Tyler and Ara have been busy lately, and Slacovich permitted Tyler to stay with Ara under the condition that he must not be seen by anyone. Ara and Tyler's actions in public are limited, but they're both at ease knowing they only have each other to love. They both trust each other, and the people around them don't even matter at all. Everything's going smoothly so far for the both of them. As for the others, they're doing their usual jobs.
Meanwhile, at Volton's company, they're facing a sudden decrease in their assets in China. Reports show that his biggest manufacturing branch was overtaken by a new one. It's said that the new manufacturing company pays higher, and their employees switched sides. With fewer workers, they can't keep up with their quotas, and their clients have been complaining about the delays in receiving their orders.
"When did all of this start happening?" Volton raged, and his fangs showed it.
"President Hellgazer, our partners in China also backed out. We're losing control over our companies there." His secretary handed him the detailed reports of their assets in China.
"This can't be happening. I own the biggest share more than our partners. Those jerks are trying to fool me!"
"Sir, being the biggest shareholder makes you the CEO, but---"
"But what?!"
"The other shareholders sold their shares to one person. All of them. Which makes that person the new CEO. There are only two major shareholders in the manufacturing company in China. It's you and…"
"And?! Why do you always leave the info hanging?"
"Sir, President Demonfire bought the shares. He now holds 57% in total from all seven previous shareholders."
"DAMN IT! I should've known this would happen! Those Demonfires are really testing my power. Secure our other assets. Don't let them sneak into us again!"
"Yes, sir. I'll immediately set an emergency conference call to all our branches."
"Prepare the car. We're paying our partners a visit." His eyes turned red as blood in frustration.
Volton tagged along with five of his best men. They headed toward the Demonfire Group of Companies without informing the latter of their sudden visit. Little did he know, the Demonfire clan had already planned their next move. As Volton entered the vicinity, he was greeted by a staff member.
"Mr. Hellgazer, our President is already expecting your arrival. He's waiting in his office. Let me lead the way."
"Tch! That punk's humiliating me." He clenched his fists and followed the staff. He left two of his men at the door to stand guard. When he entered the elevator, Diego informed Slacovich that Volton was on his way to the office. Diego then walked toward Volton's men and stayed with them to ensure the safety of their staff in case of an attack.
When the elevator door opened, Li was already waiting for them. She would take them to Slacovich's office from there.
"Mr. Hellgazer, it's nice of you to pay our dear President a visit in his own territory." Volton's anger level skyrocketed. He was obviously fuming, and Li was pleased. Just as they expected him to be. She opened the door to Slacovich's office, Sofie, Harry, Tyler, and Slacovich were there waiting for him.
"You planned this from the very beginning!" Volton burst out in anger.
"I only planned on expanding my company. I didn't know that was your company, because if I had known, I would still buy it anyway," Slacovich chuckled.
"You!" Volton rushed in front of Slacovich and choked him. Sofie and the others stood on guard, but Slacovich stopped them and motioned for them to sit again.
"Violence again? Is this how you deal with everything?" Slacovich grabbed Volton's choking hand and gripped it tightly. Volton let go and stepped back.
"What do you want?"
"We just want what you stole that time."
"You mean the serum? How are you supposed to get it back when it's already inside my body?"
"Do you think I don't know what you're hiding under your company's building? Dr. Spencer is trying to recreate the serum and is using innocent people as test subjects!"
"I shouldn't have underestimated you. Even if you take full control of my assets, you can never stop my plans to rule this world."
"You are insane!"
"We have these powers, we're far superior to those humans. Why would I stay low when I am capable of controlling them? Even if you manage to destroy my lab, I already have an army that can annihilate all human existence."
"If that's the case, then…" Li opened up the monitors, and Volton's eyes were glued to them. He could see his company in Germany exploding.
"DAMN YOU!!" He grabbed Slacovich's arm and twisted it. Sofie, Li, and Tyler held down his men. Slacovich kicked Volton's knee, making him lose his grip on his arm. He then grabbed him and threw him against the wall.
