Max Mo received word that Cecilia Gu had almost been captured by the enemy. His face darkened immediately as he personally inspected every corner of the estate.
He absolutely could not allow anything like this to happen again.
And sure enough—
His inspection did turn up something suspicious.
The roadblocks that had been properly set up were mysteriously moved aside at some point.
And the places where traps had been laid were deliberately tampered with.
What else did Max Mo need to figure out?
There was obviously a traitor inside the estate.
A little thought made it all clear.
Those guests who stayed behind weren’t necessarily too afraid to leave—some of them must have been planted here by the Qu Family.
They quietly opened the back gate of the estate—who knows when they’ll collude with outsiders and sell out everyone inside.
Max Mo let out a cold laugh and gave immediate orders: "This is a critical moment for survival. To ensure the safety of our guests, move everyone to Warehouse Three and concentrate our protection there. No one leaves without permission!"
The assistant instantly understood Max Mo’s intent and hurried off to carry out the order.
Someone nearby muttered, "There’s just no way to guard against this. With so many people, it’s impossible to patiently figure out who the Qu Family’s undercover agents are."
Max Mo scoffed, "With the Qu Family’s way of doing things, they’ll never rule or dominate—just splash around in their little pond."
Max Mo’s orders quickly spread. Sure enough, some people fiercely protested and refused to cooperate.
"What’s the meaning of this? We’re guests, not prisoners! Are you trying to lock us up? How is the Yin Family Estate any different from the Qu Family? I won’t cooperate!"
"That’s right! We came to the Yin Family Estate for refuge, not to be treated like servants or prisoners! This is an insult to our dignity—we refuse!"
"I demand to stay in my own room! Sending us to a warehouse for so-called 'protection'—you’re just using us as human shields against the attacks outside! The Yin Family angered the Qu Family and now we’re supposed to take the heat? Why us!"
The crowd broke into chaos.
Cecilia Gu, freshly changed and bandaged, hurried over. Just a couple of questions and she understood what was happening.
She never imagined that among the people she’d kindly taken in, there’d be spies colluding with Samuel Qu, the Qu Family’s seventh son.
Just thinking about it sent chills down her spine.
Thankfully, she’d always been cautious and hadn’t let anyone outside discover Mr. Qu’s presence.
But those few people had already met Zachary Qu, and could probably guess that Mr. Qu was now at the Yin Family Estate.
If those people managed to contact Samuel Qu outside, they’d know exactly where Mr. Qu and Zachary Qu were hiding.
They absolutely could not be allowed to stay!
Cecilia Gu shot Max Mo a quick look and nodded firmly.
Max Mo understood Cecilia Gu’s meaning. He winked at her, signaling her to relax—he’d handle this.
Max Mo said coldly, “If you’re so unwilling, then don’t accept the Yin Family Estate’s protection. The gate’s right there—if you don’t want to be protected, leave now!”
Those few people couldn’t wait to leave and pass on information.
They put on a show of outrage, slamming their belongings down and shouting, "I’d rather die outside the gate than suffer this humiliation! Let’s go!"
Three people strode out from the crowd, heads held high, and marched toward the main gate.
But the main gate was sealed, blocked off completely with thick sandbags and stones.
If they wanted to leave, the only way was through the gate—and opening it would expose everyone inside to the raging battle outside.
It was obvious to everyone what their true intentions were.
Cecilia Gu’s face instantly turned grim.
As the three reached the gate, Max Mo raised his hand and made a subtle gesture in the air.
The next second, someone appeared like a ghost in front of the three. With a flick of fishing line, their bodies collapsed as if their spines had been ripped out, dropping to the ground instantly.
The whole scene fell deadly silent. The guests who’d been wavering, nearly brainwashed, immediately straightened up—suddenly staying seemed like the better option.
"Everyone, there were spies among us who sabotaged our traps and nearly cost us the estate. We’ve found them and they’ve been punished. Any objections?" Max Mo’s assistant asked.
"No objections, absolutely none!" Many voices echoed from the crowd. "We’ll cooperate fully!"
The assistant nodded with satisfaction. "Warehouse Three is ready with some snacks and tea. Please move there and spend these last crucial hours together."
"Yes, yes." No one dared look at the three unlucky ones at the gate—they just lowered their heads and obediently headed to Warehouse Three.
