Jax merely smiled at Sawyer’s update, his expression unreadable.
He had known from the start that Dr. Aris’s Defense Tower was destined for failure. The internal mechanisms were a chaotic mess of non-standard parts; in Jax’s original timeline, even an apprentice workshop laborer would have flagged the schematic as garbage.
Given how Aris had treated him—with sneering arrogance and hostility—Jax had long since abandoned any notion of lending a hand.
"Oh."
Jax offered a noncommittal grunt, turning his attention back to the steak on his plate. He sliced through the meat with surgical precision, seemingly more interested in the texture of the beef than the failure of a rival architect.
Sawyer stared, momentarily stunned by Jax’s nonchalance. It was as if Jax had already read the script and knew the ending.
Recovering, Sawyer pressed on. "Well, word is he’s scrambling to find someone to fix the structural flaws. I hear the conditions he’s offering are incredibly lucrative."
Jax didn't even look up.
I warned him. He didn’t listen.
To Jax, it was a classic case of hubris. Ignoring advice when it mattered, only to beg for solutions after the collapse? Why commit the error if you weren't prepared to pay the price? He had zero patience for that breed of incompetence.
Seeing Jax remains unmoved, Sawyer sighed, leaning back in his chair. The festive atmosphere of the dinner dampened slightly as his expression turned serious.
"Jax, there is… another matter. Resolving your identity status is proving more troublesome than anticipated. There are complications involving multiple factions. It’s going to take a few more days."
Jax’s knife froze against the porcelain plate. He looked up, his gaze sharp.
"What do you mean? More waiting?"
"I’m afraid so," Sawyer admitted, looking genuinely frustrated. "It’s a headache. I just received a communiqué stating that certain 'figures above' are opposing the pardon. Our lawyers are currently negotiating, trying to smooth things over. But don't worry—we will find a solution."
Jax’s brow furrowed. Under normal circumstances, he could wait. But he wasn't just worrying about himself; he was thinking of Elena.
The situation at The Elysium Lounge was already precarious. Rumors of a buyout were circulating. If the ownership changed hands before he could extract her, the internal hierarchy would shift. If the new management was anything like the typical underworld operators of this era, the female staff—especially those in debt bondage like Elena—would be incredibly vulnerable.
Jax calculated the risks. Every day he sat here was another day the noose tightened around her.
"Brother Sawyer," Jax said, his voice dropping an octave. "Is there any way to accelerate this? Any way at all?"
"I… I don't know what exactly you need to do," Sawyer stammered slightly. "Whatever business you have, you don't necessarily need to go in person. We have agents inside Redrock Bastion. They can handle tasks on your behalf."
Jax fell silent, weighing his options.
Without a legal identity, he couldn't enter Redrock Bastion. If he couldn't enter, he couldn't personally ensure Elena's safety. But relying on proxies required trust.
He decided to be direct.
"It’s a woman," Jax said softly. "I need to get her out."
Sawyer’s eyebrows shot up. "Oh? A woman? tell me, Brother Jax. Where is she? Is she also in trouble with the law?"
"No," Jax shook his head. "She works at The Elysium Lounge. Back when I was on the run, she took that job to save my life—she’s working as a liquor promoter to pay off debts. I don't know her current status, but with the Lounge being sold, I’m terrified she’s going to fall into the wrong hands."
"The Elysium Lounge?" Sawyer grimaced. "That complicates things."
He didn't waste a second. Sawyer reached for a button on the mahogany dining table. Moments later, the heavy oak doors opened, and the butler stepped inside, bowing slightly.
"Investigate The Elysium Lounge immediately," Sawyer commanded. "Find out who the new owner is, and the status of the transfer."
"At once, Mr. Sawyer." The butler bowed again and vanished.
Jax pushed his plate away, his appetite gone.
Sawyer looked at him with profound apology. "Brother Jax, I truly am sorry. I haven't handled this well. Your case is... unique. It’s not a problem that can simply be buried with Credits."
"I don't blame you, Sawyer," Jax said, forcing a calm demeanor. "I’m just worried about Elena."
"Rest assured. Once we identify the buyer, we’ll move heaven and earth to get her out."
"Thank you."
The two men relocated to the sitting room to wait.
Time seemed to drag its feet. The butler did not return.
Jax couldn't maintain his composure. He paced the length of the room, turning sharply at the walls, his energy coiled tight like a spring ready to snap.
