1:53 Tue, Dec 3

Chapter 578 A Promise of Promotion

Chapter 578 A Promise of Promotion

The rain had stopped by morning.

Sunlight, warm and golden, filtered through the glass doors of the bank's self-service area.

Joanna slowly woke, blinking against the light.

She saw her mother's gentle smile and felt the haze of sleep lift from her mind.

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A rich, tempting scent of bread filled the air. Her stomach, empty from the night before, growled in protest.

Joanna hadn't eaten since the previous day.

The hunger was sharp, reminding her how long it had been since her last meal.

"Mom! You're up already?" she murmured, still half asleep.

Marge stood before her, a bag of bread and milk in her hands.

"Mom, how did you get the money for this?"

Marge grinned. "I had a little bit saved. When I saw you sleeping, I went across to buy breakfast. Hurry, eat before it gets cold."

Joanna tore the bread in half. "We'll share it."

Marge shook her head. I've already had some."

"Come on, Mom, we'll split it Otherwise, I won't eat

Marge sighed but took the other half, and they ate together, sharing a small moment of joy.

The sunlight touched their faces, making their smiles shine even brighter.

Joanna finished the last sip of milk and noticed something on the floor near Marge.

A blood donation card.

Her heart sank. "Mom, did you donate blood?"

Marge glanced down, realizing the card had fallen.

"Well... I had a lot of blood. Donating some for breakfast seemed like a good idea,' she said lightly.

Joanna's eyes filled with tears. "Why, Mom? You're already so weak. That's like giving away your life."

Marge chuckled softly, her voice full of warmth. "It's fine, Joanna. Life is tough, but we'll get through it. One step at a time.

TIl find a job today...

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Chapter 578 A Promise of Promotion

Joanna cut her off. "No, you won't. Your body can't handle it.

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"Til go to the school and speak with my advisor. Maybe can find a job that pays immediately."

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Marge stopped. She knew Joanna wouldn't back down. After a long pause, she sighed and nodded. "Alright."

Joanna helped her mother out of the self-service area. They stepped into the cool morning air, heading toward the school under the rising sun.

At Northlorn Residence, Elliott strolled through the villa's garden, his steps slow, deliberate.

Two bodyguards hurried over to him.

"Mr. Elliott, the landlord from the western outskirts has been handled."

Elliott's voice was sharp, his tone cold. "Good. What about Joanna and Marge?"

The bodyguard hesitated before answering. "Marge donated blood this morning, got some breakfast in return. Then she went to school with Joanna" Elliott shook his head. "Fine. Keep an eye on them from a distance. Don't get involved."

"Also, in a few days, the Special Operations Military Region will begin the military martial tournament. There will likely be activity at Westeria Residence soon.

The chief instructor of Dragon Soul Special Forces, Gavin Brooks, was recalled to Westeria Residence last night," said the bodyguard.

"Gavin?" Elliott's brow furrowed. What's he doing there? Is Zayn trying to rig the tournament?

He paused, thoughts shifting. "Has there been any word from the Fioris?"

The bodyguard replied. "They've brought Drogo's body back to their home. They've hired forensic experts from Brighton, but there's been no update.

"The Shaws paid no visit to the Fioris. No news from Southmere Residence either. It's like they're pretending nothing's happened.

"The Fioris are holding Drogo's funeral, though, the bodyguard added.

"Skylar seems calmer than last night."

Elliott rubbed his chin. "Ryder's too clever for his own good. He won't go to the Fioris now, and he'll refuse anyone from their family who wants to visit his father. "He'll wait until the fuss over Drogo dies down. Then, he'll make his move."

Elliott's eyes hardened. "Let's keep an eye on the Fioris See what they do next."

He paused, then added sharply. "Make sure the Leif women and Marrisa are safe. If anything happens to them, it will be a disaster.

Chapter 578 A Promise of Promotion

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At Westeria Residence, in the sitting room, Zayn sat back in the large chair, his posture relaxed but alert.

Across from him, a man in his forties, dressed in military attire, sat rigidly, waiting.

"Mr. Zayn, we're ready for the military martial tournament. With our current strength, Dragon Soul is secure. But you called me here in haste. Is there something urgent?" Zayn kept his eyes closed, the chair rocking beneath him. His voice, when it came, was calm.

"Mr. Brooks," Zayn said slowly, "you've been stuck in that position for a long time, haven't you?"

Zayn continued, "At your age, do you really think moving up is still possible?

"You've spent years hiding away, resting. Do you think that will get you anywhere?"

"Mr. Zayn," Gavin said, voice full of humility, "I've always been the one left behind. If not for you and the master, I wouldn't be here today. I never expected to rise higher."

Zayn let out a small, mocking laugh. "You were once a warrior, Gavin. A true force in the military hat happened to that fire!

"My grandfather put a lot of faith in you. He wanted you to rise, to be a bigger man. Are you really satisfied with just your current position? You won't get anywhere like that."

Gavin stood, bowing slightly, his hands clasped before him. "Mr. Zayn, please, just tell me what you need me to do."

Zayn studied him for a moment, then spoke plainly. "Dragon Soul's place in the tournament is safe. No need to worry about that.

"But there's something else. You've heard about the new chief instructor of the War Wolf Special Forces, haven't you? Younger than you by nearly 20 years, yet he has the same position as you." Zayn's lips curved into a thin smile. "What do you think of that?"

Gavin scoffed. "Mr. Zayn, what can I do? He's been hand-picked by Commander Hunter himself to lead the War Wolf Special Forces. How could I compare to him?"

Zayn leaned forward, his tone sharp. "You're missing the bigger picture. The War Wolf Special Forces are in a tight spot. Do you understand what it means to have Robin join them?"

Gavin thought for a moment, then answered, "If they lose to Dragon Soul or Dark Panther, they'll be disbanded."

Zayn nodded. "Exactly. And if that happens, what's Robin's worth as chief instructor then?"

Gavin's expression shifted. "You mean...

Zayn's gaze grew cold. "It's all a show. Do you really think it's more than that?"

Zayn's confusion was clear, "What do you mean, Mr. Zayn?"

Zayn's voice was calm, but his words cut deep. "He's challenged me too many times. This tournament, I intend to make him pay. Maybe even disappear completely.

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Chapter 578 A Promise of Promotion

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"The rules have changed," Zayn added, eyes glinting. "Now, chief instructors can fight. Death and injury are just part of the game."

Gavin froze, unsure. "But... what if-?".

Zayn waved him off. "No what ifs. Do it. Any consequences, I'll take care of them with my grandfather."

Gavin stood straighter, his resolve solidifying. I understand what must be done."

Zayn rose to his feet and patted Gavin on the shoulder Eliminate Robin, and I'll make sure you are promoted."