Facade

“Grandmaster, please! We’re begging you! Please spare our lives!” 

The men began groveling even more to the point that they began smashing their foreheads against the floor, causing their heads to bleed 

At that moment, a phone’s ringtone cut through the atmosphere. 

Bernard picked up the ringing phone casually. When he saw the caller ID, a hint of warmth surfaced on his cold–looking face. 

He parted his thin lips to utter, “Keep it down.” 

The three men grasped onto the final line of hope, thinking that they could still reverse the situation. They looked up at Bernard eagerly, waiting for his next line. 

Little did they know that Bernard was talking to the bodyguards this whole time. 

The bodyguards paired up immediately and approached the men. One person was in charge of covering his target’s mouth and strangling him, while the other took on the responsibility of crippling said target. 

Three resounding snaps of bones bring broken could be heard coming from the men. The poor men were in so much pain that they couldn’t utter a sound. Darkness swam around their vision, threatening to consume them whole 

At that moment, Bernard answered the call. “Sweetle, are you coming home soon?” 

One of the bodyguards, who was in charge of beating his target up, happened to overheat Bernard’s affectionate nickname for Hera being spoken in such a gentle manner. He shuddered immediately and lost control of himself for a moment, resulting in him almost killing the target. 

Was this really the cold and ruthless grandmaster of Astral Nova? 

Who on earth was the one calling him? 

The poor man fainted on the spot from the intense pain after letting out a few soft groans. 

Meanwhile, Samson was left feeling speechless and awkward. 

If only he could remind Bemard to keep up his intimidating front as the grandmaster of Astral Nova…. 

On the other hand, Hera’s breath was lodged in her throat the moment she heard Bernard’s voice. For some reason, it managed to strum her heartstrings. 

Bernard had last called her “sweetle” 11 years ago. Back then, she was still living with the Killians. “Sweetie” was Bernard’s favorite nickname for her. 

“Nope. I’m not done with my business yet,” H Hera replied after regaining her senses. “I just wanted to remind you to take your meals regularly. Don’t forget your meds. ” 

“I thought you missed me,” Bernard replied while sounding pitiful. 

Another bodyguard shuddered at the response. He ended up knocking out his own target, who crumpled to the floor with a loud thud. 

Hera didn’t say anything on the other end of the line. 

The truth was, she was a little worried about Bernard’s injury. 

“Is there someone else with you at home?” She could hear the thud coming from Bernard’s end of the Ene. 

“Nope. I’m alone here. Right, Tiramisu’s with me too,” Bernard answered smoothly. 

Samson and the bodyguards were speechless, to say the least. Were they not supposed to exist? 

“I’ve ordered food for you. The server will arrive soon with the food. You have to pay attention to the doorbell, alright?” Hera sald. 

“Got it. You’re so meticulous, sweetie. I’ll wait for you to come home.” 

After Bernard ended the call, the hint of gentleness dissipated instantly. His demeanor became icy once again 

He shot a frosty glance at the three men, who slumped on the floor before ordering, “Deal with them accordingly. 

“Yes, sir,” Samson responded before waving at his subordinates. 

A few bodyguards propped the men out of the villa 

Chee Samson and Bernard were the only ones left in the living room, Bernard removed his mask. 

“We’re going back to Skyview Heights.” 

Samson harried over to help him up on his feet. At the same time, Douglas brought out a wheelchair from A Doom. As the grandmaster of Astral Nova, Bernard couldn’t let anyone else find out about his injury