"Come, let's have a drink to celebrate this historic moment."
Charles picked up the red wine bottle on the table.
He then poured a glass of fine red wine for his capable and trusted subordinate, even toasting him personally.
"You've watched me come this far over the years..."
"You are my most capable general and trusted subordinate..."
"Without you, there are many things I simply couldn't have done well..."
At this moment, Charles.
His emotions were genuinely exposed.
It could even be said that.
This man, who originated from the intelligence department, was a rare, seldom-seen display of true feelings.
Facing a toast from his superior and leader.
The subordinate was truly overwhelmed with gratitude.
Especially after following Charles for so many years, it was the first time he had seen Charles so moved.
The boss is toasting.
If he didn't drink, it would be disrespecting the boss, and his future would be truly ruined.
Moreover.
Charles's genuine emotional outpouring in front of him showed that he truly considered him a confidant.
He quickly took Charles's wine glass.
And drained the scarlet liquid in one gulp.
"Lord Charles, you are too kind."
"It is my honor to be able to serve you."
"In the future, I will have to rely on your continued guidance."
The subordinate, following normal human reasoning, was predicting Charles's actions.
Indeed.
If their boss succeeded, then their subordinates would surely rise with him.
It was a pity.
He had misjudged Charles.
After toasting the other man with red wine, Charles slowly put down his wine glass.
"As I said, you've been with me for many years, and you've done many of my dirty deeds..."
"So, brother, I apologize..."
"You must know, I was once Tommy's confidant and capable subordinate..."
"I knew too much about him, and in the end, I had to kill him with my own hands... If one day I lose my power, will you treat me the same way I treated Tommy...?"
As the words fell.
The subordinate's eyes widened in anger.
A piercing pain surged from his abdominal cavity.
At this moment.
He felt.
As if someone was holding a knife and twisting it in his abdomen.
He wanted to say something.
But in the end.
He spat out a mouthful of blood.
And collapsed onto the ground.
In the red wine.
There was poison.
Also a potent fast-acting poison, hydrochloric acid.
The subordinate had not yet completely died.
His increasingly blurred ears were filled with Charles's incessant chatter.
"You know too many of my dark histories and secrets, so brother, you must die..."
"Besides, after Tommy died, his entire family was wiped out. Someone has to take responsibility for this, right?"
"But don't worry, I will make proper arrangements for your family, and I believe you haven't told any classified information to your family, have you?"
That trusted subordinate.
He only realized before his death.
That working with Charles.
Was like dealing with a tiger.
He regretted it.
He should have left some evidence for his family.
At least then, someone would have avenged him.
It was just too late.
Looking at the corpse on the ground.
Charles walked away.
He, a Lieutenant General from the intelligence department.
He would only truly reveal his emotions and speak his mind in one situation.
That is, when there was no one around, or when everyone else was dead, he would speak the truth.
Was living this way tiring?
Of course, it was very tiring.
But.
To get closer to the center of power.
This was a choice he had to make and a price he had to pay.
...
After Great Xia held its global press conference.
The United States, in the end, did not apologize to Great Xia.
Even regarding Meng Hao's house arrest, they remained tight-lipped.
As for Great Xia's demand for an explanation, or for the United Nations to establish an investigation committee, the United States brushed them off.
All actions, all mistakes, all fabricated lies, were done by Lieutenant General Tommy... Oh no, it was General Tommy, who had been promoted to Deputy Chief of National Defense of the United States three to four months ago.
Since General Tommy was a high-ranking figure in the US military, no one knew about his actions... and they couldn't be stopped.
After all.
His rank was there.
No one could control him.
Regarding this.
General Tommy had paid the price.
He simply didn't know how to explain to the American people, the people of Great Xia, and the people of the world.
So.
General Tommy committed suicide by poison a few days ago out of guilt.
And General Tommy's family.
Was burned to death by a highly controversial officer with US military background.
As for that officer with a strong sense of justice, he also disappeared from the face of the earth to evade legal sanctions.
Therefore.
All personnel involved in the kidnapping and detention of Meng Hao were dead.
Completely leaving no witnesses.
In this regard.
Great Xia was dumbfounded.
Good heavens.
They knew the US was ruthless and treacherous in its dealings.
They never expected their methods to be so brutal.
Before Great Xia could take further action.
All those who knew, including Tommy and his entire family, were wiped out.
In such a situation where there were no witnesses.
Great Xia could only grudgingly accept it.
However.
This incident also had serious consequences for the United States.
First, there was the financial circle around the nation established by Great Xia.
The United States, acting with a guilty conscience, could no longer interfere further.
And the joint military exercises continued... after all, according to the predetermined timeline, the joint military exercises would not conclude for another month and a half... However, the US no longer had the courage to provoke the twin aircraft carrier fleets of Great Xia that were patrolling around Australia.
Even.
The countries participating in the joint military exercises, and most countries worldwide, realized that the true mastermind behind this incident was actually the United States, the White House, and the highest decision-making body of the United States... Capitol Hill.
But.
They saw through it but didn't say it.
Unless Great Xia could formally replace the United States as the global hegemon.
Otherwise, this matter would never be exposed.
However.
The seeds of estrangement had been sown.
The future United States would face challenges from many subordinates.
When the news reached the domestic side and was communicated to Meng Hao.
Looking at the apologetic expression on Elder Ouyang's face.
Meng Hao appeared very calm.
"This was the outcome I expected."
"Given the US's usual behavior, they would never admit to kidnapping and imprisoning me at a national level."
"However, Great Xia ultimately gained benefits. It doesn't matter if the US doesn't admit it; as long as we get tangible benefits, that's enough."
Seeing Meng Hao's broad-mindedness.
Elder Ouyang breathed a sigh of relief.
"Then what do you plan to do next?"
"Why don't you join our military? We can promise you any request if you ask!"