I Breathe Euro

After seeing the General up close, Jack's determination solidified even further. The sheer presence of the man and his terrifying power were a clear indication of what lay ahead. If Jack wanted to stand against such forces in the future, he needed to be well-prepared. The island he planned to build would not only serve as his sanctuary but also as a symbol of his unshakable will. Every penny he invested would be worth it.

Finally, the Pendant he had purchased from the System Shop arrived. As Jack held it in his hands, he couldn't help but admire its intricate design. The craftsmanship was exquisite—delicate patterns etched into its surface, with a sky-blue gemstone shimmering in the light. Despite its beauty, Jack couldn't ignore the one drawback: it was a ladies' item.

The Sky Blue Pendant: A delicate piece of jewelry that could amplify charm by several folds. However, it came with a strict restriction—it could only be worn by women.

Jack let out a small sigh, slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, he knew its value and carefully tucked it into his bag. After gathering his clothes, he poured himself a drink, sat down, and sipped relaxedly. His mind, though calm, remained sharp as he considered his next move.

A while later, the door opened, and Mr. Smith entered the room. His sharp, calculating eyes immediately fell on Jack, seated with his packed bag beside him. The sight made Mr. Smith squint in disapproval. He had no intention of letting Jack leave so easily.

"What? Seeing Clark on the move made you so worried?" Jack asked, his voice carrying a tone of mockery. He was certain that the woman in the store had been a plant, strategically placed by Mr. Smith to keep tabs on him.

"Doctor," Mr. Smith said coldly, his tone commanding and unyielding. "Don't overstep yourself. Don't go anywhere." His words were laced with authority, making it clear that he expected Jack to stay and continue his work.

Jack, however, was unbothered. He smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Time's up. I'm leaving in a few minutes. Do you really think you can stop me?" His voice was calm, but his confidence was evident. As he spoke, he reached for his gun, fully prepared for a confrontation.

Before Jack could draw his weapon, Mr. Smith moved faster, pulling his own gun and pointing it directly at him.

Jack, still unfazed, smiled. This was exactly what he had anticipated. Unbeknownst to Mr. Smith, Jack had already stationed Azazel's sword, a deadly and precise weapon, right above his adversary's head.

Bang!

Mr. Smith fired. His aim was deliberate—he intended to cripple Jack's leg, ensuring he couldn't escape. Losing Jack entirely wasn't an option; his genius was too valuable to let go.

However, as the bullet made contact with Jack, it rebounded harmlessly. Jack remained untouched, his expression calm and composed. After all, he wasn't just any ordinary man—he was a Level 150 monster.

"Ahahaha, nice try," Jack said with a laugh as he stood up. Then, with a swift motion, he slapped Mr. Smith hard across the face, rendering him unconscious instantly. Not stopping there, Jack delivered a powerful kick to the man's body, sending him sliding across the room and tumbling down the stairs.

"He'll be in the hospital for some months," Jack murmured, his tone indifferent.

Jack then sat back down, waiting patiently for Clark to arrive with the car. Moments later, Amanda came running into the room, her face glowing with excitement. She was eager to elope with Jack, the thought filling her with happiness.

RING-RING

Jack's phone buzzed—it was Clark. Without hesitation, Jack grabbed Amanda's hand and walked outside.

As they crossed the living room, Amanda noticed her father lying motionless on the floor. Yet, she paid him no attention, her focus entirely on Jack as she held his hand tightly.

Outside the villa, a sleek black Range Rover was waiting for them. Clark hurriedly got out of the car and took the bag from Jack's hand.

"Alright, we're going to New York, Clark. Is the tank full?" Jack asked as he calmly settled into the luxurious car.

"Yes, it's completely filled. This car cost around $180K," Clark replied, though his tone suggested he thought it was an extravagant purchase.

"Yeah? Well, this car is a gift from me to you," Jack said with a smile, his generosity catching Clark off guard.

"B… but," Clark stammered, clearly shocked. Jack, not having the necessary IDs to purchase a car in America, had relied on Clark to buy it in his name.

"No buts. Just take it. Now, drive us to New York," Jack said firmly, nodding as he gave the command.

