his thighs, seeking a solution. His brother smiled cunningly. "What other way than the twins?" "I am not in for that," The first daughter protested immediately, rising to her feet. "The twins are innocent in all of this!" "You are really stupid. No wonder Hua wouldn’t listen to you at all. Get out of here! And if you spit a word of this to anyone, you are dead!" Bolin shouted, with fiery eyes.

Chapter 188: Foiled Plans

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