Chapter 68: Jealousy and Betrayal

Three days later, near the Huangpu River residential area.

Six SUVs quietly stopped near giant gate of a huge mansion. But there target was the neighboring walled plot which looked perfect for a private resort.

The plot was barricaded with walls, had a large lawn, and a small two-storey villa at one corner. The far side of property bordered the river.

These SUVs belonged to a joint hunt: Shinra Vanguard from Japan and Stinger Corps from America.

In the driver’s seat of the lead car sat Takeshi Yurei, one of Shinra Vanguard’s elite hunters. Calm and calculating, he was leading his company’s squad on the hunt assigned to them. Personally, he despised this mission—not only did it force him to coordinate with the Americans, but the target was his own favorite disciple. Still, a job was a job, and here he was.

"So," he asked coldly, "you’re certain Ayane’s unit is inside?"

Kieta adjusted his glasses from the back seat. "Yes, chief. But the area is mined. Only clear pathways are safe. There’s a rear exit, condition unknown."

After the fallout, Kieta had betrayed Ayane’s team. The reason was Riku—who had declared his wedding with Captain Ayane. Kieta couldn’t accept it.

Since the day he joined, he had wanted the captain for himself, but jealousy made things worse.

He blocked his team’s special company contact channel, took leave, and spread rumors that Ayane’s team planned to betray the company. The later channels and development with chinese confirmed the rumors. That sparked the company’s hunt, leading to this joint operation.

In his mind, if the captain couldn’t be his, then she wouldn’t belong to anyone else either.

"Then what are we waiting for?" David Anderson growled from the passenger seat, his bald head gleaming, black goggles hiding eyes, scorpion tattoo peeking above his collar, laid the mark of Stinger Corps. "Storm the place and light them out."

They had been hired by NATO to chase down Ayane’s team.

On the dark net, Shinra Vanguard had been aware of this development. They gave a tip-off, leading to a deal: to hunt their notorious unit together with the best mercenary company in the field.

Both sides had agreed to divide the spoils beforehand and keep their business secret.

Kieta’s voice carried an edge of warning. "One bullet fired, and Captain Ayane will ignite the whole building. She’s replaced extinguishers with kerosene. If that goes up, we lose the data drives—and everyone inside. Best chance is melee—send men with blades, and force them to surrender."

David smirked. "Hell of a cat you kept on a leash."

Takeshi scoffed. "That’s our standard practice... to give all to the end. And we don’t want to risk this mission by acting in haste."

David shrugged. "Suit yourself. But our orders are elimination. If you fail, I’ll take lead."

Takeshi’s jaw tightened. He reached for the radio to give order, but froze in mid.

A familiar Russian figure approached on a second-hand motorbike, dressed in priest robes, briefcase in hand. It was Anton.

Anton gave the convoy only a small glance but said nothing. It wasn’t unusual to see convoys in rich residential areas, and since this wasn’t directly near their own hideout, he didn’t find it suspicious.

He simply parked and walked straight along the secure pathway into the building.

Takeshi frowned with curiosity at his strange get-up. "What’s going on there?"

Kieta’s face twisted with anger. He knew exactly what date it was today, but he quickly controlled himself. Calmly, he said, "Let’s go in, chief, and check it out."

Meanwhile, a few moments earlier inside the hideout.

Shanghai Prime news played on the TV, framing Ayane’s team as foreign intruders who tried to loot JPMorgan in the Shanghai World Financial Center.

The report tallied casualties and chain accidents from two crashed helicopters on a busy street.

Li clicked his tongue, translating for Richard, who lounged on the couch sharing popcorn. "Shitty hypocrites."

"Damn, they don’t have the balls to admit we trashed their AI program? and it was they who fired first," Richard complained, scooping a handful of popcorn into his mouth.

Li smirked. "Typical Western behavior. They’ve always done this—painting others as villains while hiding their own dirty secrets."

Richard, sprawled on the couch, bristled. "Don’t lump all ’Westerners’ together. Governments, sure. But people? They’re just fed lies. Same with the Chinese—those bastards staged half of this."

Li rubbed his face, too tired to argue. "Fine. My bad."

Richard frowned, lowering his voice. "Still, Kieta vanished the moment boss announced her wedding. You think he..."

Li chuckled, grabbing more popcorn. "What would you do if your crush chose the guy you hated most? He’s probably sulking. Or worse."

Richard scowled. "Hey, watch your tongue. That’s our boss. She’s saved us more times than I can count." He paused. "Are you sure Kieta had an eye for her?"

Li rolled his eyes at Richard’s reaction, but since curiosity flickered, he decided to add, "Yes. I’ve seen the way he stared. And being a man, I know exactly what that look was."

Richard nodded as he chewed. "Can’t blame him, right? She’s smoking hot. Damn, Riku’s got guts."

Li burst out laughing."I’d be tempted too. But falling for a yandere? No brains." He leaned forward as Richard’s puzzled expression grew. "You don’t get it? Yandere types are traps. Shackles. Once they sink their claws into you, you’re not free again. In short—Captain’s possessive. Once you’re hers, you’re hers. Mark my words, Riku’s going to regret it.

Richard frowned. "Possessive isn’t bad. If I had a girl like Captain, I’d stick to one."

Suddenly, the door opened. Anton entered, still in the priest’s robe, holding the briefcase.

