Phoebe was all smiles as she passed by Gibson, looking like she was on top of the world after seeing her crush. But the moment she spotted Samuel and his crew, that smile vanished in an instant – no hesitation whatsoever!
Talk about a double standard!
"Man, being good-looking is such a struggle," Gibson lamented to Samuel, patting him on the shoulder with a wry smile. "I'm just a security guard and still, women fall for me. Frustrating, right?" He chuckled and headed towards the carparked at the company entrance.
Samuel and his group were left standing there, completely blown away by the wind and the conversation.
At this point, nobody could doubt what Gibson had just said. Maybe Sonia really was after him!
Inside the car.
No sooner had Gibson sat down than Phoebe lunged at him, hugging him tight.
"Whoa, Phoebe! You should tone it down a bit, considering you're supposed to be all classy and stuff," Gibson exclaimed.
"I was already holding back because there were so many people around! Give me another kiss," Phoebe said, leaning in again. "This would make those European princesses green with envy!"
Outside Wind Group's office, Samuel and the others were just staring, mouths agape, shocked by the scene unfolding before them.
The Mercedes was rocking from side to side. With its windows tinted, all they could do was stand there, stunned.
Back inside the car.
Gibson was clearly reluctant, but he finally let Phoebe kiss him, which made her back off with a triumphant grin.
"Seriously, you're acting just like those women from Europe! I know I look good, but you've got to think about the optics here. I don't want to end up on tomorrow's front page. I came back to keep things low-key, you know what low-key means, right? Or do you want even more competition?" Gibson said, his voice tinged with frustration.
Realizing her mistake, Phoebe smacked her forehead.
Right! If other women find out Gibson's in Starfall City, they'd all flock here trying to compete with me!
"Sorry, I'll keep it under control next time," Phoebe promised earnestly. "Don't worry, this won't hit the headlines. If anyone dares to report it, I'll make sure they disappear without a trace, family tree and all!"
"You really are a piece of work, aren't you?" Gibson half-joked.
"Heh, you haven't seen anything yet. Come over tonight, and I'll show you stuff no one else has ever seen!"
Hearing this, Gibson buckled his seatbelt a bit tighter.
The Mercedes soon disappeared from the company entrance.
Samuel and the others were still trying to wrap their heads around what they'd just witnessed. They were astonished to learn that a mere security guard was acquainted with Miss Grant, a woman the mayor himself tread carefully around!
The car headed towards the outskirts of Starfall City. Once out of the downtown area, they entered a very secretive zone, where access required a swipe card, clearly indicating it was a tightly secured internal facility—a military base of Starfall City.
At the top office of the base, an elderly man had already prepared tea and was respectfully waiting on the couch. He kept checking his watch and phone, appearing somewhat anxious, until he heard footsteps from the hallway.
The door opened, and Phoebe walked in with Gibson. The elderly man sized up Gibson, showing an awkward smile: "So you're the one they call 'Mortal Demon,' Mr. Barton? Younger and more handsome than the rumors suggested! I've heard of your reputation long ago!"
Phoebe stood aside, almost jumping with excitement. She proudly thought to herself how excellent her choice in men was!
After sitting down, Gibson said without mincing words: "I hear this kind of flattery eight hundred times a day." His demeanor was much more commanding than when chatting casually with Phoebe, showing a leadership quality. He knew they weren't just drawn to him for his looks but more for his wealth and power.
The elderly man chuckled awkwardly, no longer dishing out compliments, and pushed forward the brewed tea, saying, "Recently, 'Death Dungeon' released ten prisoners—these guys are either business tycoons, top assassins, or former regional administrators. Mr. Barton, does their early release have anything to do with you?"
The release of these prisoners had global nerves on edge. Releasing ten such individuals within such a short period had leaders across Thyria feeling tense.
Gibson lit a cigarette and answered gravely, "I ordered their release. I'm reassembling the 'Ten Kings of Hell.' From now on, their wealth, lives, and power are under my control. What, even national leaders approved this, and you, a mere governor of Starfall City, want to question it?"
These ten individuals represented a global elite in various industries, meaning Gibson's command could plunge the world into chaos. This dangerous figure now in Starfall City made the elderly man very uneasy.
The elder cautiously asked, "So, Mr. Barton, do you have any special missions here in Starfall City?"
Gibson flicked his cigarette ash with a smirk, "You're not at a level to know."
The elder quickly responded, "If there's anything you're unaccustomed to or need in Starfall City, please instruct us. If anyone offends you, please be merciful. You're valuable porcelain; they're just ordinary clay pots, not worth your concern."
Gibson coldly replied, "Since you've seen me, better remind them not to mess around in front of me. Otherwise, no matter if they're ordinary pots or something else, I won't be merciful."
Phoebe, listening to this exchange, felt a bit nervous but mostly filled with awe and trust for Gibson, knowing her choice to follow him was right.
Seeing he couldn't get more from Gibson, the elder shifted the topic: "We've prepared a top suite for you, hoping you'll find your stay in Starfall City comfortable."
Gibson nodded, stood up, and prepared to leave, with Phoebe following closely. The elder watched them go, his mind filled with worries. Gibson's plan to reassemble the 'Hell's Ten Kings' could undoubtedly bring great instability worldwide. He needed to report to his superiors quickly and prepare for possible scenarios.
As they left the office heading towards the elevator, Phoebe whispered to Gibson, "Are you really going to reassemble the 'Hell's Ten Kings'? It's a huge plan."
Gibson replied indifferently, "Yes, it's not just about power, but there's a deeper purpose. You'll see, Phoebe, what I'm about to do isn't just about ruling this world."
Phoebe, hearing this, was even more convinced her choice was right. Following Gibson, she might witness history.