Chapter 74
Stellar pulled his wallet from his pocket and took out a weathered hundred-dollar bill, one he’d kept for years as a personal treasure. With a smirk, he handed it over to Nash. “You get a hundred dollars. Nothing more.”
Without hesitation, Nash tucked the bill into his pocket and walked over to join the warden.
Stellar’s lips curled into a slight smile as he muttered, “Insatiable villain…”
The Smiling Grim Reaper had completed 72 assassination missions, each one rewarding him with a hefty sum—usually a hundred million dollars per job. That meant he had earned billions over his career. Yet here he was, accepting just a hundred dollars from Stellar.
The Lee family began clearing away the bloodstains and corpse from the scene, making sure the banquet could proceed without disruption. Various families began presenting their gifts for Mr. Lee’s birthday, and the atmosphere grew more festive.
Heads of the five highest-ranking families rotated at the main table, taking turns sharing a meal with the warden. Nash and Stellar stood off to the side, watching.
“Warden, Mr. Lee,” Walter began, looking around at the gathered crowd, “I think we should let the Smiling Grim Reaper take a seat too. This banquet wouldn’t even be happening if it weren’t for what he did today!”
Everyone nodded in agreement, casting admiring glances toward Nash.
Mr. Lee, having already heard about Nash’s actions, waved him over. “Young man… Come sit with us!” he called.
Nash, however, kept his eyes closed and remained motionless.
The warden laughed at the sight and said, “You’re injured. Come on, sit down and rest!”
But Nash stayed where he was.
He had accepted payment for his services, which meant he was now fulfilling his role as a bodyguard. It was a principle he abided by.
When Walter realized that the Smiling Grim Reaper wouldn’t even obey the warden’s request, he quickly made a toast to change the subject, masking his embarrassment.
The warden sighed, his voice filled with understanding. “He’s a man of unique principles. Let’s not pressure him too much.”
The heads of the families chuckled softly and began toasting both Mr. Lee and the warden.
At that moment, a patrol officer hurried up to Henderson, speaking in a low voice. “Chief, three helicopters are approaching…”
Henderson’s smile vanished instantly, and a frown creased his brow. “Where are they from?”
The officer hesitated before replying, “I believe… they’re private helicopters from the Skyes in Capiton.”
The mention of the Skyes made Henderson’s eyes widen. He quickly gestured for the officer to ignore them.
The Skyes were a powerful family, with businesses spanning the globe. Many of their members also worked within the General Administration Office. It was likely just Mr. Lee’s old comrades paying a visit for his birthday.
Before long, the helicopters landed on a nearby basketball court. A group of men—round and greasy—strode toward the mansion. Leading them was a young man in a pristine tailcoat, tall, handsome, and dashing, carrying a bouquet in his hands.
As the group approached the tables, the young man spoke, his voice filled with confidence. “Greetings, Warden. I am Theo Skye of the Skye family from Capiton.”
He bowed to the warden, and the others followed suit, their movements synchronized.
The warden smiled warmly. “We’re all friends here—no need for such formalities.”
Theo grinned and handed the bouquet to Mr. Lee. “Happy birthday, Grandpa!”
Mr. Lee accepted the bouquet with a wide smile, though shiny drops of drool slowly trickled from the corners of his mouth. Joseph quickly stepped forward with a handkerchief, wiping his father’s mouth clean.
Theo turned his gaze to Nash and winked at him. Nash nodded in acknowledgment but once again closed his eyes.
Walter, shaking with excitement, jumped to his feet and pulled out an empty chair next to him. “Mr. Skye, please—take a seat! We’ve got a spot ready for you!”
Theo was the future head of the Skye family, and the Skye empire had grown so vast that even the five most powerful families together couldn’t have replicated its influence. To have Theo Skye at the table was an immense honor.