CHAPTER 130: CHAPTER 130: THE NIGHT BEFORE THE FINAL BATTLE, THE LAST SUPPER

She furrowed her brow slightly and continued,

"Master, I’m not joking with you. He’s been acting strange lately, his personality has changed, becoming somewhat... violent. Also, there’s always a bloody smell in his room. I suspect he’s injured, and he seems to... have a masochistic tendency."

"Hmm, I see. Then you’d better stay away from him, so you don’t get hurt by mistake!"

Liam Young earnestly advised, realizing he needed to speed up and quickly create the antidote. Fortunately, the inclusion of the Seven-color brocade in the medicine, otherwise, it would be... impossible to save him!

Mr. West was his lifesaver, saving him would be a way of repaying him.

"How could this be?" Stella was startled.

"He, uh, has some kidney deficiency, and... some... unfulfilled desires."

Stella: "..."

"Master, are you joking with me?" Was he just trying to dismiss her?

Although she only knew how to study formulas, not diagnose illnesses, she wasn’t a fool.

"Don’t overthink it, it’s nothing. In ten days, I’ll come and see you, bringing him some potent kidney tonic. Take care of yourself. Remember, the further you are from him, the better." His tone was a bit hurried as if trying to brush her off, "Oh, it’s time to feed Cloudy, I have to hang up now."

The phone had already been hung up, and Stella stared at the busy signal for quite a while.

In the study, Aiden Fordham gently hung up the phone, his expression turning stern.

The other day, the old man said he was poisoned, although he didn’t say what kind, it certainly wasn’t optimistic.

He had to endure ten more days, waiting for the old man’s return. Once everything was resolved, he’d take her away from Mardale!

He didn’t want to be this troublesome Mr. West any longer!

...

In the downstairs lobby, Tom Summers was pacing anxiously. As soon as he saw Stella coming down the stairs, he quickly went over.

"Stella!" Tom’s expression was somewhat serious, "Erwin sent a message."

He handed over the tablet, which displayed a single sentence.

Stella glanced at it, her eyes suddenly darkened, as if a bottomless abyss.

"I understand." She said calmly, but her voice carried a hint of cold determination.

"It seems it’s time to end this. Prepare yourself, we’ll set off tomorrow."

"Alright." Tom nodded and walked out, getting into a car to head down the mountain.

The air was filled with a tense atmosphere akin to an impending mountain storm.

At this moment, Aiden Fordham descended the stairs, every step exuding a composed elegance, as if a god had descended upon the earth.

"Mr. West, morning."

She greeted him, her gaze briefly flicking to his right hand, which was adorned with a few unassuming band-aids.

His gaze lingered on her neck; fortunately, the red marks had disappeared, otherwise, he’d have to end himself as a way to apologize.

They both walked into the dining room and sat down to have breakfast together. The atmosphere was a bit awkward, as if they didn’t know where to start a conversation.

Aiden took a pink donut and placed it on her plate, breaking the silence first, "I’m sorry, I accidentally hurt you yesterday."

"Why are things like this? Are you feeling unwell?"

His eyes dimmed, "Last night, I had a nightmare. I just couldn’t control my emotions at the time, sorry."

He apologized once more, looking quite sincere.

Stella didn’t probe further, "As long as you’re okay. Tonight, I’ll personally cook a sumptuous dinner for you as thanks for your help these past days."

His hand paused for a moment, "You’re leaving?"

Stella smiled, casually saying, "Yes, tomorrow, Vivi and I will go to the city center for a walk. In a couple of days, we’ll leave Mardale. My master has been rescued, and I don’t have anything left to worry about."

She improvised a reason, simply not wanting to drag him into Erwin’s matter, as it was too dangerous.

"Hmm," he replied softly, not pressing further, but he had already calculated in his mind, knowing that tomorrow was going to be a big day!

...

In the afternoon, the sunlight lazily cast at the entrance of the lobby.

Zane Zimmerman walked in steadily, carrying Vivi Sterling.

The little face of the person in his arms showed signs of fatigue, evidently having endured a lot of ’hardship.’

Soon after, Zane came downstairs alone, ordered a nourishing meal in the dining area, and personally took it back to the room.

After that, the door was never opened again.

In the afternoon, no less than three groups of people hurriedly made their way directly to Aiden Fordham’s study.

He seemed to be dealing with something of utmost urgency, and the pressure around him was visibly heavy.

Stella dared not disturb him, and simply instructed the kitchen to prepare lunch, having it quietly sent to the study door.

Then, she plunged into the kitchen, focusing intently on preparing the dishes for the dinner banquet.

As night fell, the city lights began to shine.

A sumptuous western-style dinner was ready, with a pristine tablecloth spread across the table and the exquisite tableware sparkling in the light.

Stella specially went upstairs to change into a simple and elegant ivory dress before gracefully descending the stairs.

Just then, Vivi Sterling and Zane Zimmerman also came down together.

Their fingers were interlocked, radiating a sweetness that was palpable, instantly enveloping the entire lobby.

Vivi, like a joyful butterfly, broke free from Zane’s hand and ran over to Stella, whispering a few words into her ear.

Stella’s face showed a look of surprise, and she instinctively glanced at Zane standing not far away, still maintaining his lofty and aloof demeanor.

Little did they expect that fate would connect them in such a mysterious way.

"You all take your seats first; I’m going to invite Mr. West," Stella said softly, just about to turn around.

Before the voice had even faded, Aiden Fordham was already descending the staircase.

He was still dressed in a dark suit, expressionless, walking straight towards the head of the long dining table, naturally taking his seat, with an air of high aloofness that seemed innate.

