Chapter 1028:
Marcus nodded along, rubbing his brow as he added, “Honestly, I get why the military would step in. Those radical groups have been getting bolder every year, and now they’ve even got people cheering them on. They dream of war and plunder, but they don’t understand our country’s weight… or its limits. If we start a conflict with any of our neighbors, we’re the ones who’ll be painted as the bad guys. It won’t be just East Islet against us—it’ll be the whole Indoria Federation.”
Kendrick cut in with a scoff. “Brad’s not marching into a battlefield. They’re sending him for talks, guaranteed.”
Selah shot Rylie a small smile. “Brad’s capable, Rylie. You really don’t have to work yourself up.”
Rylie gave a slow nod. “Yeah. I know. He’ll be fine.”
Now that she had the truth about Carter’s betrayal, her mind was steadier. If anything, Brad would be twice as cautious. She trusted him to handle his own affairs—and she intended to handle hers.
The Terra Games venue had finally been locked in: Plots A7 and A8 in Echo Valley, registered under Detour Inc.
D𝗂𝘀𝖼о𝗏er 𝘯𝖾𝘄 s𝗍о𝗿𝗂e𝗌 𝘰𝘯 g𝖺lո𝗈𝗏е𝗹ѕ.𝗰om
The first wave of project funding hit the company’s accounts, and the stock price shot up like a firework.
To celebrate himself—because no one believed it was for charity—Terrance organized a “charity dinner.”
They set it right on the A7 and A8 plots, dressed up as a ceremonial launch for the Terra Games’ construction. Invitations went out to Crolens’ most powerful families, Rylie included.
When Marcus stopped by to deliver hers, he said, “Someone at Detour Inc. told me to pass on a message—make sure you attend and witness this ‘historic moment.’ Their words.”
Rylie was tucked away in the home library when he said it. She marked her page, placed the book aside, and took the invitation. “A historic moment? Terrance just wants everyone to see him parading Detour Inc. like it’s his family crest.”
Marcus tilted his head. “So… are you going? Because I get the feeling they’ve got something planned.”
Rylie arched a brow. “Between them and me, who do you think has more tricks?”
The glint in her eyes made Marcus laugh under his breath. He’d seen that look before. “Fair enough. No one plays the game better than you.”
Rylie rested her elbow on the armrest as she said, “Those A7 and A8 plots… they’re sitting on ancient tombs. I wasn’t sure at first, but after digging through old records today and cross-checking information on the dark web, I’m convinced.”
Marcus leaned forward. “Convinced of what?”
“It’s Emperor Valerius the Conqueror’s resting place,” Rylie said. “A major figure—brilliant, brutal, obsessed with strategy. Now think, Marcus… what would a king like him decide to bury with his own tomb?”
Marcus paused, weighing his words before speaking. “Think we could bring one more guest along?”
Rylie angled her head, curious. “Sure. Who are you bringing?”
“A buddy of mine just got back to Crolens,” Marcus replied, a slow grin easing across his face. “He’s big in archaeology. If we loop him in on this, he’ll jump on it.”
Rylie caught the subtext instantly, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Then bring him. The more eyes, the better.”
By the night of the charity gala, the barren A7 and A8 plots owned by Detour Inc. had been completely reborn.
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