Vengeance and Valor: A General's Oath

"Dad, Mom, I'm sorry for being late. I swear I'll find the murderers and make them pay—I'll tear them apart and avenge you." Zac Willis stood before a gravestone, his hand trembling as he rubbed the stone. Buried beneath it were Zac's parents. Two years ago, both of them had mysteriously drowned in a lake, their deaths labeled as suicides. Overnight, the Willis Group, the largest company in Steelhaven, crumbled to dust. The usually quiet Evergreen Cemetery was now under heavy security, with armed soldiers standing guard at every post. A tall figure in uniform stood at attention before a grave. At only twenty-eight, Zac was the youngest five-star general in the nation. He had enlisted at eighteen as a foot soldier and risen to the rank of general, earning the title "War God" in just ten years. Yet, as the sole heir of the Willis family, Zac had only learned of his parents' deaths two hours ago. He received a five-second video message while in the war room—the last moments of his parents' lives. "Zac, we miss you so much and long to see you again. You will always be our pride. We're so sorry that we won't be there to see you return in glory, get married, or start a family. Don't blame us, son—we had no other choice." Sam Willis and his wife, their eyes filled with tears, finished their final words and jumped into the lake. The video cut off abruptly. Zac screamed into the sky in fury, then rallied his troops and rushed back to Steelhaven. He stood up, exhaling a heavy breath, his eyes filled with murderous intent. At that moment, a sharp, athletic woman with long legs approached quickly. Her name was Rabbit, one of Zac's twelve commanders, in charge of intelligence. She had just returned from speaking with the cemetery management. Rabbit reported, "Your parents suddenly fell into the lake and died. The family business was bought out cheaply by Radiant Group. For the last two years, any information about this has been completely sealed off. We're still investigating the details." Zac's voice shook as he said, "I was out fighting for this country, but my parents were killed tragically. I will personally avenge them and make the murderers pay. And I will uncover the truth myself—I'll send them straight to hell!" "Who buried my parents?" Zac asked. "A woman named Taylor Harper," Rabbit replied. "Taylor?" Zac was a little surprised. "I've heard that name. Two years ago, my parents called me and said they had arranged a marriage for me—with Taylor." Zac continued, "Find Taylor's home address. I need to thank her personally and marry her to honor my parents' last wish." Rabbit urged, "General, you need to hurry. We've just tracked Taylor—she's currently on her way to Synergy Corp. for a business meeting." "What's wrong with that?" Zac asked, slightly confused. Rabbit said, "Based on the intel we gathered, this Mr. Lee is a notorious pervert, accused of assaulting over twenty women. All those cases were mysteriously dropped. He's been threatening Ms. Harper that he won't proceed with the deal unless she sleeps with him. Ms. Harper is heading to meet him alone right now—she's walking straight into the lion's den." "Get to Synergy Corp. Now! I won't let anyone harm her!" Zac shouted, his eyes blazing with fury, like a lion about to attack. Meanwhile, in the general manager's private suite on the top floor of Synergy Corp., a bald, overweight man in a bathrobe was on the phone. "Mr. Harper, where's Taylor? I can't wait any longer. Are you sure she's coming today?" This man was Mr. Lee from Synergy Corp. Ever since he first laid eyes on Taylor, he'd wanted her. "It's worth a try. After all, we can't be certain if she's truly innocent or just pretending. I had you make the final condition to increase the chances she'd agree to meet," Ted Harper, Taylor's cousin, said slyly on the other end of the line. Ted smirked to himself, thinking, 'If Taylor doesn't show up, the contract won't be signed, and the Harper Group will kick her out. But If she does show up, even better—when she uses her body to seal the deal, and the related video leaks, her reputation will be ruined, and she'll be out of the Harper Group anyway.' There was a knock at the door. Mr. Lee's face lit up with excitement. "I'll talk to you later. Taylor's here!" Ted couldn't hide his own excitement. "Don't forget to record it." Mr. Lee quickly hung up the phone and rushed to open the door. Taylor stood there in a dark blue business suit, the slight opening at her neckline revealing her long, elegant neck and graceful collarbone. "Taylor, let's go inside and discuss the contract details. I've been waiting for you." Mr. Lee flashed a fake smile and gestured for her to enter. Taylor glanced at Mr. Lee in his bathrobe, hesitating for a moment before gathering the courage to step inside. She heard the door lock click behind her, and her unease grew. Taylor sat down on the sofa and took out a file from her bag. "Mr. Lee, please look over the contract and let me know if any changes are needed. If everything's good to go, you can sign now, and production can start at the factory tomorrow." "I didn't realize a charming woman like you could be such a workaholic. Relax. Let's have a drink first." Mr. Lee chuckled, grabbing two wine glasses and a bottle of red wine from the cabinet. He poured a glass and handed it to Taylor, deliberately brushing her hand as he did. Taylor flinched, spilling some wine on her clothes. "Oh no, I've dirtied your outfit. Let me help you clean that up." Mr. Lee smirked and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, reaching toward her. Feeling uncomfortable, Taylor quickly pulled away. "No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Lee. I'll clean it when I get home. Let's focus on the contract." Mr. Lee's eyes roamed over Taylor's body, full of greed and desire. He slowly walked behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Ms. Harper, business is all about give and take. If I sign this contract, what will you give me in return?" Taylor, sweating nervously, stammered, "I-I can try to negotiate a discount for you... and prioritize your order at the factory..." "Ha! Ms. Harper, are you trying to insult me? I don't need money, but I'd gladly spend it on you." Mr. Lee laughed wickedly. Sensing the situation growing more dangerous, Taylor tried to leave. But just as she turned to go, Mr. Lee grabbed her waist and threw her onto the sofa. "Spend the night with me, and I'll make sure your company gets all the orders for the year," Mr. Lee growled, pinning her down and trying to undo her shirt. "Please, Mr. Lee, don't! I'm engaged..." Taylor struggled as hard as she could, but he was too strong, holding her down with ease.