"And you’ll never get a girl like her, you bastard American," he said coldly. "Shame on you. They’re about to marry."

Richard protested. "Hey, you twisted my words!"

Li quickly escaped. "I’ll call the bride and groom. Hope you brought the material."

Anton nodded, showing the briefcase, then fixed Richard with a hard stare. "So... where were we, little American?"

Meanwhile, upstairs in Ayane’s room.

Riku had pinned Ayane against the wall, kissing her like it was his last meal. Her face flushed red as she stood in her bridal dress, while Riku wore his own wedding suit.

She had barred him from going all the way until after marriage, but she had allowed the "little games" he wanted—and now she regretted it.

She could feel the bulge in his pants pressing against her belly as his hands groped her hips, her body betraying her with wetness. If not for the strict condition she had placed on herself, she might not have delayed in taking his thing inside her.

A knock startled them. "Captain, it’s Li. Anton’s back."

"Coming!" She looked back at Riku and whispered with pleading eyes, "Let’s go, the others are waiting."

But Riku caught her wrist as she tried to move away, pulling her back into a passionate kiss, before he finally let her go.

With a cheeky grin, he whispered, "Sorry, I just can’t wait. Let’s do the ritual."

Ayane’s face burned as she turned away, her lips pursed. The truth was, she was also eager if not for her principles, she might have jumped on him right there. Still, it didn’t stop them from kissing and cuddling. She was impressed by Riku’s control—yet with every moment, her anticipation grew.

Being loved like this was addictive. She wanted Riku all to herself, all day. She never imagined she’d harbor such lewd thoughts when she first began her career, but now, having decided to give herself to him, her heart was finally at peace. Her trust deepened—she knew she had chosen the right partner. Even though he was older, his hunger thrilled her.

When her heartbeat calmed, she let Riku take her hand to lead outside.

Outside, Anton, Li, and Richard stood in awe as the couple appeared.

Ayane wore her white gown, Riku his tuxedo. Together, they looked like something out of a fantasy anime.

The decision to marry had been rushed, but no one regretted it—for their beloved captain deserved happiness. They all clapped as Riku and Ayane descended the stairs.

The ritual began soon after. Since they didn’t follow any god, Anton stepped in as the priest, using the Bible as witness while they exchanged vows as husband and wife. Then, from the briefcase, he revealed a rare 20-year-old sake—Koshu, considered sacred for wedding rituals.

The couple exchanged three sips from the same glass, and with that, they were declared husband and wife in modern Japanese style.

Richard folded a magazine into the shape of a mic and held it to Ayane. "Boss, any announcement now that you’re married?"

Everyone laughed lightly at his antics, but Ayane played along. Smiling, she took the folded mic.

"Thank you, everyone—for all of this. For preparing everything, for making my day special. You might not know, but I’m an orphan. Before I joined this company, I had no one to rely on. Your presence has been a blessing. You never left me alone. You became my family. And now, standing here in front of you, I’m so glad to have you at my side. Again—thank you. May we stay like this forever." Her voice trembled as tears touched her eyes.

Even Riku’s hardened face softened as he clapped, knowing her history well.

Li spoke up warmly, "Of course, Caps. We think of you as family too. You can count on us."

Richard’s eyes welled up. "Boss, I never knew... damn." He sniffed and grabbed her hand. "Just say the word, and I’ll lay down my life—"

Before he could finish, Anton yanked him back by the collar. "Come back here, you pervert. Don’t smear Captain’s hand with your snot."

Ayane laughed, calling everyone into a group hug and richard took a snap. They embraced in a close circle before Riku suddenly lifted Ayane by the waist and carried her aside.

"Okay, that’s enough," he said with a grin. "She’s not just the captain—she’s my wife now."

Everyone chuckled as he gently set her back down.

Ayane still held the folded mic when she added, "There’s also good news. Since we can’t reach the company, I’ve struck a deal with the Chinese officials. The details are on this pendrive." She raised it for all to see. "The company keeps its fifty million dollars in exchange for the drives, while we get an extra fifty millions—divided equally among us for a happy retirement."

Li’s jaw dropped. "Holy shit. That’s a billion yen!"

Richard’s eyes went wide. "One billion yen?! That makes me a billionaire—at least in Japan!" He broke into manic laughter.

Anton, however, wasn’t amused. His brow furrowed as unease gnawed at him. This wasn’t part of their deal. "Captain... you bargained?"

Riku stepped forward smoothly. "Don’t worry. I made the deal. The channel was safe—company won’t even know. We’ll get our rewards from them too and retire in peace."

Ayane added firmly, "Yes. Besides, how long can we keep hiding here with no contact? I had to make a decision. But if anyone’s not convinced, I’m open to change."

Li immediately waved it off. "Forget it, Caps. We trust your wisdom. Besides, we’d never see a billion in our lifetime slaving for the company." He turned to Riku and gave a thumbs up. "Thanks for the backdoor deal."

This time, even Richard and Anton nodded.

Ayane sighed in relief, smiling. "Thanks again for trusting me, guys. But—where’s Kieta? We still need his opinion."

And just then, as if fate answered her question, a real announcement boomed from outside.

"This is Takeshi, squad leader of the Hunting Unit," came the commanding voice. "Captain Ayane—you are surrounded and accused of betraying the company. If you don’t want things to get ugly, I demand your complete surrender. The company may show you some leniency, considering your past service."