<b>Chapter </b><b>328 </b>


    As Aria strode away, Russell’s mocking voice rang out behind her. “How fiercely you shield your friends, Ms. Saxon… But for those you don’t deem worthy, do you just stand by and watch them die?”


    Russell sneered, “Or perhaps… you let her die in your ce?”


    Aria froze mid–step, whirling to face Russell–she caught the unmistakable flicker of hatred in his eyes.


    Just stand by and watch her die.


    ‘Let her die in my ce? Who is Russell Nicholson talking about?‘ Aria wondered, her mind racing,


    As Aria locked eyes with Russell, she sensed an unsettling familiarity.


    Russell and Sara shared alike eyes, but one pair was innocent and timid, the other cold and ruthless. The feelings they gave off were worlds apart.


    Aria had never considered this angle before, yet Russell’s words nowpelled her to take a closer look.


    “Who exactly is Russell Nicholson to Sara?‘ Aria wondered, her mind racing with suspicion and shock.


    Aria stared hard at Russell, her eyes a storm of confusion, shock, and


    Reining in the storm inside, she turned on her heel and walked away.


    wary alertness.


    Still reeling from shock, M hurried after Aria, not daring to fall behind.


    At the hospital, the doctor extracted a slender silver needle from Russell’s shoulder.


    The slender silver needle glistened with fresh crimson blood.


    It was tossed into a nearby stainless steel tray.


    Russell sat propped up in the hospital bed, his face a shade paler than usual, yet utterly devoid of weakness.


    Ondo stood off to the side, ring at the silver needle in the tray, his chest heaving with barely contained fury.


    He shot the doctor a sharp look. “Is it poisoned?”


    The doctor shook his head. “Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned. Whoever did this knows their acupoints–clearly a professional.”


    After disinfecting and dressing the wound on Russell’s arm, the doctor advised, “Make sure to get plenty of rest, and avoid putting too much strain on


    this arm for now.”


    Russell gave a slight nod. “Understood.”


    Ondo said, “Thank you, doctor.”


    The doctor left with the tray.


    The ward fell silent. Ondo said coldly, “Russell, no more waiting. Kill Aria Saxon now.”


    A dangerous glint shed in Russell’s eyes. “We mustn’t act rashly.”


    “The Solemnity Guild kidnapped Sara–they’re the ones who truly deserve to die,” said Russell. “Aria Saxon is a <b>sharp </b>de <b>we </b><b>can </b><b>wield </b><b>against </b><b>them </b>saving us a lot of trouble.”


    <b>09:33 </b>Mon, <b>16 </b>Jun


    G


    Russell was one of the Wolfshade Syndicate’s future leaders.


    There was no turning back–retreat meant certain death.


    Especially, Olivia was <i>into </i>him.


    Olivia’s feelings for Russell were a double–edged sword–they amplified his influence but multiplied his enemies. With the top brass watching, every move became constrained.


    Ondo clenched his jaw, hating to admit it but knowing it was true.


    Taking out Aria was hard enough–even if they seeded, they’d just be opening a can of worms.


    Russell asked, “Is she here?”


    Ondo said, “As you instructed, I’ve informed her about what happened.”


    “Russell,” Ondo asked, “aren’t you worried Olivia might take Aria Saxon out for good?”


    A knowing smirk yed at Russell’s lips. “Who will die is still anyone’s guess. Either way, it’s to our advantage.”


    Ondo suddenly remembered something and asked, “What about Rachel? Olivia doesn’t seem to be treating her well.”


    “That’s her fate,” Russell said calmly, leaning against the headboard. “For now, keep Rachel’s identity hidden. Aria Saxon doesn’t seem particrly concerned about her. We’ll see if she can be of useter.”


    Ondo hesitated for a moment, his expression conflicted. “Russell, <i>you </i>wouldn’t really…”


    Russell cut him off sharply. “No. Rachel grew up under our watch–I won’t take her life.”


    Ondo exhaled an almost imperceptible sigh of relief. “Understood.”


    His phone buzzed. Ondo nced at the screen. “Olivia’s here, and <i>she’s </i>brought some <i>of </i>the Wolfshade Syndicate with her


    No sooner had the words fallen than Olivia burst in. “Russell!”


    Olivia moved to embrace Russell, but Ondo swiftly intercepted <i>her</i>. He cautioned, “Ms. Remar, Russell is still injured.”


    Olivia’s face darkened murderously as she spat, “I watched the video. That goddamn bitch! I’m gonna kill her<i>!</i>”


    She then snapped with fury, “Russell, don’t worry. I’ll make her pay for this!”


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