"You're a threat that should be taken down immediately!" Slacovich transformed into a vampire, and so did everyone else, even the enemies. Volton chuckled.
"I'm a threat, yet you blew up my company with people still in there. You're just like me."
"I will never be like you. As for those three people, they deserved it. They also knew about the facility's existence. And three more people are left on our list. One is currently in hiding after escaping the accident I planned. The remaining two, I bet you know who they are."
"It's me and Dr. Spencer. You're targeting my assets to make me lose my reign in the business world."
"Exactly. When you lose face in this industry, you won't be able to fund your laboratories." Volton's eyes widened at Slacovich's words. "You heard right. I said laboratories, one here, and the other in the UK. You're using the royal family's authority to establish a lab so easily. You found out that the Queen supports charities and used her to approve your lab's structure."
"You really have capable hands in your family. I must say, I lack that part."
"I may have them, but we don't need to hack anything this time to access the information we need. You're currently in the same room as a legit Princess. She wants to save her parents from the inhumane acts you subjected them to." Volton looked at the two women in the room. He studied their features, Li looked Asian, so he assumed she had contacts in China and was responsible for his loss in that country. Then he stared at Sofie, who bore an uncanny resemblance to the Queen. He should've noticed it.
"I should have paid greater attention to your backgrounds before I started this war. Thanks for making me realize it. From now on, you won't be able to fool me again." He and his men retreated, walking away calmly. "I may have lost this time, but don't expect me to be shaken that easily," he thought to himself. Slacovich and the others sighed in relief.
"Li, how's the branch in China doing?"
"We've already transferred the funds there. We successfully took over his authority, but we still need to stay alert. He'll definitely strike back."
"Sofie, any news from your contact in the UK?"
"The latest report says that the laboratory has been taken down. All chemicals and equipment were confiscated. I already gave them instructions for handling those materials. I need to deal with it personally."
"Then I'll let you take Harry with you. Maybe we can salvage something for the antidote Harry's working on."
"Okay, I'll coordinate with Sofie then. But I need you to secure the lab in the basement."
"Harry, don't worry, Li and I already set up new security features. Installing them is our first priority."
"But you still have to shoot the film."
"No worries. I can make time for it. For now, I'll take my leave, my manager already texted. My scene will be filmed in a few minutes." Tyler left immediately.
Back at Volton's office, he called Dr. Spencer. When she arrived, she noticed Volton's angry eyes.
"What can I do for you?"
"Do you have the list of the six candidates who were taken to the facility? Especially their backgrounds."
"Sorry, but all I gathered at that time was the formula information. I never thought they'd become obstacles for us."
"I see. But a few details that you know might help."
"When I got there, the doctors started calling them by code. They never referred to them by name at all."
"How many of each gender were there?"
"Three men and three women."
"Three women?" His eyes widened as he recalled the faces from their first encounter on the ship, and later at the office.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm very sure. Why?"
"Small details shouldn't be ignored. I've been fooled the whole time. That just means one of them isn't a vampire yet."
"What do you mean?"
"At the ship, there were four of them, two women and two men. Now, at their office, there are three men and the same two women. The two faces are new to me. I'm sure Tyler was there. That's right. There was one guy who didn't turn into a vampire and just stayed away from the fight."
"Which means the other woman's identity is a mystery to us. Don't worry, I can recall their faces as long as I see them in person. I've been in the lab most of the time, but if I'm always with you, I can help determine who's who."
"That's a great idea. Every time I have a meeting with them, I'll take you with me."
"Or you could just ask one of your men to take pictures of them."
"Better. Then ask the best men we have to follow them around and take pictures. You'll be able to identify them from that."
Dr. Spencer then gave instructions for the little mission. They all set out to follow the Demonfire members. It seems like Slacovich's actions this time made the enemy smarter. This little mistake will surely backfire on them unexpectedly, giving the enemy the upper hand without even realizing they're the ones being blamed.