Kiss My Revenge The Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 414

Meanwhile, across town-

Elian Ashcroft and ShadowFox sat across from each other in a stylish café, steaming mugs of black coffee in hand, the aroma of roasted beans swirling through the air.

"So, Mr. Ashcroft, do you think they'll pull off the mission perfectly this time?" ShadowFox asked with a sly grin, stirring his coffee absentmindedly.

Elian's lips curled into a cold, almost amused smirk. They hadn't told him a thing about the mission-just asked if he thought their team could handle it. It was a test, probably fishing for intel about Miranda Lancaster's current status.

Elian arched an eyebrow. "Isn't that your department's business? You'd know better than I would, wouldn't you?"

ShadowFox just shrugged, noncommittal.

"Well, what's your guess, Mr. Ashcroft? Think anyone in that group's got what it takes to be a leader?"

That actually piqued Elian's interest. He looked up, eyes sharp.

ShadowFox chuckled, continuing, "These folks, ever since we recruited them, mostly go solo. Even on group assignments, real teamwork is rare. Honestly, we don't usually dare send them on the big jobs."

He leaned in, lowering his voice. "They're all too stubborn, too independent. Everyone's got their own way. So we just toss them the mission and let them handle it however they want-as long as it gets done."

like a real

ShadowFox winced.

"Except

even more. If anyone else had said that, he'd have called it picking a fight. These weren't just anybody-they were the department's top-dollar talent, each of them costing a small fortune

the guy who could strong-arm the

a slow sip of coffee, gaze unreadable. "Sometimes, the best don't need a team. Having to drag others along just slows you down."

head get turned by a pretty face? Sure, Miranda was talented, but

down. "Your mission's got something to do

said it—calm and casual-made ShadowFox's eyes widen just a little. Their operations were always strictly confidential. Even today, inviting

with possible enhanced assets, you'd better plan

Ket

now. "To be honest, we invited you here today hoping for your insight, Mr. Ashcroft. From your perspective-how do we unify this lot? We've tried forcing them to work

detached. "Things go

has the presence or the tactical mind to

their style. They only trust

vef

a single unit, a well-oiled weapon, then you