The drive was smooth and quiet. Jack felt a sense of contentment as he sat inside the car. The premium interior and the comfortable ride helped ease his thoughts.

As they neared New York, the Statue of Liberty came into view, standing tall against the skyline. Jack sighed with relief, knowing they had almost reached their destination.

Clark, ever polite, asked, "Doctor, should I take you to the Plaza Hotel?"

Jack glanced at him briefly, then replied casually, "Neh, just take me to the nearest five-star hotel first." He turned to Amanda, who was visibly fatigued from the journey. Her tired eyes and slouched posture tugged at Jack's sense of responsibility. Smiling softly, he made up his mind. He didn't want Amanda to meet Katrina and Maria in her current state.

As the car approached a bustling street, Jack leaned forward. "Drop me here, Clark," he instructed firmly. His plan was to take a taxi and head to the Plaza Hotel alone, leaving Amanda to rest.

Amanda, noticing his decision, clutched his jacket tightly. Her voice, filled with worry, broke through the car's hum. "Are you not coming?" she asked, her grip refusing to let go.

Jack looked at her warmly and placed a reassuring hand on hers. "You just need to go and rest," he said gently. "I'll be back tomorrow. Take her to The Lowell; she'll be fine there." His smile, calm and comforting, carried an unspoken promise.

After stepping out of the car, Jack approached Clark's window, lowering his voice as he spoke. "Take her there. You've got money, right? Once you're done, come back to my hotel. We'll head to that stupid town again and Bring that Bitch out. I'll bring her back." With a quick wink at Clark and a final smile at Amanda, Jack hailed a taxi and disappeared into the lively New York streets.

As Jack entered the grand hotel lobby, his sharp eyes caught sight of Heinrich leaving. The man's confident stride halted when he spotted Jack.

"Son-in-law, you've come back? How was that fool?" Heinrich greeted him with a friendly smile, pausing mid-step.

Jack's lips curved into a faint smirk. "It's a long story," he replied, his tone laced with amusement. "Where are you headed?"

"Yana is coming home, and my father called me for something important. So, I'm heading back," Heinrich explained, his warm smile not faltering.

Jack nodded thoughtfully, his gaze steady. "Alright, take care of yourself. I'll head home from India after I've checked everything myself," he said with a firm yet composed tone, his words carrying the weight of his resolve. With a final nod to Heinrich, Jack turned on his heel and strode deeper into the grand hotel.

The moment he opened the door to his room, a sense of warmth enveloped him. Katrina was there, sitting comfortably on the sofa, completely engrossed in the television. The soft glow of the screen illuminated her serene expression, her features relaxed in a rare moment of peace. But as soon as she noticed him standing in the doorway, her entire demeanor shifted. Her face brightened, her eyes sparkling with joy, as if all her worries had melted away at the sight of him.

"Jack! How are you?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine excitement. Without a moment's hesitation, she rose from her seat and hurried over to him. Her movements were graceful yet purposeful, and when she reached him, her hands instinctively cupped his face. Her touch was tender, her fingers gently brushing against his skin, as if ensuring he was truly there with her.

Jack smiled warmly, leaning into her touch as if drawing strength from it. "I'm here," he said softly, his voice carrying a sense of relief and affection. His eyes met hers, and in that brief moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. "I wanted to see you so badly," he admitted, his words sincere and tinged with emotion. It was a rare glimpse into the vulnerability he so often kept hidden.

Katrina's lips curled into a small pout, though her eyes betrayed her relief at having him back. "You could have called me," she murmured, her tone gently chiding but filled with warmth. Despite her words, there was no anger or frustration—only a quiet yearning for the moments they had missed.

Jack let out a soft chuckle, his voice both apologetic and endearing. "I know," he said, his tone heartfelt. "I've just been so busy. But be with me now," he added earnestly, his words carrying a depth of feeling that needed no further explanation.

Her pout softened into a radiant smile, one that seemed to light up the room. "Where else would I be but by your side?" Katrina replied, her voice gentle yet resolute. She wrapped her arms around him in a loving embrace, holding him close as if she never wanted to let go. In that moment, nothing else mattered—the chaos of the outside world, the challenges they faced—it all faded into insignificance. All that remained was the comfort of being together, a bond that no distance or hardship could break.