Zeus

Chapter 8

"Contact the world's top hackers immediately. Hack into two people's private devices. I want all their personal information. The first is Rachel Bell, a female celebrity. The second is Owen Blake from the Blake family in Elyria City."

"Yes, sir!"

After hanging up the phone, Asher's expression returned to its usual stern and calculating demeanor. He knew these two might stir up trouble at tomorrow's press conference, so he had to prepare in advance to ensure the upper hand.

Not long after, a file arrived on Asher's phone. He opened it, scanned the contents, and let out a cold smirk. "I didn't expect Rachel to be such a sl*t. Fine, if you behave tomorrow, I'll let it slide. But if you're foolish enough to cause trouble, don't blame me for ruining your reputation."

"As for Owen," he muttered, "he's a big shot from the underworld." After a brief pause, Asher made another call. "Bring me the most powerful figure in Elyria City."

"Yes, sir!"

Asher set the phone down and turned his attention to the breakfast Rosalind had thoughtfully prepared. After finishing his meal, he wiped his hands, stood up, and stepped outside.

By the time he reached the gate, a tall, imposing elderly man with white hair was kneeling on the ground. "Finn Parker, leader of the Rising Tide, pays his respects to Lord Zeus!" the man declared.

Thud!

The elderly man bowed his head to the ground before Asher, his eyes filled with reverence and submission.

Asher casually wiped his hands with a napkin as he regarded the man before him. "Before I even arrived in Elyria City, I'd already heard of you. You're the godfather of the Rising Tide, correct?"

"Before Lord Zeus, how could I dare claim such a title?" Finn's body trembled uncontrollably. He knew better than anyone that the young man standing before him, though composed, was the most powerful and dangerous person in the world.

Displeasing Lord Zeus would mean certain doom—not just for him but for his entire family.

"Relax," Asher said, his tone softening slightly. "I didn't summon you here to make trouble for you. I need your help with a few matters."

Hearing this, Finn finally dared to exhale and discreetly wiped the cold sweat from his brow. "It's my honor to serve Lord Zeus. Please, give me your instructions!"

"First," Asher began, "the church m******e in Elyria City ten years ago seems to be connected to Orson from the Harris family. I want you to investigate this thoroughly. Second, the female lead in Whispers of Time is my sister, and tomorrow is the movie's press conference. I want you to set an example. Prepare some gifts and make her happy. Third, keep a close eye on the Blake family's movements in Elyria City and report any activity to me immediately. Fourth..."

Asher continued to issue his orders one by one, while Finn stood attentively, nodding and agreeing to every instruction. When Asher finally finished, he added, "If you handle all of this well, you'll have the right to publicly claim allegiance to the Pantheon."

Finn's eyes lit up with excitement at these words. Overcome with emotion, he immediately knelt again, bowing deeply before Asher. "Thank you, Lord Zeus, for your immense kindness! Rest assured, Lord Zeus, I will give my all to complete the tasks you've assigned."

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rise to the top. Everyone knew how many influential figures around the world had tried to gain even the slightest connection to the Pantheon yet failed. Yet today, such an honor had been handed to him on a silver platter. It was a chance that would make countless people green with envy.

The next day, various media outlets arrived at the Elyria City International Arts Theater.

Rosalind entered the grand hall with Asher by her side. She glanced at him nervously and whispered, "Asher, I'm so anxious. I have a terrible feeling that something bad is going to happen."

"Don't worry," Asher said, his voice calm and steady as he gently held her soft, delicate hand. "I'm here with you. No matter what happens, I will protect you."

Rosalind looked at him, her heart easing slightly. "I'm glad you're here." Though she didn't know what lay ahead, having her brother by her side gave her a sense of comfort and security she couldn't explain.

At the front of the hall, the renowned director Isaac, who was preparing to shoot 'Whispers of Time', sat with Rachel, the supporting actress. Rosalind took a deep breath, lifted the hem of her long gown gracefully, and stepped forward into the spotlight, drawing every gaze in the hall.

Click! Click! The sound of camera shutters filled the air as photographers focused their lenses on Rosalind. Her extraordinary elegance and beauty made her the undeniable center of attention.

At precisely nine o'clock, the press conference began. Reporters wasted no time, firing off questions, most of which revolved around the plot of Whispers of Time and the cast's future plans.

Rosalind answered with poise, her composed responses occasionally drawing laughter from the audience and lightening the atmosphere.

But the mood shifted abruptly. A male reporter stood up and directed a pointed question at Rosalind. "Miss Wood, there are reports that you've been secretly involved with a morally corrupt, good-for-nothing man for years. It's said that for your lover, you fired a loyal assistant who worked diligently for you, and even betrayed Summit Literary Agency, which invested all its resources to make you famous. Are these reports true? Please answer directly."

Before Rosalind could respond, a female reporter stood up, her tone equally sharp. "I've also received information suggesting that Miss Wood used Summit Literary Agency as nothing more than a stepping stone. You exploited their resources to achieve your Hollywood dream, and once you gained fame, you abandoned the agency that had supported you for years. It's even rumored that you're now helping your lover start a new business. Mr. Lane, what's your take on these allegations? Why would you choose someone with such questionable morals as the lead actress for this year's blockbuster?"

The room fell silent as all spotlights turned to Rosalind and Isaac. Camera shutters clicked furiously, capturing every second of the tense moment.

Isaac was the first to speak, taking the microphone with a grim expression. "I'm not aware of these allegations, but if they're true, I will immediately replace the leading actress."

The words sent a ripple through the crowd.

All cameras swung back to Rosalind, whose face had gone pale. At that time, Rachel's lips curved into a cold, triumphant smile.

Rosalind gripped the microphone tightly, her voice trembling but determined as she tried to explain. "These reports are false. I fired my assistant because he was disloyal and colluded with outsiders to frame me. As for ending my contract with Summit Literary Agency, it was because they tried to coerce me. I had no choice but to terminate the agreement..."

"Is that really the truth?" A deep, challenging male voice cut through the room, drawing everyone's attention to the entrance.

Luke, Rosalind's former assistant, stepped into the hall, pushing a wheelchair. In it sat Alden, the bodyguard who had been crippled by Asher.

Alden's arm was in a cast, suspended across his chest, and his body was wrapped in bandages. His face was twisted with malice as he fixed Rosalind with a sinister glare.

In an instant, reporters swarmed toward them, microphones thrust forward. "Gentlemen, do you have information about this situation?" one of them asked.

"Of course," Luke declared, "I'm Luke James, the assistant Rosalind fired, and this is Alden Price, the bodyguard who was crippled after discovering Rosalind's affair!"