Jasper suddenly grabbed Lily by the neck, pulling her harshly in front of him, his eyes filled with intense coldness. “If you can’t do it, then you can die.”


    Lily was so frightened that her eyes turned red and tears instantly flowed out. She knew Jasper would really kill her.


    Jasper pushed Lily away with disdain and took out a tissue to wipe his hands. “You have a listening device imnted by Wraith. From tomorrow, resume work in theboratory and use the TIC Institute to research the virus. No mistakes are allowed.”


    Lily nodded, “Yes, I understand.”


    Jasper cast a cold nce at Lily, finding her as annoying as her mother. He then put on his mask and left. He still had to find Callum Maguire and Snow Judd. These two had betrayed the organization and could not be forgiven!


    In the restaurant, Tina took a big bite of steak while looking at the message on her phone. “Serena, Garrett is fine, but the Reed family business is a bit chaotic. However, with Muff overseeing it, things are stable. Recently, Garrett has been auditing thepany’s ounts.”


    Tina replied while chewing her steak, “Garrett should check on Griffin whenever he has time to ensure their family’s safety.”


    Cole quickly responded, “Yes, I’ll go now.”


    Tina was focused on replying and didn’t notice Jared’s longing gaze from across the table. It wasn’t until she was about to eat another dish that she noticed Jared staring at her.


    “Uncle, do I look delicious?”


    A dark glint shed in Jared’s eyes as he looked at Tina with his ck pupils. “Yes, you look delicious.”


    “Then eat more; you still have a match this afternoon.” Tina took another bite of sd.


    Jared raised an eyebrow, “You figured it out?”


    Tina lifted her gaze slightly, “Snake Club lost their chance at the team championship three years ago but then won six consecutive championships just a monthter at the Expo. They couldn’t have done it with just a few yers.”


    As Hawk’s gold medal coach, Tina had thoroughly studied all about their old rival Snake Club. Compared to Hawk, Snake had more fresh blood, but in terms of skill, Hawk was superior. During Edward Sullivan’s peak period, they could easily defeat many professional yers worldwide. However, now that their hand speed had decreased and Hawk Club wasn’t as wealthy as others to attract more potential yers efficiently, they gradually declined.


    Snake Club had Orson’s financial backing and main yer support. They were willing to spend money and nurture talent. Three years ago, a mysterious coach joined them and instantly propelled them past Hawk to be the top club in the country.


    Initially curious about this mysterious coach’s identity, Tina had sent Cole to investigate but found nothing conclusive. But seeing Jared here today cleared up all mysteries.


    Tina never expected to one day face off against this uncle.


    Jared no longer hid anything and swapped his cut steak onto Tina’s te before raising his ss of juice for a toast. “Then please take care of me more in the future.”


    Tina licked some leftover sd dressing from her lips; her clear eyes revealed a hint of mischief as she lightly clinked sses with him. “Uncle, we at Hawk won’t show any mercy.”


    On the first day of the preliminary rounds, the first batch of teams entering the group stage was announced. Both Hawk and Snake advanced but were not ced in the same group.


    Orson looked at the grouping information and sneered at Edward Sullivan across from him. “Go back and tell your team’s Lysander we’ll see each other in the finals-if you can even make it there.”


    Edward Sullivan put away the grouping information with a faint smile. “Captain Farrell can tell him yourself; didn’t you just carry our team member back to the resting room? Aren’t you two getting along well?”


    After speaking, Edward Sullivan turned gracefully and left the drawing room.


    All participating teams present knew about Orson and Lysander’s discord. Now it seemed Orson had be Lysander’s little follower-otherwise why would he personally carry Lysander back?


    Everyone knew what kind of temper Orson had!


    “You!” Orson was so angry he almost spat blood. It was out of necessity! Even if he had to suffer humiliation himself, he couldn’t let his brother dirty his hands!


    Orson gritted his teeth hard. “Don’t let me meet you inpetition; otherwise I’ll make sure your whole team gets eliminated!”


    The next day’s preliminary matches were easy for both Hawk and Snake. After arranging training tasks for their respective teams, Tina and Jared went to the hospital together.


    Although there wasn’t much for Jared to do at the hospital, he feltpelled to go-to prevent certain people from randomly handing out business cards again.


    However, Jared worried too much; Jack was busy cating his own father.


    “Dad, I know I was wrong.”


    “Knowing you’re wrong doesn’t help! Can your mistakes lessen my granddaughters’ suffering? You’re good for nothing but trouble! If your elder brother hadn’t let it slip identally, I wouldn’t even know my precious granddaughters were in danger! Have you grown wings now? Daring to hide things from me!”


    Ian Brookes scolded while tapping his cane angrily; his eyes were slightly red from anger.


    Jack didn’t dare breathe heavily under his father’s scolding and could only wait silently for more reprimands.


    “Anyone who doesn’t know better might think our family is cursed-losing only precious ones while useless brats like you remain! It’s infuriating!”


    Seeing his two granddaughters suffer reminded Ian Brookes painfully of his Alina.


    What if…


    He didn’t dare continue that thought.


    His Alina…


    Jack knew his father was thinking about his sister again.


    He knelt before Ian Brookes.


    “Dad please don’t be angry anymore; hit me or scold me as much as you want-or beat me until your belt breaks if that’ll make you feel better! I’ll prepare a hundred belts for you-beat me until you’re satisfied!”


    Ian Brookes snorted; no matter how angry he got he wouldn’t really beat his son.


    Both palm and back of hand are flesh after all.


    “Get lost! Beating you won’t help anything-just take good care of Scarlett; she’s probably terrified now-your wife is yours to love-don’t worry about me.”


    Jack chuckled softly.


    “Yes Dad-I will follow your advice.”


    “Go away.”


    As they spoke Tina arrived with Jared.


    “Mr Brookes,” Tina greeted.


    She looked up-and paused.


    Wasn’t this gentleman who wanted to buy paintings that day?


    Ian Brookes’ eyes lit up seeing Tina.


    “Youngdy-is that you?”


    “Yes-it’s nice seeing you again sir.”


    For some reason Tina felt slightly excited inside.


    Though she’d only met this gentleman once before-why did an unexpected reunion stir such feelings?


    Ian Brookes stood up thanking Tina.


    “Youngdy-the children you saved-they’re my granddaughters Nian Nian & Yi Yi-they survived thanks entirely to you-thank you.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Tina stopped Ian Brookes from bowing further.


    “No need for thanks Mr Brookes-you alreadypensated me.”


    Jack helped Ian Brookes sit down again.


    “Dad let Dr Reed check on them first-we can catch upter-you rest now.”


    “Thank you youngdy,” Ian Brookes said deeply gazing fondly at Tina increasingly liking what he saw.


    Normally anyone staring like this would’ve had their eyeballs gouged out by now-but today Tina only felt warmth instead.


    She sensed genuine affection in Ian Brookes’ eyes filled with kindness towards her.