Seeing this, Cecilia Gu couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Max Mo came over and comforted her in a low voice, "Don’t worry, it’s fine now! Everyone here is either yours or mine—they can be trusted. With them locked in the warehouse, there won’t be any more trouble."
Cecilia Gu let out a survivor’s smile. "I just feel shaken. You really can’t predict people’s hearts."
Max Mo glanced up at the sky and said softly, "Yeah, the only thing you can predict is self-interest."
Cecilia Gu turned to Max Mo. "How much longer do we have to hold out?"
"About four more hours," Max Mo replied. "I’ve already contacted the rescue team. Also, Samuel Qu still doesn’t know Mr. Qu’s exact location, but he’s realized the Monroe Family Estate is just a decoy. He’ll likely focus all his forces on attacking here. The next four hours are the most critical."
(This chapter isn’t finished yet~ Please click next page to continue reading the exciting story!)
Cecilia Gu nodded firmly. "We’ll definitely hold out until rescue arrives!"
"We will." Max Mo smiled. "I’ve read so many military strategy books, but rarely had a chance to use them. This time, I get to put theory into practice."
Cecilia Gu laughed along with his comfort. "Alright, I’ll get some practice in too."
The two of them exchanged a smile.
Just as Max Mo predicted, Samuel Qu quickly caught on—Max wasn’t at the other estate, and what made him nervous wasn’t just Cecilia Gu, but something else: Mr. Qu was definitely at the Yin Family Estate!
So Samuel Qu didn’t hesitate—he pulled all firepower away from the Monroe Family Estate and surrounded the Yin Family Estate, preparing for a final assault before dawn to break through its ironclad defenses.
Viper came to Samuel Qu after hearing the news. "Seventh Young Master, let me remind you: attack the estate if you must, but don’t harm Max Mo. That man is not someone you want to mess with lightly."
Samuel Qu replied arrogantly, "How dangerous can Max Mo be? Why are you all so scared of him? As far as I can see, he’s just a spoiled rich boy. We’ve been fighting for ages and he hasn’t shown anything special! Enough, stop nagging—I know what I’m doing."
Viper went quiet for a moment. "So you’re really set on killing Max Mo here?"
"Do you really think those people deserve to live?" Samuel Qu grew even more arrogant. "Hiding that old bastard’s things means you’re against me!"
Viper fell silent again, then said, "Seventh Young Master, if you’re set on this, my team is pulling out. I can take risks, but I won’t gamble with my people’s lives!"
"Viper, let me remind you! If you quit halfway, you won’t get a cent—including the wages for these past few days!" Samuel Qu snapped.
"No matter how much money, you still need to be alive to spend it." Viper hated losing the cash, but he knew Max Mo was far more dangerous than he seemed, and so were the people around him.
"Well then, see you around." Viper made a quick decision, pulled his team out, and disappeared from the scene.
"Captain, we’ve come this far—why are we leaving now?" a team member asked, confused.
"Shut up!" Viper snapped, clearly in a foul mood. "Move it!"
"But—"
"No buts! If you don’t want to come, go back now. From this moment, you’re not part of my team!" Viper said coldly.
"I... Fine, fine." The team member grumbled and fell silent, following the group out.
After Viper’s exit, other teams quickly filled the gap and kept the Yin Family Estate tightly surrounded.
Inside the estate, Max Mo asked Cecilia Gu, "Are you ready?"
Cecilia Gu took a deep breath. "Honestly, I really don’t want to do this. It feels so cruel!"
Max Mo smiled. "But this is a fight to the death. Tonight, they want all of us dead! They’ve brought shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. The estate may look secure, but it can’t stand up to that kind of firepower. If it comes to that, we’ll all die here."
Cecilia Gu exhaled forcefully, her resolve hardening. "I understand. I’m ready! Max, I’ll leave the rest to you!"
Max Mo reached out and gently patted Cecilia Gu’s head, showing rare affection. "Let me bear all the blame."
With that, Max Mo picked up a small sealed case from the table.
Cecilia Gu started after him but stopped, letting out a sigh.
She hadn’t expected they’d have to use these things after all.
The case was made by Jiro Hirayama as a last resort for her survival.
It was also something Charles Yin insisted she bring for self-defense before she left.
Cecilia Gu had never used it, but she knew anything made by Jiro Hirayama would be extremely dangerous.