The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 452

Darius raised an eyebrow, sounding almost playful. "No. Just a friendly warning."

Dorian stared at Darius for a long moment without saying a word.

Darius had always spoken in half-truths—slippery and vague. People like that were the hardest to deal with.

Darius smiled, said nothing, and then casually glanced down at the casino floor. "You didn't come all this way just to chat, did you?"

Dorian's lips lifted slightly. "Of course not. I have a deal today, but the client surprised me. A rich businessman wants weapons for his private force. For something small-scale, a private seller would've been enough. Instead, he came straight to the Ciphers and offered a huge sum for a large shipment. That got my attention."

Darius guessed, "Maybe he wants to build a private army." Then he added with a teasing tone, "Still, you've really lowered your standards to meet a regular rich guy yourself."

Dorian was left speechless.

How were they supposed to have a normal conversation like that?

He'd planned to turn the deal down, but once he heard Jason was here, he decided to stop by to see Jason and to meet the businessman who insisted on seeing him. He wanted to check if the man actually had the nerve to back up his request.

Seeing that he didn't get the reaction he wanted, Darius withdrew his gaze.

Dorian took his time sipping his coffee.

Darius glanced over, eyes narrowing a bit, then suddenly asked, "If I remember right, you're an only child?"

Dorian's hand froze midair. His voice went cold. "Since when did you start meddling in other people's business?"

Darius chuckled, unfazed. "Just curious."

He usually stayed out of family matters, but someone like Dorian naturally drew attention.

Dorian set the cup down, his expression blank. "My father has more than one child. I have an older brother, but he's illegitimate. The Ironblade elders refuse to acknowledge him. In families like ours, no matter how capable an illegitimate child is, he can't become Alpha or inherit the Ciphers."

Then his tone softened slightly. "But he's the one I respect most—more than my father. Even as an illegitimate son, he's someone everyone in our family can only look up to."

Darius's brows lifted a little. "Sounds impressive."

Dorian didn't deny it. Beneath his calm eyes was a trace of anticipation. "But he's been gone for years. I've been waiting for him to return."

Darius was genuinely surprised.

He knew how ruthless Dorian could be. When Dorian took power, many siblings were crushed completely, and some even lost their lives.

Is he ... really coming back?

Thora steadied her effortlessly, her voice teasing. "No need. Just stay close to me."

Shirley, disguised as a casino hostess, let out a shy gasp and quickly slipped away.

That short moment burned a clear image into everyone watching, thinking Thora was a spoiled rich kid. Bluntly put, a reckless playboy who threw money around for fun.

Some longtime gamblers at Sky Casino suddenly recognized Thora.

That was the same rich brat who used to show up here years ago.

Back to splurge again?

Along with that image, they also remembered his terrifying gambling skills.

At that sight, the champagne glass in Darius's hand cracked as his grip tightened. The glass shattered, hitting the floor in pieces.

The joy on his face vanished instantly, replaced by pure darkness.

Seeing Darius's expression, Dorian actually smiled—half amused, half enjoying the moment. "Don't tell me you're here because Commander Green showed up."