Lord Protector Novel

Phoenix's heart sank. There seems to be no doubt that Zeke had done away with Platinum.

Apollyon greeted him warmly, “Welcome back, Mr. Williams. Is this Platinum? Did you capture him?”

Zeke nodded. “I did.”

“You're actually pretty good. Who knew? Well done.” Phoenix smiled sheepishly before turning to leave.

Zeke called out to her, “Stay where you are, Phoenix.”

Phoenix stopped begrudgingly. “What do you want?”

“Aren't you forgetting something?” Zeke prompted.

Phoenix pretended to be confused. “Nothing that I'm aware of. All right, I have work to do. Drinks on me another time.”

As she spoke, Phoenix once again prepared to take flight.

Zeke shot Apollyon a glance, and the latter dashed forward to stop her in her tracks.

“Stand down, Apollyon, and move aside!” Phoenix yelled, incensed.

“It seems you've forgotten, Phoenix, so let me remind you about your wager with Mr. Williams,” Apollyon offered.

Wager?

“Ha! I would have forgotten if you didn't mention it,” Phoenix exclaimed with feigned realization. “Talk of wagers are all done in jest, and there's no need to take them seriously. By the way, we have joined forces to take down Platinum and Platinumion. I think this is a cause for celebration, so what say we celebrate tonight? My treat! Think of it as a welcoming banquet for you. I should make the preparations now.”

Zeke chuckled. “Don't change the subject, Phoenix. You're not getting out of this wager.”

Phoenix became annoyed. “You're not letting this go, are you? You should grant mercy when you can.”

“Phoenix of Phoenixion does not keep her word. If word gets out about it, how will you gain the respect of your team?” Zeke mused.

“That's none of your concern. Stand aside, Apollyon, or I won't hold back,” Phoenix warned.

“I would hold back if I were you, Phoenix. You are no match for Mr. Williams and me if it came to it. Watch out that we don't acquire Phoenixion as well,” Apollyon said earnestly. “Even if we don't, you wouldn't have any dignity left to operate on Theos Island if word of our wager gets out.”

Phoenix paled before reddening.

Godd*mn it, Apollyon is right.

Backed into a corner, Phoenix could only grit her teeth and mutter, “Daddy.”

She nearly died of shame from uttering that word.

“I hope you remember this lesson and never underestimate anybody, or it may cost you your life one day,” Zeke said coldly.

Led by Hawkeye, Sole Wolf, Killer Wolf, and Connor are closing in on Theos Island now and are masquerading as low-skilled fighters. Instead of being merciful like I am, they might take Phoenix's life if she provokes them.

“Am I supposed to thank you for saving my life?” Phoenix asked, affronted.