Chapter 536


    Hank spoke with earnestness, not a hint of exaggeration tainting his words.


    After all, a ruthless character like Jay was capable of anything.


    "No worries, Jay''s counting on me to handle his business. Why would he harm me? Don''t you trust my


    skills?" Astrid stretchednguidly. "You and Chad have been slogging away too. Once we''re over this


    hump, I''ll give you guys a decent break. Right now, there are things only you two can manage. I


    wouldn''t trust anyone else with them."


    Hank chuckled, "We''re not tired, boss. You just take care of yourself."


    "Alright, I''ve got some more stuff to sort out. You two can go catch a break," Astrid yawned, her


    attention returning to theputer screen.


    As Hank observed her frail shoulders, a wave of concern washed over him. "Boss, you''ve lost lots of


    weight. You gotta eat some more, it''s tough to see you like this."


    Astrid nced at Chad with a teasing smirk. "Yeah, yeah, got it. Have you been hanging out with Chad


    so much that you''re starting to sound like him?"


    "Damn right not! I don''t want to be anything like that goofball!" Hank grumbled and strolled out, pausing


    at the living room doorway to cast a lingering nce at Astrid''s retreating figure, his eyes softening.


    As a friend, he often wished to share her burdens, but there were things beyond his help.


    Everyone saw her brilliance, believing she could do anything, yet no one knew the effort she had put in


    to learn all those skills. Online, she was known as the multi-talented Astar, but few could guess the true


    extent of her powerful identity.


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    At nine in the evening, Jay received an email. Aster agreed to meet, leaving the choice of venue to him.


    Jay was somewhat wary of Aster. Fifteen million wasn''t chump change, so he decided to meet in


    person. After setting a time, Jay responded to the email.


    He had found many pictures of Aster online, studying them over and over, a sense of unease growing


    within him.


    The next evening, Jay arrived early at the arranged location.


    He sat in the private room, anxiously waiting. Over half an hour past the agreed time, and yet Aster


    was nowhere to be seen.


    Another half-hour slipped by, and Jay''s patience wore thin. As he stood to leave, a knock came at the


    door.


    Then, the door opened from the outside.


    A tall, lean man appeared before him, his face masked, his mid-length hair tied back into a small


    ponytail. His skin was tanned, and his thin frame gave him a somewhat sickly appearance.


    Despite that, the aura he exuded was undeniable.


    Before Jay was Astrid, masterfully disguised. Jay had nned to lose his temper from the wait, but


    upon seeing the man before him, he held back. "You''re Aster?"


    "Mhm, that''s me." The man''s voice was raspy and somewhat effeminate, unsettling to the ear.


    Before arriving, Jay had entertained the possibility that Aster could be Astrid. But now, seeing this


    person in the flesh, he dismissed the thoughtpletely.


    The man standing before him had a stark Adam''s apple, and everything about his persona radiated


    masculinity. Furthermore, he towered over Astrid considerably.


    "Here''s the thing, Mr. Aster, it''s not that I doubt your capabilities. I''ve just heard so much about you and


    wanted to meet you," Jay offered a smile, attempting to appear genial. "I hope you don''t mind my


    asking, but could you remove your mask? No offense, it''s just that I''ve prepared all this good food


    especially for you."