Chapter 255: Unknown futures!!

Ghost stood near the edge of the street, his eyes still following the direction where the girl had disappeared. The faint echo of her presence lingered in his mind, something unfamiliar and unsettling, something he could not explain.

A voice broke his thoughts.

“You are the same one… who almost got into an accident yesterday.”

Ghost turned his head slightly.

The small boy stood there, looking up at him with bright eyes, a mix of curiosity and excitement in his expression.

“I am Léo. My parents own this café. Thank you for saving me, brother.”

Ghost gave a small nod, then glanced back at the road, where the crowd had already swallowed the moment from before.

“How about your other friend?”

Léo smiled, rubbing the back of his head.

“He is fine too.”

Then his expression changed slightly, becoming more animated.

“Anyways, her name is Chloé. She is very popular at school. She is good at studies, good at sports, she is an all rounder. Many students adore her.”

Ghost’s eyes shifted back toward the street for a brief second.

“You seem to know a lot about her. Why?”

Léo chuckled lightly.

“I go to the same school, big brother. Of course I know everything.”

Ghost looked at him more carefully now, a faint curiosity appearing.

“You do not sound like a kid to me.”

Léo laughed again.

“That is what every parent says.”

Then he tilted his head.

“Where do you go to school? You look like a foreigner, but your French is really good.”

Ghost paused for a moment.

His mind moved quickly, calculating, adjusting, choosing the safest answer.

“I am just visiting my relatives. I am from Haven.”

Léo’s eyes widened instantly.

“Haven? That is so cool, big bro. I always wanted to visit your country. I heard there are a lot of beaches there.”

Ghost gave a faint nod.

“You can visit during summer.”

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Ghost’s gaze drifted again toward the direction where Chloé had gone, but she was no longer visible. Only the ordinary flow of people remained.

Léo noticed.

“So… do you want to talk to her?”

Ghost’s expression did not change, but something flickered inside.

“I do not know. It does not seem right.”

Léo leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.

“Bro, this is Paris. The city of confessions. Go try your luck.”

Ghost did not respond.

His silence was answer enough.

Before the moment could stretch further, a female voice called out from behind.

“Léo, are you troubling the customers again?”

Both of them turned.

A woman approached, her expression gentle yet firm. Her eyes fell on Ghost, and she paused for a brief second.

Léo quickly spoke.

“Mom, this is the big brother who saved me yesterday.”

Her expression softened immediately.

“Oh my…”

She stepped closer.

“Hello, young man. Thank you for saving my son. I do not know how to repay this kindness.”

Ghost shook his head slightly.

“It is alright. Helping someone in need is simply the right thing to do.”

The woman smiled warmly.

“Your parents must be very proud to have a son like you.”

For a moment…

Ghost froze.

The words did not pass through him easily.

They struck something deep, something he had never allowed himself to think about.

Parents.

Pride.

Family.

Concepts that existed… but never belonged to him.

A brief silence passed before he forced a small smile.

“Thank you for saying that.”

He straightened slightly.

“I should leave now. Let me settle the bill.”

The woman waved her hand gently.

“No, no. It is on the house. That is the least I can do.”

Ghost hesitated.

“Are you sure?”

Before she could respond, Léo jumped in excitedly.

“Big brother, listen to her. Free food is always great.”

Ghost let out a faint breath, almost amused.

“Then I will accept your generosity. Thank you.”

He turned and walked toward the exit.

Léo waved enthusiastically.

“Bye, big bro!”

Ghost raised his hand slightly in return and stepped out onto the street.

The cold air met him again.

His steps slowed just a little.

“Parents…”

His voice was almost inaudible.

“How was I supposed to answer that…”

A faint static crackled in his ear.

Hidden beneath the hoodie, the small earpiece activated.

“Ghost, come in. Ghost, come in.”

His expression changed instantly.

The softness vanished.

The warmth disappeared.

What remained was precision.

Control.

He stepped aside into a quieter corner, away from the crowd.

“Base, this is Ghost.”

The transmission came through, clear but urgent.

“Ghost, you were right. It is confirmed. Gabriel Moreau is being targeted by the Mafia.”

Ghost’s eyes sharpened immediately.

“Tell me everything.”

“Gabriel has access codes to a nuclear facility. We cannot take risks. He lives under heavy security and rarely shows himself, so it could take months for the Mafia to reach him. The car license you reported yesterday belongs to him. He is currently in Paris.”

A brief pause, then the tone turned more official.

“These are direct orders from the commander. Track Gabriel and protect him at all costs. If he is compromised, it will damage relations between Haven and France. The trade agreement is in five months.”

Ghost’s gaze hardened.

“Understood.”

“The safe house is ready. It is fully equipped. You will operate from there for the duration of this mission. Keep us updated.”

Ghost’s fingers curled slightly.

“Copy that.”

The static faded.

The line went silent.

