Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Developing the Guild, New Plans for the North Sea Branch
Chapter 105: Developing the Guild, New Plans for the North Sea Branch
Claire saw Alexander sitting on her sofa, watching TV, and memories came rushing back like a tidal wave.
It felt like just yesterday that they were roommates.
A warmth grew within her, dissipating the chill of the cold wind.
Her legs, clad in sheer black stockings, instinctively drew together.
Is he here because of me? Could he possibly have some special intentions?
In the dim room, Claire's breathing quickened.
Alexander turned his head, glanced at her, and said calmly:
"Sit."
Claire felt a pang of disappointment.
This wasn't the look of someone who'd come to see her for personal reasons.
Unlike her usual routine, Claire didn't go inside to change into her slippers.
She knew her strengths, and wearing high heels made her legs look even better.
She walked over to Alexander, heels clicking, and sat down respectfully beside him:
"What brings you here?"
Her tone held a hint of flattery.
Alexander glanced at her and said:
"I have a task for you."
Claire's expression shifted slightly.
If it were a standard task, it would have been posted directly on the Mercenary Guild's app.
More discreet assignments were usually conveyed by Jack.
For the guild leader himself to personally deliver a task meant it was anything but simple.
Claire felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, worried she might not be able to handle it.
She bit her lip and replied:
"What is it?"
Alexander took a document from his pocket.
It was information on the situation in North Sea.
It covered the Security Bureau, underground gangs, various influential families, and more.
Alexander said in a calm tone:
"The Mercenary Guild is planning to establish a branch in North Sea, and I'd like to give you this opportunity."
His words hit her like a bolt of lightning.
She wasn't naive — she knew exactly what this meant.
If she succeeded, she would become a leading figure in North Sea!
Claire's palms began to sweat nervously.
"What do I need to do?"
Alexander replied:
"Set up the guild's physical location and maintain its operations."
Claire understood that this task, though it seemed straightforward, was full of hidden challenges.
She was ready to take the risk. If she succeeded, her future would be bright.
But… she didn't quite understand why she was chosen.
Why would he entrust me with such an important task? I'm just a low-level member.
Could it be that North Sea is dangerous, and he wants to test the waters?
If I fail, he loses nothing.
If I succeed, the Mercenary Guild gains a new branch in North Sea.
Claire's hands twisted together as she thought.
She wanted to give it a shot.
If she won, she'd become a prominent figure.
And if she lost…
She figured that, with her looks and her charm, she'd be able to survive North Sea's dangers.
With determination, Claire said:
"Alright! I'll do my best to complete this task."
Alexander smiled:
"I'll assign two hunters to assist you.
If you succeed, the North Sea branch of the Mercenary Guild will be yours to run."
The Following Evening.
A sleek blue sports car parked in front of Old Oak Café.
The window rolled down, revealing two beautiful young women.
A pretty car with beautiful girls — they certainly drew attention.
But no one knew who these two ladies were waiting for.
A young man in a black trench coat stepped out of the café, glancing around as if looking for someone.
Sophia breathed a sigh of relief.
She was especially worried that Alexander might stand her up, leaving her embarrassed in front of Kate.
Sophia leaned out of the car, smiling as she waved:
"Alexander, over here!"
Her youthful energy brought a smile to Alexander's face.
He walked over to the car, opened the door, and slipped into the back seat.
Through the rearview mirror, Kate subtly studied him.
He looked about the same age as Sophia, though he seemed more mature than his peers.
Her investigation had shown that Alexander came from the old district.
It seemed true what they said — children from less privileged backgrounds mature faster.
Coming from the old district, awakening his life talent, and managing to own shares in a café was no small feat.
Kate flashed a charming smile:
"Hey there, handsome. I hear you've been looking out for our Sophia a lot lately.
Nice to meet you. I'm Kate."
Alexander understood that her comment was purely polite.
He hadn't exactly been "looking out" for Sophia — he didn't even walk her home at night.
Most of their time together had been spent discussing novel plots.
Sophia's novel had many similarities to the Mercenary Guild. In truth, Alexander's discussions with her were more about finding inspiration for the guild than helping her with her story.
He responded politely:
"Hello, I'm Alexander."
"Actually, it's mostly Sophia who's been helping me."
Without her, the structure of the Soul Hunter team would have never been complete.
Kate chuckled:
"Our little Sophia has never had close friends before; you're the only one."
"Come on, let big sister show you the world."
With that, Kate started the car.
Sophia felt a pang of unease.
What exactly did she mean by "show the world"?
In Kate's mind, with Sophia's charm, this young man from the old district, sitting in the back seat, was probably infatuated with her.
Kate intended to make the most of Alexander.
First, she'd reveal Sophia's true background to him in an open and honest way.
Once Alexander was stunned by her status, she'd have a candid conversation with him.
Bluewater Exhibition Center.
This was the venue for Giovani's birthday banquet.
If you asked him why he was celebrating again, he'd tell you his previous birthday was on the solar calendar, and today's was on the lunar one.
The Bluewater Exhibition Center was one of the highest-standard conference venues in Xia Nation, usually reserved for the city's top-level events.
Never underestimate Giovani.
As the king of Bluewater's underworld, he had no problem using a place like this to show his status.
Today, all the important figures in Bluewater were here.
For a city's underground boss to be respected, he couldn't just limit his influence to his own city.
Thus, invitations had been sent not only to local dignitaries but also to key figures from other regions.
There were businessmen, families, officials, and even mob leaders from other cities.
Several popular actresses had come to lend their presence, too.
Luxury cars, elites, beautiful women, red carpets, and flowers.
In no time, the Bluewater Exhibition Center resembled an international film festival.
Ordinary citizens didn't even have the privilege of glimpsing this event, as Giovani's guards kept unrelated people at a distance.
Only some reporters, holding cameras, were allowed to document the occasion, their flashes going off constantly.
This was Giovani's first grand banquet since he'd solidified his position as the undisputed underground ruler of Bluewater.
He wanted to make a bold statement about his standing in the city.
With a smile on his face, Giovani greeted his guests warmly.
His eyes kept drifting to the entrance.
He was waiting for three high-profile guests.
Captain Ethan Blake of the Security Bureau, the Divine family's Yang Qian and Kate, and Yvette from Old Oak Café.
After a long wait, he finally spotted Kate walking in from the entrance.
Beside her was a young couple.
Giovani's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the young man with Kate, feeling a vague sense of familiarity.
He felt like he'd seen him somewhere before, but the face was still somewhat unfamiliar.
Without dwelling on it, Giovani quickly moved forward with a beaming smile, extending his hand to greet Kate:
"Miss Yang, your presence graces us!"
Kate smiled gracefully and introduced the two beside her:
"This is the eldest daughter of the Divine family, Sophia.
And this is Alexander, a friend of Sophia's."
Giovani's eyes lit up as he looked at Sophia.
The eldest daughter of the Divine family — now that was a true high-ranking figure!
Despite his loyalty to the guild, when it came to meeting real nobility, he couldn't help but show enthusiasm.
Sophia looked displeased.
She wasn't ready for Alexander to know about her family background.
Moreover, Alexander was from the old district, just a small shareholder in a café.
This high-end setting must have felt unfamiliar, maybe even overwhelming for him.
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