chapter 26 Can't see my fingers

Apollo Griffith's reluctance was evident to Jackson. "Uncle Apollo, I understand how you feel, but I must remind you, to ensure the villa's security, a drastic change is necessary," Jackson said. Apollo hesitated, "Julius has been with me for five years after all." "As a bodyguard, if he can't protect his employer's safety, it's useless no matter how long he has been here," Jackson said dismissively. Violet, on the other hand, seemed unconvinced, "Julius is very capable, he can take on ten men alone." "For someone like Julius, I could handle ten of them single-handedly," Jackson shook his head. "That's just bragging," Violet obviously didn't believe it. "If he's really that capable, how do you explain someone sneaking into the villa without him noticing?" Jackson challenged. "That just proves the intruder exploited a loophole, seizing the opportunity. If it came to a direct confrontation, Julius would definitely be able to protect us!" Violet insisted. Despite agreeing to be Jackson's fake fiancée, Violet wasn't willing to give in easily. Clashing with Jackson was somehow satisfying for her. Besides, she wouldn't have spoken up for Julius if she didn't believe in his abilities. "My Lady, in your eyes, Julius might be strong. But his strength is only relative to ordinary people. If he were to face an international assassin, Julius would stand no chance," Jackson said bluntly. "International assassin? Are they even a threat to us? Why not say aliens while you're at it!" Violet scoffed. Jackson smirked coldly, "To be frank, since you developed four-dimensional hydrogen two months ago, you've caused a seismic impact on the Western pharmaceutical industry. Many parties have suffered and want to eliminate you quickly. And you're not even a bit vigilant. You won't even know how you died." "Four-dimensional hydrogen?" Violet's eyes widened. She knew what four-dimensional hydrogen was – a breakthrough that could revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry and human society. Much like the discovery of penicillin or radium in the past. Violet had found a molecule in hydrogen beneficial to human health. This molecule, combined with other medicinal ingredients, could destroy malignant tumours in the body. Malignant tumors may be unknown to many people. However, everyone is familiar with cancer. In medicine, cancer refers to a malignant tumour that originates from epithelial tissue. In other words, once the research and development of four-dimensional hydrogen is successful, cancer can be completely eradicated! The once-feared cancer will become as minor as a common cold! "But, four-dimensional hydrogen isn't developed yet," Violet wondered. Jackson sighed, "If it was developed, do you think your life would still be peaceful? The reason why the mastermind hasn't acted yet is they want to steal the relevant data from Griffith Group, trying to develop four-dimensional hydrogen before you." "Why would they want to be faster than me?" Violet was puzzled. Not only Jackson but also Apollo, her father, felt embarrassed, "Because of the patent rights. Just the exclusive rights alone for four-dimensional hydrogen could be worth hundreds of millions." Violet, a research genius, had no concept of money. She never worried about it, growing up in luxury. To her, developing four-dimensional hydrogen was about benefiting humanity, not about the money. When she heard about its billion-dollar value, she was only mildly surprised, pleased that her research was so valuable. "Even if international assassins come after us, I believe Julius can hold his ground!" Violet stated. Jackson rolled his eyes, "How about a bet? I can handle all these bodyguards by myself!" He wanted Violet to face reality, especially with the stakes involving the S virus. "Bet? Bring it on! If you lose, leave the company and never show up again!" Violet couldn't wait for Jackson to disappear, freeing her from their pretend relationship. "Violet, don't be rash!" Apollo quickly intervened, not wanting to lose Jackson's help. Jackson laughed, "You want me to go? Alright. If you lose..." Violet and Apollo listened intently, but Jackson hesitated. "Come on, say it," Violet urged impatiently. "Uncle Apollo, betting is a matter between two people. Could you please excuse us?" Jackson asked Apollo. "Violet, Jackson is a rare find. Don't mess this up!" Apollo warned before leaving the hall. If it were someone else, he wouldn't have trusted them, but Jackson didn't need to avoid him if he had ill intentions. "So, what's the bet?" Violet felt uneasy about Jackson sending her father away but was inwardly delighted at the prospect of getting rid of Jackson. Jackson remained silent, continuously staring at her red lips. The last bet allowed Violet to play with words, kissing on the cheek instead of the lips. Jackson had always been yearning for those sensually soft, big red lips. "Don't even think about