"MOM! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"
Early the next morning, Liana's shocked scream from the bathroom completely shattered the villa's morning peace.
"Liana, calm down. This is a decision made by the board of directors. But don't worry—no one is forcing you."
Lisa sighed on the other end of the call.
"As you know, our research on Alex has completely stalled. DNA samples and genetic information are the key."
Liana stood there, her mouth hanging open.
As one of the lead researchers in Kang Tao's biotech division, she knew exactly how important these two things were.
DNA samples were easy—she could collect them from the couch or anything Alex touched.
But genetic information?
That was a whole different problem.
Genetic material had to be extracted immediately after it was… produced.
If she wanted a sample, she would literally need to collect it firsthand and store it in a preservation container right away.
Her other option?
Dig through the trash can for… uh… leftovers.
But… getting it firsthand?!
Liana's face turned completely red.
"M-Mom… I can only try, okay? But don't get your hopes up."
Lisa smiled knowingly.
"I understand. By the way, sweetie… have you gained weight?"
"!!!"
Liana froze.
She immediately turned to the mirror, examining herself.
Her delicate, sharp features looked rounder than before.
Not fat, exactly… but definitely softer.
She gasped.
"Oh no… It's all the food!"
She groaned, holding her stomach.
"Liana! What the hell are you screaming about?! Let me sleep!"
Alex's angry voice rang from outside.
Immediately, Liana swung the door open and yelled back:
"WHO TOLD YOU TO HAVE SUCH GOOD HEARING?! Also, it's already 8 AM! WAKE UP!"
Lisa watched the exchange, her smile growing softer.
A mother could always tell when her daughter was happy.
Seeing Liana arguing like this, she knew her baby girl was doing just fine.
Lisa let out a relieved sigh.
"Okay, sweetie. I'll let you go—just one last thing. I need to talk to Alex."
Liana pouted.
"Ugh, fine. But don't take too long—we haven't had breakfast yet!"
Lisa chuckled.
"So you've finally stopped skipping breakfast? Seems like sending you to Alex's place was the right decision after all."
A Huge Compensation Package
Alex grumbled sleepily as he headed downstairs.
He was just about to complain about Liana's morning tantrum when his phone rang.
Lisa.
He answered reluctantly.
"Ms. Carter, do you people ever let me sleep?"
Lisa laughed.
"Seems like Liana's keeping you busy."
"Yeah, yeah… What's this about? Yesterday's attack?"
Lisa's tone became serious.
"That's right. The board has decided on Kang Tao's official compensation for the incident."
"I'm listening."
Lisa continued.
"First, your new residence. You'll be getting a 50-million-euro estate in North Oak. It's near Arasaka's estate—very exclusive."
Alex raised an eyebrow.
He had seen Arasaka's mansion before—complete with an infinity pool, rooftop bar, and gardens.
If his new place was anything like that…
Then this wasn't just compensation—it was a massive upgrade.
Lisa continued.
"Second, you and your companions will be added to Kang Tao's internal personnel list. No obligations—just full benefits, a high salary, and platinum-tier Trauma Team membership."
Alex smirked.
"Damn, you're really rolling out the red carpet."
But then Lisa dropped the real bombshell.
"Finally, the board has decided to grant you 0.5% of Kang Tao's company shares."
0.5% of KANG TAO?!
Alex's expression remained calm, but his mind was reeling.
Kang Tao was a state-controlled megacorporation.
At least 51% of its shares were locked in government hands.
The remaining 49% were split between executives and investors.
Even top-level decision-makers like Simon Xu or Lisa probably had only 3-4% each.
So 0.5%?
That might not sound like much, but…
With billions in annual profit, his cut of the dividends alone would be hundreds of millions of euros.
Alex grinned.
Kang Tao wasn't just compensating him—they were trying to buy his loyalty.
"Let me guess… Those shares used to belong to Candace Stevenson?"
Lisa nodded.
"Exactly. After last night's investigation, we froze and seized all of Stevenson's assets."
"Good move."
Lisa's expression turned grim.
"But there's a problem—Candace has vanished."
"He ran?"
"Yes. We think he caught wind of the asset freeze and went into hiding. Most likely, he's back in Night City."
Alex sighed, rubbing his temples.
"So… What's your plan?"
Lisa's tone hardened.
"We want to hire you and your team to track him down—dead or alive."
A Big Job Offer
Alex chuckled.
"So you want me to clean up Kang Tao's mess?"
Lisa didn't deny it.
"We'll provide an initial payment of 20 million euros as an action fund."
"Once the job is done, you'll receive an additional 100 million euros."
"100 million?"
Alex's grin widened.
The money was nice, but honestly…
Even if they weren't paying him, he would have taken this job.
Stevenson had targeted him first.
Now, Alex was going to make sure the guy never saw another sunrise.
Lisa's voice was calm.
"So, Mr. Alex… Do we have a deal?"
Alex leaned back, flashing a wolfish grin.
"Pleasure doing business with you."
MISSION ACCEPTED.
Stevenson had no idea what was coming.
Free trail is available 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Advance chapter in PATREON
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