Stella Grant clapped her hands gently, and melodious music suddenly began to play.

Immediately, a group of simply dressed women and children came in laughing. They seemed a little reserved but mostly happy, quickly gathering around the dessert table and buffet, picking out the food they liked.

The scene, initially a bit desolate, suddenly became lively and filled with a human touch.

Stella Grant walked over to Aiden Fordham, "Mr. West, these are the families of the hotel staff. I took the liberty of inviting them to join the banquet, I hope you don’t mind."

Aiden Fordham lifted his gaze, his eyes sweeping over those smiling ordinary people, and said lightly, "Of course not."

Hearing the bursts of laughter coming from the other side, the tense lines of his jaw seemed to soften slightly, as his emotions were suddenly colored by that pure joy.

A servant came over with a tray, serving the perfectly aerated red wine.

Stella Grant was the first to raise a glass, the crimson liquid gently swirling in her glass.

"This first glass is to you, Mr. West." Her voice was clear and solemn, "Thank you for saving my life. If there’s ever a chance, I will repay you."

At this moment, she only regarded him as the Mr. West she encountered by chance in Mardale, not the high and mighty Aiden Fordham.

This was their farewell banquet.

Tomorrow would be a life-and-death battle, perhaps a one-way journey.

Vivi Sterling also raised her glass to Aiden Fordham, with a slight hint of apology on her face, "Mr. West, I offended you yesterday. I misspoke, and I hope you’ll be the bigger person and not hold it against me. I’ll drink first to apologize!"

With that, she tilted her head back and drank her glass of red wine in one go, displaying great boldness.

Stella Grant took another glass of wine and turned to Zane Zimmerman, "This glass, to Mr. Zimmerman, thank you for saving Vivi."

Zane Zimmerman’s deep gaze fell on Vivi Sterling, full of affection, then he nodded to Stella Grant, raised his glass, and drank it down.

Setting the glass down, the banquet officially began, with cutlery clinking against porcelain plates, making a pleasant light sound.

"Stella, this pan-seared veal is fantastic, definitely the best meal I’ve had since coming to Mardale, so satisfying!"

Vivi Sterling cut off a small piece of veal, squinting her eyes in happiness.

She forked a piece and directly fed it to Zane Zimmerman, "Come on, open up, have a taste too."

Zane Zimmerman didn’t hesitate at all, opened his mouth and ate it, chewing slowly and nodding in agreement, "The taste is indeed good."

Aiden Fordham sat at the main seat, his eyes coldly sweeping over the obliviously affectionate pair, his emotions indecipherable.

"Oh," Vivi Sterling suddenly remembered something, speaking enthusiastically, "I heard there’s a particularly cruel courtship practice in Mardale called ’branding.’ Men would brand a unique mark on themselves for the woman they love. It’s said that after being baptized in blood, their love for the woman becomes unforgettable and eternal. Is it true?"

She finished, nudging Zane Zimmerman with her elbow.

Zane Zimmerman quickly nodded in agreement, "That’s right, such a saying exists. But because it’s too cruel and bloody, it was abolished long ago."

Vivi Sterling’s eyes twinkled, looking cheekily at him, "So, would you dare brand one for me?"

At this, Zane Zimmerman’s expression instantly turned exceptionally serious as he gazed at Vivi Sterling, saying each word with intention, "If you like, I’ll engrave the character ’Vivi’ on my arm."

"Pfft—" Vivi Sterling was amused by his serious demeanor, "Dream on! If you brand anything, it should be ’Zane Zimmerman loves Vivi Sterling forever,’ a full ten characters!"

She counted the words on her fingers proudly as she spoke.

These words made everyone present burst into laughter.

Zane Zimmerman’s face darkened immediately. Ten characters? Wouldn’t that make him a walking billboard?

Aiden Fordham stared at Stella Grant, who looked up, and their eyes met, sparks flying.

She quickly said, "Don’t look at me, I don’t like it, nothing needs to be branded!"

He casually remarked, "Is the soup... too salty?"

"Huh?" Stella Grant picked it up, drank over half a bowl, but didn’t find it salty.

He smiled broadly!

The dinner atmosphere was warm and harmonious!

However, in the southern forest of Mardale, an undercurrent had long been surging, full of murderous intent.

Erwin had mobilized top-notch experts from around the world, lurking like phantoms in every corner of the forest, aiming for foolproof execution.

Tomorrow, God N must have no retreat!

For four years, he endured the bone-gnawing pain of toxins day and night, every minute and second was torment.

The time had come to settle this deep-seated blood feud!

In the depths of a dark and damp dungeon.

Charles Sterling’s eyes beheld nothing but darkness, blindfolded, his limbs roughly bound, tossed like a ragged sack in a cold corner.

Erwin sat in a corner, slowly wiping a sharp dagger, its edge gleaming cold white under the light.

A dozen burly, muscular team members sat around tearing at roasted meat. The air was filled with the aroma of flesh and an unsettling metallic smell of iron.

The heavy iron door was pushed open, and a tall, handsome man with a composed stride and sharp gaze walked in.

He wore a black overcoat that fit him perfectly.

Erwin immediately stood up, displaying a rare smile, quickening his pace to embrace the man firmly.

"You finally made it!" Erwin’s voice carried a hint of excitement.

The man patted his back, nodding, the two appearing to share a profound relationship.

At the same time.

The elite forces dispatched by Aiden Fordham had quietly infiltrated the southern forest.

Their mission was singular—to eliminate every hidden stake painstakingly set by Erwin by dawn.

The night was their perfect cover.

The life-and-death showdown tomorrow was as imminent as a released arrow, poised to trigger...