Chapter 3497 The Governor of Ore Island
The air in the mansion of Ore Island's governor was thick with an almost palpable anticipation.
Toliver strode purposefully down the marble hallway, his polished shoes echoing sharply against the pristine floors. His destination was clear-Orla's private quarters. "Governor, I need to speak with you. It's urgent!" he called out, his voice carrying an edge of alarm that refused to be masked.
From inside the room, a woman's voice answered, her tone teasing. "Toliver, this isn't like you. What's got you so rattled?"
Barely keeping his composure, he replied, "The man you've taken an interest in... He's crossed the Viper Crew!"
"Hmm?" A soft hum of surprise escaped from the room. Moments later, the faint sound of footsteps approached the door. It swung open smoothly, revealing Orla herself.
Her beauty was otherworldly-her high ponytail tied neatly, complemented by a faint, knowing smile playing on her lips. She was wrapped in a flowing white gown that enhanced her ethereal presence, creating a vision so striking it could leave anyone breathless.
Toliver lowered his gaze instinctively, a gesture of respect and perhaps a measure of self-preservation. He knew well that if the woman before him truly posed no threat, it would only mean he was already marked for death. "Greetings, my Lord," he said firmly.
Orla's smile widened slightly as she observed him. "Toliver, you're always so formal. I've told you before-relax a bit when you see me."
"Hierarchy must be respected," Toliver replied without looking up. "You are my master, and I am your servant. Order must be upheld."
Only he knew just how terrifying this breathtaking woman truly was.
Orla sighed as she took in his rigid demeanor, a trace of helplessness crossing her delicate face.
Orla sighed softly, a trace of exasperation crossing her delicate features. "Fine. Rise, then, and speak." She waved a hand, signaling him to stand and proceed.
Relieved that she had dropped the matter of his rigid formality, Toliver straightened and began his report.
He had been by her side long before she ascended to power. The name "Toliver" had not been his originally-it was a name Orla had given him after her rise, symbolizing his role as the pillar of Ore Island.
"Earlier today, one of Dominic's
lackeys, Redwood, went to the ore
market to collect supplies by force," Toliver began gravely. "When he reached Lopez Mining Group, he ran into Matteo. A conflict broke out, and Redwood ended up dead right there in the middle of the street. His body's still lying out in the open. No one dares to touch it. The ones who tried? They're now lying beside him."
Toliver's expression darkened as he continued, his eyes meeting Orla's briefly before darting away. "And it doesn't end there. Dominic has already issued a challenge-a deathmatch tonight, in the arena. If Matteo doesn't show up, Dominic has vowed to destroy everything connected to him."
With his report complete, Toliver bowed slightly and stepped back, retreating into the background. He knew better than to disturb Orla when she was deep in thought.
Orla's stunning face was calm. Her sharp gaze narrowed as if piecing together an intricate puzzle. The silence lingered, thick with contemplation, before she suddenly chuckled a soft, melodic sound that quickly blossomed into outright laughter.
"Ha! Toliver," she said, her tone light and amused, "that Matteo is turning out to be quite the interesting character."
Her laughter rang out like the chime of silver bells, filling the space with an almost disarming warmth. Her smile lit up her flawless features, making her appear even more stunning.
But Toliver remained rooted in place, his brow furrowed in confusion. What had she realized that I had not?
Noticing his puzzled expression, Orla chuckled again, shaking her head slightly. "Toliver, you need to adjust your perspective," she said, her tone a mix of teasing and instruction. "You're too focused on the immediate situation. Try looking at the bigger picture."
She paused, letting her words sink in
before continuing. "This whole mess might seem like it's just about Matteo standing up to the Viper Crew over some injustice, but it's more than that. Think about it why was Matteo conveniently at Lopez Mining Group when the Viper Crew showed up?"
She leaned slightly forward, her gaze sharp as a blade. "And why kill Redwood and leave his body out in the open for all to see? Why hasn't anyone dared to claim it? Do you think this is just some eccentric habit of his?"
Her voice softened, though her words carried a weight that Toliver couldn't ignore. "Did you notice all of this?"