Chapter 6 Brightvale Investigation Unit

• Howard's hand clenched around his card, veins bulging.
• He couldn't believe that Aric had managed to freeze his bank card.
• "It must be this POS machine acting up. What a piece of junk!"
• He threw the POS machine to the ground.
• The cafe's server looked aggrieved. The POS machine was perfectly fine—it was Howard's card that had no money.
• Aric pushed his money on the table toward Howard.
• "So, Mr. Grant, do you have any other cards? If not, I will declare myself as the richest person at this table."
• Howard's face darkened ominously. He never carried cash, relying solely on his credit cards, which had all been maxed out recently except for this one.
• Now, he couldn't produce a single cent.
• Aric looked at him with disdain. "You can't even come up with one hundred and sixty? Waiter, the bill, please."
• He pointed to the coffee he had drunk.
• The server nodded and picked up the money. "Sir, that leaves a balance of seven hundred and forty. Will you be paying by card or mobile payment?"
• Aric nearly spat out his coffee. What kind of coffee costs so much?
• He had only one hundred and sixty-four on him. All his bank cards had been handed over before he left Dawnshield.
• Galadriel gave Aric an exasperated look and handed over her card. "Charge mine."
• Aric quickly took a few more sips of his coffee. He couldn't waste something that cost hundreds.
• "Sweetheart, make sure Mr. Grant pays for the broken cups, plates, and the POS machine. We're running low on funds, and my allowance for this month is gone. Can you give me an extra two hundred?"
• Galadriel was both amused and exasperated by Aric's antics.
• Howard's fists clenched in frustration. He couldn't accept being humiliated by Aric.
• If this incident got out, his reputation in Brightvale would be ruined.
• He took out his phone and made a call, his smile becoming more twisted. "Hello, Jonathan? I'd like to report someone for illegally freezing bank accounts. He's acting suspiciously and may be the spy you're looking for."
• He smirked at Aric.
• He didn't know how Aric froze his card, but money wasn't everything. Power was what truly mattered.
• He would leave unscathed, while Aric would be arrested as a spy.
• Galadriel grew anxious, knowing how deep the Grant Family's roots ran in Brightvale. Getting rid of Aric would be too easy for them.
• "Howard, what are you trying to do?" she asked.
• Howard sneered. "Nothing much, just contributing to Brightvale. I happen to know the head of the Brightvale Investigation Unit. When we had a drink last time, he mentioned that recently, foreign spies have been infiltrating Brightvale. They have deep connections with other countries. What if your boyfriend is one of them?"
• Galadriel was furious. She never expected Howard to be so vindictive.
• Aric patted her shoulder. Sometimes, Galadriel was too earnest for her own good.
• Aric's mission in Brightvale was to investigate the truth behind the massacre of the Thornwood Family 15 years ago and to hold people accountable.
• Brightvale Investigation Unit fell under the jurisdiction of Aetheria Investigation Division. The investigation division and the intelligence division, under the lead of Aric, were part of Emberfall Front Command.
• Using the head of the Brightvale Investigation Unit to threaten Aric was absurd.
• Upon noticing Aric's silence, Howard looked triumphant. "What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Scared?" If you kneel and apologize now, I might let you off lightly. Otherwise, when the investigation team arrives, you won't know what hit you."
• Aric chuckled. "Mr. Grant, since you're so sure I'll be arrested as a spy, how about another bet?"
• Howard instinctively became wary. "What do you want to bet?"
• Aric's smile vanished, replaced by a cold look. "I bet that no one can take me away today."
• Howard's face stiffened for a moment before he burst out laughing. "Galadriel, your boyfriend is not only stupid but also delusional. Has he never heard of the Brightvale Investigation Unit? Fine, I'll take your bet. If you're not taken away today, I'll take your last name."
• Aric waved dismissively. "Please don't. I'd be too embarrassed to have you as a son. Let's bet that if you lose, you'll stop bothering my girlfriend and greet her politely as your sister-in-law whenever you see her."
• Howard's face turned dark. This loser dares to act superior?
• However, he knew he wouldn't lose the bet.
• "Deal. If you lose, you'll kneel and apologize to me."
• Aric shrugged.
• Galadriel, frowning, whispered to Aric, "Aric, don't be foolish. The investigation unit can summon suspects at any time. Just the fact that you froze Howard's Citibank card is enough for them to take you in for questioning. You'll surely lose the bet."
• She looked at Aric worriedly.
• Aric leaned in, almost kissing her cheek. "Don't worry, Galadriel. No one can take me away today."
• Galadriel's face turned red. It was the first time she had been this close to a man in years.
• Outside Myro Cafe, two black cars pulled up.
• A man with a buzz cut in a black suit led the way into the cafe.
• Upon seeing the man, Howard stood up and grinned. "Jonathan, long time no see."
• Jonathan, head of Brightvale Investigation Unit, glanced at Howard but ignored him. They had met before but had no personal relationship. He was here strictly on business.
• Howard swallowed his pride, knowing his place as a mere rich second-generation in front of Jonathan.
• "Howard, who is the spy?" Jonathan asked and looked around before focusing on Aric and Galadriel.
• Howard eagerly pointed at Aric. "Jonathan, it's him. He froze my Citibank black card in Messina with a phone call. I suspect he's a foreign spy."
• Howard now looked subservient, completely unlike his earlier arrogance.
• Jonathan looked at his team, who were sealing off the cafe, then approached Aric.
• "Hello, sir. We are from the Brightvale Investigation Unit. We received a report that you might have close ties with foreign entities. Please come with us for questioning."