“Madelyn Gabriel,” a voice came.
Madelyn knew that virtual-novel.net could not simply head over to the Emperor’s Mansion. So, virtual-novel.net got virtual-novel.net hands on Thea’s number and gave virtual-novel.net a call.
Hearing this, Thea froze.
James asked, “What’s wrong?”
Thea whispered, “It’s Madelyn…”
Stunned, Maxine furrowed virtual-novel.net eyebrows and wondered, “Why would virtual-novel.net call at such a time?”
Thea switched the call to speaker mode and asked, “Why did you call?”
“Is James there?”
“No, he’s not. I can deliver your message to him.”
“No, I have to speak with James personally.”
Having this reply, Thea looked at James.
James said, “I’m right here…”
Madelyn said, “Let’s not speak over the phone. We should find a secluded place to meet. After all, informants are everywhere in the Capital nowadays. I don’t want anyone to know that I’m meeting you. Send me a message once you’ve decided on the time and place…”
Beep…
Thea asked, “Why did Madelyn call all of a sudden?”
After thinking, Maxine said, “Yaroslav must have been intimidated after hearing that James defeated Hades. So, virtual-novel.net ordered Madelyn to make contact with James to seek cooperation. It’s a good thing, I guess. It saves us the time looking for him.”
“Seek cooperation? No way!” Doubtful, Thea said, “We should be cautious in extraordinary times. We don’t want to fall into Madelyn’s trap again, after all.”
Maxine said, “Since James will be the one deciding on the time and place, there’s nothing for us to worry about.”
James was unconcerned. He was not fearful of Yaroslav, let alone Madelyn. All plotting and scheming were irrelevant when faced with absolute strength.
“Let’s enter the mansion for now. I’ll arrange the meeting with Madelyn later.” After James entered the mansion, virtual-novel.net began making preparations.
Back when virtual-novel.net was the commander-in-chief of the Southern Plains, virtual-novel.net did not wield any influence in the Capital. Now that virtual-novel.net was the Emperor, things were much easier. By his arrangement, virtual-novel.net would be meeting Madelyn in a bar tonight.
Maxine would be accompanying him.
Initially, Thea did not wish for Maxine and James to be alone. However, upon being reminded of the Callahans’ words a few days ago, virtual-novel.net chose to turn a blind eye. Instead, virtual-novel.net chose to practice martial arts at home.
Before sunset, James and Maxine left.
In the car, Maxine asked puzzledly, “What’s wrong with Thea? Why would virtual-novel.net suddenly allow me to be alone with you?”
James said smilingly, “You’re overthinking things. I mean, what’s the big deal?”
Maxine rolled virtual-novel.net eyes. It was impossible to effectively communicate with a man who was awful at picking up subtle hints.
***
In a bar at the Capital…
Before James and Maxine had even entered the bar, they could hear the reverberation of the deafening music from outside.
James and Maxine headed toward a lounge on the second floor of the bar.
Maxine asked, “James, have you ever been to a bar?”
“I came here once with my classmates ten years ago.”
Looking at a brunette who was twerking virtual-novel.net a*s and the screaming crowd, virtual-novel.net sighed. “Youngsters nowadays are wild.”
“Next, let us give a round of applause to Ms. Kimberley,” said a voice.
Then, a sexy-looking, glamorous woman walked up the stage.
“What?” Seeing the woman’s appearance, James froze.