Top Notch War God

Chapter 34

Christina caressed the blade, her fingers trailing along its edge with a reverence that bordered on obsession.

This knife... held special memories; it was the proof of the man she admired fighting on the battlefield.

Tina carefully put away the knife and, under the shocked gazes of everyone, bowed to Ariya—or rather, Talon—with a solemn expression. She softly said, "Thank you for giving me this knife. It holds extraordinary significance for me, and I cherish it deeply."

"What!?" Natalia froze, disbelief washing over her. Was Tina really treating Ariya with such reverence over a broken knife?

"I'm glad you like it," Ariya was also taken aback.

It seemed Talon was right; this knife indeed held extraordinary meaning for Tina.

But... how did Talon get this knife, and how did he know that Tina would want it?

"Miss Tina, is there any misunderstanding?" Natalia finally couldn't hold back and spoke, "The diamond necklace I gave you is this year's most popular luxury item in the jewelry world, and yet it doesn't compare to a broken knife?"

"Ms. Davies, watch your tone," Tina snapped, her expression turning icy. "To you, it's just a broken knife, worthless. But to me, it's more important than my life. Even if you gave me the most luxurious necklace in the world, it wouldn't hold as much meaning to me as this knife!"

Everyone was stunned and then looked at Ariya with eyes full of envy and jealousy.

So this woman wasn't just showing off; she had actually understood Tina's preferences and gave her the perfect gift.

Sure enough, Tina held Ariya's hand and walked slowly to the stage. She looked down at the guests and said, "Thank you all for coming to my banquet. I believe I have found the company and the person I want to cooperate with. She is Mrs. Storm, the Vice President of Yuvi Group."

She added. "I will fulfill my promise and transfer all the shares of this design to Mrs. Storm for free. Additionally, I will stay at her home for a few days to personally design a set of clothes for her, a set that will shock the world!"

Tina actually chose Ariya.

As thunderous applause erupted from the audience, Ariya covered her mouth with her hand in disbelief.

In the afternoon, when Talon mentioned that Tina would personally design a set of clothes for her, Ariya didn't believe it. Now, she didn't expect it to actually come true.

"Talon, did you see? Miss Tina actually signed the contract with me!" Ariya excitedly said to Talon after signing the contract and walking onto the stage. At this moment, her mind was somewhat oxygen-deprived, and she couldn't realize that it was all thanks to Talon.

Yet, Talon couldn't smile. 'She's going to stay at my house for a few days... How am I supposed to deal with that?'

"It looks like you and Tina have a lot to talk about. This party isn't wrapping up anytime soon, so stay here. I will keep the agreement for you and retrieve Maisy. We will commemorate when we arrive home tonight." Talon said.

"Alright!" Ariya nodded vigorously and handed the contract to Talon.

After Talon left, Ariya drank with Tina, surrounded by almost all the guests.

In the shadows, Natalia glared at Ariya's side with eyes that could shoot daggers. 'Ariya, do you think you've succeeded just because you secured a partnership with Tina? Don't celebrate too early. Yuvi Group won't fall into your hands that easily.'

Fifteen minutes later, Talon went to pick up Maisy from kindergarten. Maisy had been unusually fussy today, constantly asking for her mom.

Talon comforted her for a long time and played with her until she finally fell asleep, yawning.

He checked the time—it was almost midnight. Tina's banquet was supposed to end at ten, so where the hell was Ariya?

He dialed her phone number, only to find that her phone was turned off.

A sense of foreboding rose in Talon's heart. He quickly sat up. "Azureblade, Nightwing!"

"At your service!" Two figures suddenly appeared in the room.

Talon was just about to order them to find Ariya when his phone rang loudly. He frowned and answered with a cold expression.

"You must be Talon. Don't waste words; your woman is in my hands," a man's voice came rather sinisterly.

Talon remained expressionless as he replied, "Why should I believe you?"

"That's easy." The man on the other end suddenly let Ariya's heavy breathing come through. "Your wife wants to say something."

"Talon, it's me, Ariya!" Ariya said loudly, forcing herself to stay calm. "The banquet ended, and just as I was about to head home, these people kidnapped me. I don't know where I am now. They want the contract I signed with Miss Tina. You mustn't—"

Ariya's voice was abruptly cut off, clearly because someone had gagged her, and she could only make muffled "mmm" sounds.

"Do you believe me now?" The man's voice came through again.

"Your woman already told you. We only want the contract she signed with Tina. If you don't want her to get hurt, hand over the contract, and I guarantee she'll be unharmed. But if you don't... heh, your wife is so beautiful, my men can't wait any longer."

A lethal glint sparked in Talon's eyes, and the air in the room turned icy cold.

"Where are you?" Talon suppressed his urge to kill and asked calmly.

"Head north from Philadelphia. There's a deserted area where your woman is. Don't forget to bring what we want. You have half an hour. If you're late, I won't guarantee your woman's safety. And remember, don't call the police, or you'll never see her again!"

The call abruptly ended, giving Talon no chance to ask questions.

Talon put down the phone and looked towards the north. He raised his hand to check his watch.

"Mobilize five hundred Dragon Nest elites—now. They need to be at that deserted area north of Philly in thirty minutes. If they meet resistance, eliminate it. No exceptions."

"Yes, sir!"