Grace and her brother, Colin, left Renault’s villa, their faces a mix of confusion and frustration. It was clear they didn’t understand Renault’s sudden mood shift, but Colin, always quick to temper, stormed off without looking back.

Renault sighed, muttering to himself as he watched them go. “I hope they understand someday... I need allies.”

After seeing them off, Renault turned and headed toward the restaurant for his evening meeting.

“Yo, Yu,” Renault greeted the restaurant manager as he arrived, “Is the private room ready?”

“It’s on the second floor. Table 215. How’s everything going?”

Renault smiled. “Good. Just reserve it for me and get everything set up by 9 PM. Make sure the table’s fully stocked, alright?”

“Of course,” Yu nodded, “I’ll get the best dishes ready for you.”

With everything arranged, Renault paid up and left, feeling lighter after sorting out the details.

---

That night, Renault tried calling Su Xiao, an old acquaintance he hadn’t spoken to in ages, hoping to reconnect. However, after a few failed attempts and seeing Su Xiao’s phone was switched off, he gave up.

“Whatever,” Renault thought, “People come and go. I’m too busy for this anyway.”

There were bigger things on Renault’s mind, plans to be completed, and a world that seemed to be teetering on the edge of chaos.

---

The next morning, Renault received a delivery: his custom "Conqueror" off-road RV had finally arrived at his villa. The beast of a vehicle sat gleaming in the driveway, and Renault wasted no time checking it over. Every modification he had requested was there, from the solar panels to the reinforced bulletproof windows.

Satisfied, he then headed to his warehouse, where shipments of cigarettes, medical supplies, and the newly purchased nomad pods had also arrived. As he examined everything, he noticed signs that someone had tampered with the warehouse’s outer doors. There were clear marks, indicating someone had tried to break in.

“Looks like I’ve caught someone's attention,” Renault thought, annoyed but unsurprised. Luckily, his preparations had ensured the most important supplies were already safely inside.

“Nice try, you rats,” he muttered, tightening security measures as he finished inspecting the inventory.

With everything in order, Renault returned to his villa to start up the boilers and ensure the diesel generators were running smoothly. He knew the night would be cold, and the last thing he wanted was for the system to fail.

Once he was done, Renault fed his pet crow, Coalball, making sure it was well-fed for the night. Then he prepared himself for the dinner he had planned at the waterfront restaurant. It was going to be a long night.

---

As Renault entered the bustling city that evening, the streets were alive with activity. People danced in the public square to lively music, while others gathered in long lines to buy discounted groceries. It was a typical night in the city, full of life and noise.

Little did they know, the world was on the brink of collapsing.

---

Meanwhile, at Owen’s mansion.

"Master Owen, we had someone check out Renault’s warehouse last night. Looks like he’s already moved most of the goods. The place was empty."

Owen’s expression darkened, his frustration bubbling up inside. He hated losing to Renault, especially when it came to getting ahead in business.

"I’ll find out what Renault is planning," Owen muttered through gritted teeth. "And when I do, he’ll regret ever crossing me."

"By the way, Master Owen, we discovered something interesting. Renault has been spending time with that girl, Grace, the one studying at the city’s art academy. Seems like there’s something going on between them."

Owen’s eyes lit up with malicious glee. "Oh, really? She’s the one? That’ll make things easier."

He turned to his men with a wicked grin. "Find her. Tonight, I’ll show Renault what happens when he messes with me. I’ll take everything he cares about, starting with her."

---

That night at 9 PM, Renault arrived at the restaurant, greeted warmly by Yu.

“Renault, you’re a little early! Your friends not here yet?”

Renault shrugged, looking a bit embarrassed. "Nah, it looks like they won’t be making it tonight. Just bring out the food. I’ll eat alone."

Yu, always understanding, nodded and signaled for the staff to bring out the dishes. Renault sat alone in the private room, savoring the meal. After a few minutes, he decided it was enough. No point staying if no one was going to show up.

He called Yu over again, handing her a wad of cash. "Yu, go ahead and pack everything up. Keep the rest as a tip for the staff. I’m heading out."

Yu looked concerned but nodded. "Alright, Renault. Don’t push yourself too hard."

---

Renault’s next destination was the yacht harbor. His "Conqueror" RV was safely parked back at the villa, and now it was time to check in on his luxury yacht. The final payment was due, and he wanted to make sure everything was in order.

As Renault arrived at the harbor, one of the dock staff greeted him. "Mr. Renault, you’re here to check on the yacht?"

"Yeah," Renault nodded, "Just need to settle the final payment. I want to take a look around before I head back."

The staff member led him to the yacht, its polished surface gleaming under the dock lights. Renault walked through the luxurious vessel, admiring the careful craftsmanship and high-tech features.

By the time he finished his inspection, it was nearly midnight. The yacht was everything he’d hoped for, and he was pleased with the purchase.

After thanking the staff, Renault made his way back to his car, thinking about the long journey ahead. He had everything he needed—vehicles, supplies, and a safe haven. Now, it was time to settle some old scores.

Just as he was about to drive off, his phone rang.

It was Owen.

"Renault," Owen’s voice was filled with dark amusement, "I’ve got your little friend Grace with me. She’s tied up at your villa, and she’s not having a good time. Why don’t you come over and we’ll talk this out? Don’t worry, I’m sure we can reach... an understanding."

Renault’s heart dropped. Grace? How had Owen gotten her involved?

There was no time to waste. Renault’s hands tightened on the wheel as he sped back to his villa. If Owen had laid a finger on Grace, there would be hell to pay.

---

As Renault pulled up to the villa’s gates, he immediately noticed several vehicles parked outside—Owen’s Lamborghini among them, as well as a few black vans.

Renault’s eyes narrowed. He knew what was waiting inside, and he wasn’t going to let Owen get away with this.

Inside the villa, Grace was bound and gagged, struggling against her restraints. Owen and his men stood over her, gloating. They had been waiting for Renault to arrive, and now the showdown was about to begin.

Owen smirked when Renault walked in, motioning toward Grace. "Looks like you’re late, Renault. Didn’t expect me to find her, did you?"

Renault’s expression was cold. He ignored Owen’s taunts, his eyes focused solely on Grace.

"Let her go, Owen," Renault said quietly, his voice steady but dangerous. "Whatever you want, we’ll settle it between us. She has nothing to do with this."

Owen chuckled, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, but she does, Renault. You care about her, don’t you? That makes her the perfect leverage. So why don’t you and I... discuss what I want?"

Renault didn’t respond right away. He scanned the room, noting the positions of Owen’s men. He was outnumbered, but that didn’t matter.

Tonight, this was going to end—one way or another.

---

End of Chapter 11.