Chapter 81

In Korbin's eyes, nothing mattered more than protecting the family's honor and carrying on its legacy.

He was driven. He couldn't stand the idea of the Douglas family falling behind or staying idle.

To him, holding power was like sailing through rough,unpredictable waters. If a family didn't have goals or direction, they could easily lose their way or even sink.

After listening, Waylon rested his hands on his knee,fingers clasped. His posture alone showed he wasn't someone easily swayed. "Alright then, what do you need from me?"

Korbin didn't hesitate. "I've been assigned to bring down the Styx Organization. You probably know their name-they've been playing with biochemical weapons for years. But lately, they've stepped it up-smuggling in illegal drugs and even kidnapping people for human experiments. It's becoming a major crisis."

Waylon frowned at the mention of that name. "The Styx Organization has deep international roots. Their network is a mess of shady deals and violent attacks.

The government's been wanting to take them down for years, but wasn't that mission originally meant for Richard Hayes? Why are you the one handling it now?"

It was a fair question. Korbin had made a name for himself in special forces, but given the Douglas family's influence, most assumed he had been placed in the military more for experience than actual danger

People didn't expect someone from such a powerful family to be thrown into the worst missions

"Richard is getting old." Korbin gave a casual shrug "The commander trusts me, and | acted fast-volunteered without telling my grandfather. So if anything happens to me out there, I'm counting on you to look after my grandfather and Ada."

Waylon looked at him with a deep gaze. "You're betting everything on this."

For noble families, protecting the bloodline was always a top priority. Most of the time,high-risk missions went to those with less to lose. People from powerful families usually took the safest, cleanest path to promotion.

Korbin grinned."So what? I've got what it takes to be a general. A man who's scared of taking risks doesn't belong in the army."

Waylon stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Korbin's shoulder. His voice was steady. "Then do one thing-come back alive."

Meanwhile, Alexia didn't have to wait long. Soon,the housekeeper knocked on the door, herarms full of shopping bags. "Miss Jenkins, the new clothes have arrived."

Alexia thanked her and brought the bags inside.

She opened the bags and stared at the clothes for a moment.

Everything was high-end, limited edition. Just the jacket alone was worth more than twNo hundred thousand.

After slipping into one of the outfits, she went downstairs, only to realize Korbin was already gone.

She turned to Waylon and offered a polite goodbye."Thanks for your help. I've got to get back to work.I'll transfer the money soon. And if you ever need something from me,just ask."

Waylon arched a brow. "Money? What money?"

She gestured at the jacket. "The clothes. That alone cost two hundred thousand."

Waylon's expression stiffened and his tone turned flat."No need to act so formal with me. I don't like it."

Alexia narrowed her gaze, folded her arms, and stepped closer. "You don't want to be friends, and yet you won't accept payment either. Waylon, what exactly are youI playing at?"

He didn't flinch, and took a step closer. "Shouldn't l be asking you? You're smart. Haven't you figured it out yet?"

As his handsome face leaned in, Alexia's heart skipped a beat.

A quiet battle of wits began between them

She met his intense gaze and pretended to stay calm."I don't know what you're talking about."

Waylon gave a slow smile, his eyes locked on her like he could see right through her. It was getting harder for her to keep pretending. "You know exactly what mean."

Once,no one had known her better than him.

Alexia didn't push back. Her fingers curled into her palms-this felt too much like the mind games they used to play.

Only now, the game had changed. She felt clumsier and more unsure.

"Waylon, your vague talk is seriously irritating," she muttered after a long pause.

Waylon chuckled. "And you're cure when you say yes and mean no."

Flustered,Alexia turned away first, her cheeks warm."Fine, since you're feeling generous, I won't bother paying you back."

With that, she left in a hurry.

Once she got into the car, she sat quietly for a bit,thinking. After a moment, she messaged Ada.

"I have a feeling Waylon's planning something, and it has to do with me."

Ada replied right away, "What?"

Alexia answered, "I think he's trying to win my affection."