Lance frowned and said after a moment of contemplation, "If it really is someone from the Parker family, we're in trouble. We wiped out the entire Parker family back then, but it seems some of them managed to survive the massacre."
David snapped harshly, "Who cares if he's from the Parker family or not? Anyone who dares to oppose the Anderson family must die!"
Sarah shook her head weakly and said, "It's not that simple. If he really is from the Parker family and waited until now to make their move, he must be well-prepared. We can't afford to let our guard down."
John nodded, his expression serious. "Exactly. We need to handle this carefully. First, let's send people to investigate the Parker family's past and look for any clues. We have to figure out who the masked man is."
Lance added, "We also need to strengthen our home's defenses in case he attacks us again."
David, growing impatient, shouted, "Hmph! I'd like to see just how capable he really is!"
The next day, Cyrus drove an ordinary car to the Thompson Villa's entrance, trying to keep a low profile.
Josephine had been eagerly waiting. When she saw Cyrus arrive, she rushed over, her bright eyes full of anticipation and joy.
Slightly out of breath, Josephine ran to his side and said, "Honey, you're finally here. I've been waiting so long."
Cyrus smiled gently and reached out to smooth her slightly messy hair. "Let's go collect our debt from the Jackson Group," he said.
Josephine nodded with a sweet smile and got into the car with him.
"Why aren't you driving the stretch Lincoln today?" Josephine asked, tilting her head.
"It's not mine. It's rented," Cyrus replied. He didn't want to reveal his true identity, worried it would burden her.
He wanted to wait until their relationship had a stronger emotional foundation before telling her everything. After all, she had only married him because he had restored her appearance.
"So, your mansion is fake too?" Josephine asked, looking surprised, with a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.
"As you know, I'm an orphan. The mansion actually belongs to a friend who's gone abroad. He's letting me stay there for a few days," Cyrus said calmly, though his eyes unconsciously avoided meeting hers.
Instead of being upset, Josephine smiled and playfully lifted his chin with her finger. "I can be the breadwinner, honey," she teased.
Cyrus was momentarily stunned, a warm feeling surging through his heart. He held her hand and said, "Josephine, it means so much to me that you'd say that. I promise I'll work hard to give you a good life."
Josephine gently leaned on his shoulder and said softly, "I believe in you. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
Whether Cyrus's identity was real or fake, his medical skills were undeniable. That alone was enough to ensure a good life for them. She was a woman who knew when to be content.
"By the way, have you heard the big news from yesterday? The head of the Anderson family had s*x with his own daughter on his wedding day and was then killed!" Josephine's voice was full of shock and disbelief.
Cyrus's expression froze briefly before quickly returning to normal. He said flatly, "That's their karma."
Josephine blinked and said, "But this is just too outrageous. I wonder what sins the Anderson family committed to deserve this."
Cyrus snorted coldly. "Evil deeds always lead to destruction. The Anderson family has done too many wicked things. This outcome was inevitable."
Josephine sighed lightly. "Well, when news like this comes out, it's really shocking."
Cyrus held Josephine's hand and reassured her, "Don't overthink it. This has nothing to do with us. Let's focus on getting the money back from Jackson Group first."
Josephine nodded. "Sure, I just hope everything goes smoothly."
The car continued toward Jackson Group, and both of them felt a mix of emotions.
"Jackson Group is ranked fifth among the major corporations in Millbrook City, on par with Skyline Group. Do you think they'll pay us?" Josephine asked, her tone uncertain.
"Skyline Group..." Cyrus's eyes narrowed. Skyline Group had once belonged to the Parker family, but after their downfall, it fell into Sarah's hands.
When they arrived at Jackson Group, a towering building loomed before them, its glass facade gleaming under the sunlight.
Josephine looked up at the imposing structure, her nerves growing stronger with each passing moment.
Cyrus, his expression serious, strode purposefully toward the entrance.
The security guards at the entrance immediately stopped them. "Stop! What's your business here?"
Josephine quickly responded, "I'm Josephine, the second daughter of the Thompson family. I'm here to collect a debt."
The guard gave them a once-over, smirking with disdain. "Collect a debt? Do you have an appointment?"
Josephine frowned. "No, but Jackson Group can't keep delaying this payment."
The guard waved them off dismissively. "No appointment, no entry. Don't cause trouble here!"
At that moment, a well-dressed man who appeared to be a manager approached and asked, "What's going on here?"
The guard quickly explained, "Mr. Wright, this woman says she's Josephine Thompson and claims she's here to collect a debt, but she doesn't have an appointment."
Jack's gaze landed on Josephine, his eyes flashing with a lecherous glint. "Come with me to the reception room," he said.
They followed Jack to the reception room, but his eyes lingered on Josephine the entire time.
"Are you that ugly freak from the Thompson family?" Jack asked, his tone dripping with mockery.
His words were full of contempt, and his smirk only deepened as he narrowed his eyes at her.
Josephine's face darkened, her hands clenching into fists unconsciously.
Cyrus's gaze turned icy as he stared at Jack and said coldly, "Watch your mouth."
Jack ignored Cyrus's warning, his disgusting gaze still fixed on Josephine. "Hmph, so what if you become pretty now? The Thompson family is on the verge of bankruptcy, and how dare you come here to collect debts?"
Josephine bit her lip, suppressing her anger. "Jackson Group owes us money. It's long overdue."
"Overdue, huh?" Jack sneered, his lips curling into a smirk. "Josephine, let me be blunt. If you agree to have dinner with me, I'll consider helping you process this payment. It's just 40 million dollars. One date isn't too much to ask, is it?"
As Jack spoke, he reached out to touch Josephine's face.
Bang!
Cyrus kicked Jack hard, sending him crashing into the wall. The impact caused plaster to fall as Jack slumped to the ground, groaning in pain.
Hearing the commotion, Owen rushed in with his men. When he saw the scene, his face turned pale, and his legs nearly gave out from fear.
Without hesitation, Owen slapped Jack across the face with a resounding crack.
The sharp sound echoed through the room as Jack's head snapped to the side, two teeth flying out along with a stream of blood.
"Jack Wright, you're fired!" Owen roared, his voice hoarse with fury.
This gentleman was Lord Hades, after all. Offending someone like him was a death sentence.
"If you want to die, don't drag me down with you! Take him out and beat him up!" Owen barked at his men.
The subordinates wasted no time, rushing forward to drag the lifeless Jack out.
By then, Jack was utterly terrified, his pleas for mercy devolving into incoherent babbling.