Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 229

Gideon seemed to possess an unusually sharp sense of smell. The moment he stepped into the room, he inhaled deeply, his brow furrowing as his gaze locked directly onto the window curtains.

The fabric looked slightly bulkier than usual. Was someone hiding behind them?

He called out cautiously, "Who's there? Show yourself!"

Behind the curtain, Julius and Stella were pressed tightly together. In any other situation, this would have been incredibly tense, but due to their extreme proximity and Julius's arm wrapped firmly around her waist, Stella actually felt her cheeks warm and her heart rate spike.

Julius, remaining completely composed, shot Stella a look: Let's get out of here first.

Stella gave a nearly imperceptible nod to signal she understood.

When Gideon received no response, he wasn't entirely certain if someone was actually there. Still deeply suspicious, he grabbed a heavy glass ashtray from the desk and began walking slowly toward the curtains.

Listening to his approaching footsteps, Stella raised a finger to her lips, silently ordering Julius not to make a sound or move a muscle.

She then slid a silver needle from her tactical belt. Just as Gideon reached out to rip the curtain back, she ducked her head out and, with a flick of her wrist, drove the needle directly into a pressure point on his neck.

Before Gideon could even utter a gasp, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed onto the floor.

Stepping out from behind the curtain, Julius looked at Stella and flashed her a thumbs up. "Impressive."

Stella crouched down, retrieved her needle, and delivered a swift, calculated strike to the back of Gideon's neck just to ensure he stayed unconscious. She then whispered to Julius, "Search."

Julius nodded, and the two of them immediately began tearing the room apart.

Since Gideon had already turned on the lights, they didn't have to fumble in the dark, allowing them to thoroughly search every drawer and cabinet.

They meticulously returned everything to its exact original position to ensure no one would know the room had been tossed.

Unfortunately, they found absolutely nothing of value.

Stella pointed at Gideon's unconscious body on the floor, and then pointed at the bed.

Understanding immediately, Julius hoisted Gideon up and tossed him onto the mattress.

"Why were you investigating him?"

Julius hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering. "I've been secretly looking into a string of missing persons cases. I picked up the trail shortly after my legs recovered. After peeling back the layers, all the clues pointed straight to Gideon."

"Julius, what is your actual identity?"

After tonight, there was absolutely no way she would believe he was just the CEO of the Blackwood Group.

And she was now completely certain that attending that Niche Perfume Salon today was nothing more than a cover for his operation.

Julius reached out and took her hands, his eyes locked intensely onto hers.

His voice was completely sincere. "Stella, I can tell you everything. But once you know, our fates will be permanently intertwined.

You will never be able to leave me. Not only that, but you'll have to help me maintain my cover, and you may face some very real dangers. Knowing all of that, do you still want to know who I really am?"