Tick-tock. Tick-tock.
The expensive grandfather clock in the corner hammered away the seconds, each beat echoing the tightening in Jax’s chest.
Finally, footsteps echoed in the corridor.
Jax bolted to the door and threw it open. But it wasn't the butler.
It was Vance.
Vance beamed when he saw Jax. "Sir! You’re awake and rested!"
"It’s you," Jax breathed out, unable to hide his disappointment. He turned and walked back into the room.
Vance stood in the doorway, blinkering, the awkward silence hanging heavy. But he had a job to do. He stepped inside and approached Sawyer, lowering his voice.
"Chief Sawyer, there’s a development with Dr. Aris."
Sawyer, eager for a distraction, waved a hand. "What is it? Speak."
"Dr. Aris and The Eldest Scion have put out a word," Vance reported. "They are desperate. They’ve announced that anyone who can repair the flaws in their Armor-Piercing Crossbow Defense Tower can name their price. Any request will be granted."
Sawyer’s face darkened. "Dammit. Why is my big brother getting involved in this mess? He usually couldn't care less about technical affairs."
"I heard they want to enter the Defense Tower exhibition," Vance explained. "The organizers are high-ranking officials from Redrock Bastion. The Reward this year is massive. The Boss won't let an opportunity like that slip by."
"Hmph." Sawyer sneered. "That parasite. All he knows is debauchery—drinking and whoring his life away. Now he suddenly wants to impress the Old Man? He’s rotten wood that can’t be carved."
Sawyer slammed his palm against the armrest of his chair. "Fine. Keep watching them. If they make another move, tell me immediately."
"Understood, Chief Sawyer. I’ll head back."
"Wait." Sawyer stopped him, glancing sideways at Jax, who was staring out the window at the gloom. "Have you seen the butler?"
"Uh… no, sir. Why?"
"Never mind. If you see him, send him here instantly. It’s critical for Brother Jax."
"Yes, sir."
Vance retreated, closing the door softly.
Sawyer pulled a cigar box from the side table and offered one to Jax. "Brother Jax, patience. Worrying won't change the outcome. We wait."
Jax stared out at the leaden sky. A drizzle had started, tapping against the glass.
"It’s hard not to worry," Jax murmured. "I’d fly to Redrock Bastion right now if I could."
Suddenly, headlights swept across the rain-slicked driveway. An SUV turned through the main gates.
"Is that the butler’s car?" Jax asked sharply. "The Mitsubishi?"
Sawyer peered out. "Yes! He’s back."
"Let's go."
Jax didn't wait. He strode out of the room, Sawyer scrambling to keep up.
Outside, the rain was falling steadily. Jax ignored it, stepping off the porch and walking directly to the vehicle as it braked. The butler stepped out, holding an umbrella, a faint smile on his face.
"Mr. Jax, Mr. Sawyer. I found something."
"Spit it out," Jax demanded, water dripping from his hair.
"Let's get inside first," Sawyer urged, grabbing Jax’s arm. "You’ll get sick."
Reluctantly, Jax allowed himself to be pulled back into the dry warmth of the living room.
The butler wiped his shoes and turned to Sawyer, his expression turning grave. "Mr. Sawyer, it is confirmed. The buyer of The Elysium Lounge is Victor, the third son of the Liu family."
Sawyer’s face drained of color. "Victor? Why the hell did he buy it? That place is beneath him."
"Unclear," the butler replied. "Rumor has it he intends to demolish the interior and build a high-end private club."
"Dammit!" Sawyer cursed. "This… this makes things incredibly difficult."
Jax felt a cold pit form in his stomach. "Brother Sawyer, be straight with me. What’s the problem?"
"I won't lie to you," Sawyer said, his voice grim. "Victor is my nemesis. We’ve been at each other’s throats for years. If he finds out I’m trying to extract someone from his new property—especially a woman—he will block it out of pure spite. He’d never let me take Miss Elena."
Jax felt his heart sink halfway into the abyss.
"Are you serious? Is there no other way?"
Sawyer shook his head bitterly. "With him holding the deed? I don't know."
The room fell silent, the ticking clock sounding like a countdown to disaster.
Then, the butler cleared his throat.
"Mr. Sawyer, have you forgotten? The Eldest Scion is quite close to Victor. They run in the same social circles. Perhaps… we could reach Victor through your brother."