Chapter 1220:

Rylie had already settled on her decision long ago. Once she finished handling the key figures of Ares Global, she intended to claim every asset and resource the organization possessed as her own.

“I’ll be right here, waiting for you to return safely,” the President said.

After the call disconnected, he lowered his eyes and sank into deep contemplation. Luther’s warning replayed in his thoughts — with a woman as sharp, capable, and strategic as Rylie standing behind Brad, he knew he wouldn’t stand the slightest chance if Brad ever considered running for president.

Meanwhile, on the island, a grand celebration feast was already underway.

The sharp sound of glasses meeting filled the air, and the mood buzzed with excitement as people enthusiastically relived the intense highlights of the mission and debated how Ares Global’s collapse might reshape the global balance of power. The festivities carried on well into the afternoon before people gradually drifted off to rest — but Rylie stayed behind, gently holding Brad’s hand.

“Come on,” she said, her eyes bright with excitement. “I want to show you something from my collection.”

Brad followed without protest, supporting himself with his cane as he stepped onto the yacht. Rylie skillfully guided the vessel toward a small nearby island, its entrance secured by heavily armed guards. They made their way through a winding network of corridors until they reached a massive door of reinforced alloy. Rylie completed multiple layers of security verification — iris scan, fingerprint authentication, and voice recognition — before the door glided open without a sound.

The scene on the other side left even the well-traveled and composed Brad momentarily speechless.

Before them stood an enormous circular chamber maintained at a precise temperature, gentle light streaming down from a domed ceiling and casting a soft glow over the exhibits. Rather than weapons or advanced technology, the room was filled with priceless historical treasures. Rare and invaluable artifacts from across the globe were carefully arranged throughout the hall, each one significant enough to stir excitement at the most elite of auctions — yet here they rested together as though they were simple personal keepsakes.

𝘘𝘶a𝘭𝗶𝘁y 𝘵r𝘢𝗇𝘀𝗅а𝗍i𝘰n𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗀𝘢𝗅ո𝗈𝘷е𝘭s.𝗰𝗼𝗺

“This is… your collection?” Brad asked as he walked toward the Rosetta Stone and lightly ran his fingertips across its surface, feeling a sense of awe he had never experienced despite having seen countless historical relics. “This could easily rival an entire museum. Did you acquire all of this yourself?”

“Some pieces came from auctions, and others I recovered from people who had no idea what they were worth,” Rylie explained, stepping beside him and gesturing toward several Eshean relics. “These were stolen and scattered during the early years of the war. I’ve kept them safe for a long time, but they deserve to be returned home now.”

Brad turned toward her, his gaze deep and thoughtful. “You know how much effort and sacrifice it must have taken to gather all of this. Are you truly willing to hand them over as a donation?”

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