Ghost lowered his head slightly.

The streets of Paris continued moving around him, unaware of what had just been set in motion.

His fist tightened slowly.

The warmth from moments ago… gone.

Replaced once again by purpose.

By duty.

By the life he had always known.

….

Present.

Vespera City stood alive under the fading daylight, its skyline glowing with luxury and power. Deep within its richest district, the Mordecai Estate carried a different kind of silence, one that hid unrest beneath its polished surface.

Inside the private study, Jax stood near the window, his phone pressed tightly against his ear. His expression twisted with anger as the voice on the other side continued speaking.

“What? What kind of nonsense are you talking about?”

His voice echoed sharply through the room.

The man on the other end did not waver.

“I am telling you what I found. Chief Lin was arrested today. He is in Star Harbor PD custody.”

Jax froze for a fraction of a second.

Then his grip tightened.

“That is impossible.”

His tone dropped, heavier now.

“He has never failed.”

The voice continued.

“He was caught while visiting Sterling Enterprises. Whoever is running that place… has reach far beyond Lin’s control.”

Jax’s jaw clenched.

A slow breath escaped him.

“We cannot let this escalate.”

His eyes darkened.

“If Lucas gets back on the case, everything starts falling apart.”

He turned away from the window, pacing slowly.

“Contact the lawyer. Prepare the bail papers for Lin.”

His voice sharpened.

“He has worked for us for decades. If we lose him… we lose too much.”

“Understood, sir.”

The call ended.

For a moment, the room stood still.

Then Jax hurled his phone across the floor.

The impact cracked sharply, the device breaking apart as the sound echoed through the estate.

“Sterling…”

His voice was low, almost growling.

“Sterling…”

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration rising.

“Who the hell is running it?”

His breathing grew heavier.

“Why did ACE suddenly expand into Star Harbor after staying silent for decades?”

His eyes burned with irritation.

“And where are you, Kyle… when we need you the most…”

The door opened suddenly.

The househelp rushed in, startled by the noise.

“Sir…”

Jax did not even look at him.

“Leave me alone.”

The man bowed immediately and turned to leave.

“Wait.”

The househelp stopped mid step and turned back.

“You mentioned something earlier… about my father.”

The man nodded carefully.

“Yes, sir.”

He spoke cautiously.

“While I was driving him to the office earlier today… he suddenly started sweating heavily. He looked… frightened. He asked me to turn back immediately.”

Jax’s expression shifted.

“What?”

His tone carried irritation now mixed with concern.

“Why was he even going to the office? The doctor clearly told him to stay home.”

He stepped closer.

“Is he fine now?”

The househelp lowered his head slightly.

“He is resting. He did not eat much.”

Jax exhaled sharply.

“What is he doing…”

He turned away again, his thoughts racing.

“My wife is coming back next week.”

His voice steadied, but tension remained.

“And she is not coming alone. My son… his wife… the kids…”

He closed his eyes briefly.

“I do not want my father behaving like a madman in front of them.”

He opened his eyes again.

“I will call the doctor. Keep me updated on his condition.”

“Yes, sir.”

The househelp bowed and left the room quietly.

Silence returned.

Then the phone on the desk rang again.

Jax picked it up, taking a deep breath before answering.

“Hello.”

A young voice came from the other side, cheerful and warm.

“Hello, Grandpa. How are you?”

Jax’s expression softened slightly.

“So you finally remembered your grandfather.”

A faint smile appeared.

“How are you? And your sister?”

“I am good. She is doing well too. I cannot wait to come and meet you.”

Jax’s tone turned calmer.

“This is your home. You can stay here as long as you want… even forever.”

The boy laughed lightly.

“Let me finish my studies first. Then I will think about it.”

Jax nodded, even though the boy could not see him.

“Study well.”

He paused.

“How is your father?”

The boy’s voice softened.

“He is busy with work. The Mordecai business is very hectic. He always looks tired.”

Jax’s eyes hardened slightly, but his tone remained steady.

“That is what makes us successful.”

He spoke with quiet authority.

“You will have to work just as hard one day. Your father will take charge when I retire… and after him, it will be your turn.”

“I understand, Grandpa.”

A brief silence followed.

“I will talk to you later. Mom wants me to sleep.”

Jax nodded again.

“Good night.”

The call ended.

For a moment, he stood there, staring at the phone.

Then his expression changed once more.

The softness disappeared.

Only calculation remained.

He dialed another number.

The call connected instantly.

“Boss?”

Jax’s voice turned cold.

“What is the status?”

The man answered without hesitation.

“We are outside the Luna girl’s location. We will take her tonight.”

Jax’s eyes darkened.

“Bring her to the designated place tomorrow.”

A brief pause.

“As you wish, boss.”

The call ended.

And once again, silence filled the room… but this time, it carried something far more dangerous.

The shadows lengthened as the dark plan began its course.

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