Ultimate Evolution I Became the Master of the World
Chapter 81 The New Detective

Michael drove back to Jane's apartment.

The moment he walked in, Jane practically pounced on him, "Over twenty million dollars, Michael! Did you blow it all? What did you even buy? That's the money I busted my butt to earn these past few days." Michael shrugged, "I didn't buy much, just a sleeping bag. I'm planning a trip soon, so I got it ahead of time."

Jane's eyes nearly popped out of her head, "A sleeping bag for over twenty million dollars?"

"Well, technically, it was twenty million. I spent the extra few million on other stuff, which should arrive tomorrow," Michael explained.

"Did you get scammed?" Jane asked, incredulous.

Michael paused, "You know, that's possible. I do have this nagging feeling I got ripped off."

"Then why don't you call the cops? Get a refund, return the stuff," Jane suggested.

"Maybe the product is top-notch and worth it? Besides, it's my money. How I spend it isn't really your business. You work for me, and I pay you. You did great with the stock investments before. How much is left in the account now?" Michael asked.

"Less than five million dollars," Jane replied.

"Exactly how much?" Michael pressed.

"One million three hundred thousand dollars," Jane said, looking a bit sheepish.

"I've been hustling for days, making money, and it's all gone just like that," Michael sighed.

He was saving up for his mom's future. Now, almost all of it was gone.

He had less than three million dollars left in total.

Looked like he'd have to replace another way to make money after this.

But with his skills, making money wouldn't be a problem.

"Keep one million dollars with you, and take the extra three hundred thousand as your salary. Transfer it to your account," Michael instructed.

Jane pouted, "I made over ten million dollars for you, and you only give me three hundred thousand as commission?"

"Hey, without my info and capital, you wouldn't even make three hundred thousand. And don't forget, I saved your life. If you want to make a big sum, I have a huge project to talk about. Interested?" Michael said. "What?" Jane was taken aback, then blushed, "Could I say no?"

"What do you think?" Michael looked at her.

"Then I'll go take a shower. Don't fall asleep before me," Jane said, blushing, clearly thinking Michael wanted to hook up.

Michael didn't say anything. He sent Jane off and went to bed himself.

"By the way, Michael, have you seen my makeup box?" Jane's head suddenly popped out from the bathroom.

"I gave that makeup box to someone," Michael said.

Jane was shocked, "What? You gave it away? To your girlfriend or your lover?"

"A guy. Don't ask more, just buy a new one yourself," Michael said.

The box Michael gave to Ethan that day was fake.

It was a counterfeit he had spent a fortune to create.

The real box containing the ghost was still in Michael's possession.

He wouldn't hand over something so important. Since Ethan was prepared to die, he might as well keep the hope of survival for himself.

As for the money, Michael would compensate Ethan's family later.

Just as he was about to sleep, his phone suddenly rang.

It was the satellite phone from Nikolai.

Michael curiously answered the call.

"Michael, open the door. I'm outside," a young man said coldly.

Michael frowned, "Who are you?"

"Astoria's new detective, Brayden Mercer." With that, the call ended, and there was a knock on the door.

Michael's expression changed. He had heard Freya mention that a new detective would be coming to Astoria, but he didn't expect the new detective to come looking for him.

He hesitated for a moment but opened the door.

A young, somewhat cold man in a detective's uniform stood outside, holding a satellite phone.

"Are you Michael? The temp worker in Astoria? I'm Brayden, and technically, I'm your superior," the man who called himself Brayden said as he walked in.

"Is this your place?" Brayden asked, glancing around and frowning at the fast food containers on the table and the women's clothes hanging on the wall.

"As a detective, even a temporary one, you shouldn't be living like this," Brayden said, clearly unimpressed.

Michael, not thrilled with the criticism, shot back, "Are you lecturing me? I'm not even a detective yet. And even if I were, I'd be your equal, not your subordinate. You don't have authority over me."

Brayden suddenly slapped Michael across the face. "How dare you talk back? You wanna a fight? But I advise you not to act rashly, or someone might die today."

Michael grabbed his wrist, his eyes faintly glowing red, and a crimson eye appeared on the back of his hand, breaking through the skin.

"A detective with demon's eyes, Michael."

Brayden suddenly laughed and withdrew his hand. "I've scanned your file, but your abilities are very vague. It seems you've intentionally hidden them. I want to know what your ghost's abilities are to facilitate my work." "Even if I told you, would you believe me?" Michael said, "And what does your work have to do with me?"

"I need an assistant, and you're a good candidate," Brayden said bluntly.

Michael replied, "Is this how you recruit talent?"

"I'm not recruiting; I'm requisitioning. It's an order," Brayden said.

"What if I refuse?" Michael was very annoyed by Brayden's forceful and arrogant attitude.

This guy was a stark contrast to Nikolai.

"You shouldn't refuse. Become my assistant, and when I'm reassigned, you can take over Astoria's security. It's beneficial for you," Brayden said.

Michael said, "Whether or not I join Interpol, and when I join, is my decision. Besides, I doubt if you can manage all of Astoria for long."

Brayden smiled, "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, things won't get out of control. Since you don't agree to my request, I won't force you. But in three days, there's an event at Stormcrest Village. Are you confident you'll come back alive?" Stormcrest Village? That was exactly where he was planning to go.

Michael's expression changed slightly, "How do you know about that?"

"I'm in charge of Astoria's security and have the authority to mobilize any police force. If you become my assistant, I can pass you a file on Stormcrest Village, which will be very helpful for your actions," Brayden said. "I'm not interested," Michael said.

Being Brayden's assistant would only get him killed faster. Michael wouldn't do something so foolish.

"Then I wish you good luck," Brayden said, turning and leaving immediately.

"Michael, who were you talking to?" At that moment, Jane came out of the shower, wrapped in a towel and asked curiously.

Brayden stopped in his tracks, suddenly drew his gun, and pointed it at Jane's forehead. "Are you eavesdropping on state secrets? If it is, I have the authority to execute you."

Jane froze, staring at the stranger in uniform with a gun to her head. Her face immediately showed fear, and her eyes were filled with panic.

What was going on?

She was so scared she went blank, only seeing the cold gun pointed at her forehead.

"Brayden, you can have a try." Michael's voice was particularly low as he pointed a golden gun at Brayden's head.

"I'm enforcing the law, and you're rebelling. Michael, do you dare to shoot me?" Brayden coldly looked at Michael. Michael said, "If you die, I'll take over. Then, it will be all up to me."

"Even if you shoot, I can kill her first," Brayden said.

"If you can kill her, I also can kill you," Michael said.

"I don't believe you can kill a Ghost Handler with a handgun," Brayden said.

"I'm not asking you to believe me, just letting you know I'll shoot," Michael said, staring at him.

Brayden squinted, his finger on the trigger, motionless.

The two were at a standoff for about ten seconds.

Brayden suddenly holstered his gun and laughed, "If you come back alive, I'll treat you a meal."

With that, he walked out and quickly left the apartment.

Once Brayden left, Jane collapsed to the floor, her whole body weak.

Michael slowly lowered his empty gun, his expression particularly grave.