The General's Daughter: The Mission

Jack had only just arrived from the capital after being urgently summoned by Ares, yet the moment he stepped into the study, he felt the temperature drop several degrees.

The atmosphere was suffocating.

Ares sat behind the desk in complete silence, his sharp gaze fixed on the massive screen mounted on the wall. The dim glow from the monitor illuminated his cold features, making the room feel even more oppressive.

On the screen was the live feed from the black Audi Lara had taken out earlier.

The vehicle’s surveillance system captured a complete three-hundred-sixty-degree view, leaving nothing unseen.

And Ares had been watching everything.

When Lara still had not returned home even after seven in the evening, the uneasiness in his chest had grown impossible to ignore. Without hesitation, he accessed the Audi’s surveillance feed himself.

Only to witness a drunken man leaning out of his car window and hurling insults at her.

The air around Ares instantly turned glacial.

”Jack.”

The single word was enough to make Jack straighten unconsciously.

”Handle him,” Ares said coldly, his eyes never leaving the screen. ”I want him behind bars for driving under the influence of alcohol. Add in other charges.”

”Yes, Boss,” Jack answered immediately. That man was doomed!

Outwardly, he remained respectful and composed.

Internally, however, he was screaming.

He had just arrived from the capital. He had not even unpacked his luggage, had not eaten properly, had not rested after hours of travel—and now he was already being sent out to clean up trouble connected to Larissa Reyes.

What rotten luck.

He should have stayed in the capital instead of switching assignments with Eric.

At least Eric would have been the one suffering right now.

Jack glanced at the screen again, watching the replay of the confrontation.

”But Boss,” he said carefully, curiosity slipping into his voice, ”did you notice how that man backed down the moment Miss Larissa looked at him?”

Even he found it strange.

The drunk had been arrogant and aggressive one second, yet after Lara stared at him, the man looked genuinely intimidated.

Almost frightened.

”Hm.”

Ares merely hummed in response.

His attention never shifted away from Lara.

Onscreen, she had already closed the window and resumed driving. Ares’ brows remained tightly furrowed, the crease between them deep with restrained worry.

Only when he saw the Audi make a smooth U-turn toward the direction of the Zuvel Mansion did the tension in his expression ease slightly.

Just slightly.

...

A sharp knock suddenly echoed through the study, breaking the cold silence inside the room.

Before either Ares or Jack could respond, a soft, sweet voice sounded from outside the door.

”Ares, can I come in?”

The tension in Ares’ expression that had disappeared returned instantly.

Without another word, he reached for the control panel and turned off the monitor displaying Lara’s live feed. The large screen went black, concealing everything that had occupied his attention moments ago.

”Come in,” he said flatly.

The door opened gently.

Moira stepped inside wearing a silk nightgown that clung delicately to her figure, the soft fabric flowing around her like water. Her hair had clearly been styled with care despite the late hour, and the faint scent of expensive perfume drifted into the room with her.

Jack immediately lowered his eyes.

He was experienced enough to know when he was witnessing the beginning of trouble.

Moira’s gaze swept briefly across the study before settling warmly on Ares.

”Ares,” she began softly, her tone carrying practiced sweetness, ”I heard you invested in a movie being produced by Scarlet’s family.”

Ares leaned back against his chair lazily, his expression unreadable.

”And then?” he asked calmly.

Moira moved closer to the desk, her fingers lightly brushing the wooden surface as she smiled.

”I heard they’re still looking for the female lead.” Her voice softened further. ”I want that role.”

Jack resisted the urge to sigh.

Here it comes.

Moira had been in the entertainment industry for years, but her acting skills were mediocre at best. Most of her popularity came from her beauty, endorsements, and the backing of the Zuvel family name. A major production from Scarlet’s family was exactly the kind of opportunity that could elevate her status overnight.

And naturally, she came looking for Ares.

”Ares,” she continued gently, ”you know how important this is for my career. If you speak to them personally, the role will definitely be mine.”

Ares remained silent.

His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair, slow and rhythmic.

Jack subtly glanced at his boss.

He knew that expression.

Ares hated being pressured.

Especially when personal relationships were used to influence business decisions.

”You should already know,” he said calmly, ”that Scarlet was the one who approached me for the investment.”

His gaze remained indifferent as he added,

”And naturally, she also wants the female lead role for herself.”

Moira’s expression changed slightly.

”Scarlet?” she repeated, unable to hide the disbelief in her voice. ”How could she possibly be the female lead? She’s never even acted in a movie before.”

A trace of disdain flickered across her face.

To her, Scarlet was nothing more than a wealthy young lady playing around with entertainment projects on a whim. Meanwhile, Moira had spent years maintaining her celebrity status. Whether in popularity, beauty, or fame, she believed herself far superior.

Completely oblivious to the subtle coldness settling over Ares, Moira slowly walked behind his chair.

Her slender hands rested lightly on his shoulders as she leaned closer, her voice softening into something almost coaxing.

”You’ll help me, right?” she asked gently. ”You’ve never refused me before.”

The study fell quiet.

For a moment, the only sound was the ticking of the clock on the wall.

Then Ares finally spoke.

”The role hasn’t been decided through investment influence.”

Moira’s smile stiffened slightly.

”But you’re the largest investor,” she said quickly. ”If you want me to have it, who would dare object?”

Ares slowly lifted his eyes toward her.

”That movie is expected to enter international film festivals,” he said evenly. ”They are choosing actors based on capability, not connections.”

The sweetness on Moira’s face almost cracked.

Jack immediately understood.

Ares was rejecting her.

And judging from the dangerous silence forming in the room, this conversation was only about to get worse.