Chapter 109: Times Have Changed

At this moment, a fully armed warrior entered, and although his face was covered with a mask, it couldn't hide his arrogant demeanor.

This person was Crossbones, a member of HYDRA, who had taken notice of the Hand's major operation thanks to their presence on japan. The information had been reported to Alexander Pierce.

For Pierce, the opportunity to take control of an organization with a history spanning several centuries was a tempting one. The cost was minimal, involving nothing more than a street blockade and some official cover. He gladly accepted.

Crossbones approached the group, his face dripping with disdain. "I'm not the one who will be entering the Hand. After you deal with this matter, someone else will contact you." 

"As for your operation, we won't interfere, but we'll ensure the blockade is in place for five hours. If you can't resolve your enemies within five hours, your organization won't be worth our support."

After delivering his message, Crossbones wasted no time and left. He had other roles to fulfill, after all.

Hearing Crossbones' arrogant words and his swift departure, the three Hand members exchanged glances. They looked to Alexandra, hoping for an explanation.

With all eyes on him, Alexandra slowly spoke, "Hail Hydra!"

Hearing the familiar slogan, the three members were left with no choice but to follow suit. "Hail Hydra!"

Although they were reluctant to be led by Alexandra into this situation, they realized that they were no virtuous organization themselves. Plus, they now knew the secret of HYDRA's existence. If they didn't join, they could end up eliminated.

Seeing everyone shouting "Hail Hydra" together, a smile appeared on Alexandra's face. He then continued, "Now, let's distribute the battle plan. In this battle, our goal is not only to eliminate Charles Doyle but also to destroy the Continental Hotel in New York, seeking vengeance for our members who died at their hands." 

"I suggest we split into two teams. One team will accompany me to eliminate Charles Doyle, while the other team will storm the Continental Hotel. We want the High Table to know that messing with the Hand comes at a price."

After announcing the battle plan, Alexandra discussed the details with the group. Once the meeting was over, they only had to wait until midnight to take action.

…

Charles's Agency-

Upon returning to his agency, Charles Doyle was intercepted by Ginny, who began to report on recent developments.

Sitting down in the conference room, Charles looked at Ginny, who was dressed professionally, and said, somewhat resigned, "Ginny, what has happened now?"

Ginny held a folder in her hand and replied, "Boss, it has been over a month since you sent John Wick, Cross, and Wesley on their mission." 

"They have thoroughly resolved the situation there and no longer need to stay long-term. They will return to New York in about three days to report to you. They will also bring back the earnings from this past month."

Listening to Ginny's report, Charles thought of the three people he had sent out. He hadn't expected to settle the first batch of earnings from the wax baths so soon.

"Ginny, arrange for some people to go to the airport to welcome our adjudicators back home when the time comes."

Ginny nodded in acknowledgment and continued, "Boss, there's something special that Wesley, who is responsible for the Continental Hotel in Moscow, would like to report to you."

Upon hearing that Wesley, the son of Cross, had something to report, Charles became curious. He took out his phone and dialed Wesley's number right in front of Ginny.

In Moscow, Wesley heard his phone ring and immediately picked it up when he saw it was his boss, Charles Doyle.

"Wesley, what's going on? I heard from Ginny that you have something to report to me."

On the other end of the phone, Wesley, standing beside a drunk Russian man, began to speak, "Boss, I've found a mechanical genius here in Russia, and I believe it's necessary to recommend him to you."

Charles was curious about the mechanical genius Wesley wanted to recommend and asked, "What kind of mechanical genius is he, and what's his name?"

Ginny, who was also curious about Wesley's supposed report, blinked her eyes rapidly as she watched Charles make the call.

"Boss, his name is Ivan Vanko, and he's Russian."

Initially, Charles was casually curious about the mechanical genius Wesley mentioned, wondering if this young man had been fooled by someone over there. 

He wasn't underestimating Wesley, but given Wesley's background and his mediocre life over the past twenty years, being deceived was not impossible.

However, Charles was surprised to find that the person Wesley recommended was indeed a mechanical genius.

"Ivan Vanko," Charles muttered the name, and in his mind, he pictured the man with the whip, a rough and cunning individual who had once duped Justin Hammer. 

Unfortunately, Charles did not hold high hopes for Ivan Vanko, as he had no use for the Arc Reactor technology, and more importantly, he didn't have any good impression on him.

Nonetheless, Charles asked, "Wesley, do you want to recommend him to me?"

"In that case, three days from now, bring him back with you. I promise you to meet with him."

Upon hearing Charles asking that he bring Ivan Vanko for a report in three days, Wesley looked somewhat embarrassed. 

He had communicated with Ivan Vanko more than once, but because of Anton Vanko's condition, Ivan couldn't leave Russia temporarily.

"Boss, Ivan Vanko's father is seriously ill and can't leave temporarily."

Charles could sense Wesley's somewhat hesitant tone and guessed what was going on. Wesley hadn't been able to convince Ivan Vanko to leave.

"Wesley, if he can't leave temporarily, then let's wait until later. You come back for the report first."

Upon hearing the boss's words, Wesley clenched his teeth and looked at the drunken Russian man in front of him. He said, "Boss, I'll try my best to bring him over. I really believe he's a talented genius in mechanics!"

Charles shrugged nonchalantly and said, "Alright, Wesley, I respect your choice. But regardless of the outcome, don't let it delay your report."

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