it!" Feeling his burning gaze, Violet immediately knew what he was thinking and said annoyed. Jackson's lips slightly curled up, "Not allowing a kiss on the lips? Alright. If you lose, I'll spank you once!" Ever since he touched her buttocks in the hospital last time, Jackson couldn't forget it. Thinking about the touch felt so wonderful, he wondered what it would feel like to smack it with his hand. Hearing this bet, Violet instinctively covered her buttocks. This area was even more sensitive than the lips, how could she let this scoundrel take advantage of her! "No kissing on the mouth, and no spanking. Without paying a corresponding price, don't think I'll leave the company," Jackson chuckled. "This jerk is so shameless!" Violet felt an itch in her teeth with hatred, but the thought of not having to fulfil the bet if she won made her eager to try. "I agree!" Violet snorted, "But if you don't win against Julius and the others, don't wait for me to remind you to pack your bags. I don't want to see you when I wake up tomorrow!" "If I win, you'll obediently bend over," Jackson said with a cunning smile. Seeing the smile on Jackson's face, Violet's feeling of unease grew stronger. She felt like she was being tricked. ... In the basement of the villa. This was a spacious area, originally planned to be a garage when the villa was built. However, it had now become a surveillance room. In the centre of the basement, there was a large screen. The screen showed three to forty small images, all from cameras installed outside the villa, displaying surveillance footage. Apollo and Violet were intently observing every small image on the screen. This confused Julius, who was accompanying the father and daughter. Just a moment ago, Apollo had suggested visiting the surveillance room. Julius naturally didn't object and let two bodyguards stand at the door, while he stayed in the room with them. At first, Julius thought Chairman Apollo would make some requests. But after several minutes, both Apollo and Violet quietly watched the surveillance images, not saying a word. As Julius was puzzled, Apollo spoke up. Pointing at the screen, he asked, "Julius, if someone sneaks into the villa, can the surveillance catch them?" Apollo had put a lot of effort into surveillance equipment. The cameras purchased were high-end, costing thousands each. Even at night, they could clearly see the veins on the leaves in the villa's yard. "Of course. These cameras are 360-degree, full-coverage, with no blind spots. And there are 20 bodyguards on night shift. Any slight movement, and they will sound the alarm," Julius quickly explained. "Julius, do you think there's a master who can single-handedly defeat the entire bodyguard team?" Violet asked. Hearing this, Julius was stunned for a moment, then solemnly said, "Miss, I'm not bragging. These brothers are among the best soldiers from the military. Maybe there are masters who can win in single combat, but our bodyguard team has a total of 30 people! It's impossible for one person to defeat the entire team!" He spoke with unmistakable pride. Whoosh! Just as he finished speaking, suddenly the top-left image on the big screen disappeared, turning into static! Julius thought it was a camera issue and ran to the computer to adjust it. But before he could fix it, the second image also turned into static! Like a chain reaction, before Julius could react, the third image also turned into static! The three images, making a harsh and unpleasant sound. As the situation kept happening, Julius realized something was wrong and quickly grabbed the walkie-talkie, shouting, "All duty personnel report the situation, is everything normal inside the villa?" "Normal!" "No problem!" The night-shift bodyguards replied through the walkie-talkie. Julius glanced at the other normal images, confirmed there was no issue, and then instructed, "Number one, two, and three cameras are having problems at the same time, check their status!" "It must be a line issue, it'll be fixed soon." Putting down the walkie-talkie, Julius said to Apollo. Whoosh! The fourth image turned into static. "They are under normal circumstances, don't panic," Julius said calmly. But then, the fifth, sixth, seventh... In less than a minute, all 40 images turned into static at an unbelievable speed! Whoosh!!!!! The sound from the 40 static images was ear-piercing. Violet even covered her ears. Julius quickly muted the noise, and the surveillance room became quiet. "Attention all duty personnel, report the situation! Report the situation!" Julius hastily grabbed the walkie-talkie and shouted loudly. But this time, no one answered him again. Even Julius, as foolish as he might be, knew that a big problem had occurred. He quickly took out his mobile phone, ready to contact the other ten bodyguards on the day shift. Bang! But just at that moment, the lights in the basement suddenly went out, plunging the room into pitch darkness.