Chapter 498 - 498: The Man Behind the Curtain

~ At Dark Knight Organization Main Headquarters ~

Alfonso had just hung up the phone when Elle started to take a step. Her main goal today was to discover who's the powerful man behind the Dark Knight Organization. 

'Who is the Dark Lord? This is my only chance. I just need to take a peek and have a closer look at his face.' Elle thought to herself.

Alfonso and others were distracted because they were busy discussing who would be in-charged in this negotiation with the Chief Detective. The guards were just waiting for Alfonso's signal to bring Elle back to her prison room. No one anticipated Elle's next move.

When the guards were about to hold her and guide her out of the venue, Elle suddenly pushed them and dashed towards the Dark Lord's table. One guard tried to catch her but because of her speed and agility, she was able to avoid him.

In just one swift move, she grabbed the curtain and pulled it hard, causing the curtain to fall on the floor.

*Swoosh*

*Thud*

"What the heck! Stop her!" Alfonso cursed loudly after seeing Elle's action.

The guards immediately apprehended Elle, holding her arms as they stopped her from moving further.

Elle stayed rooted in her spot with her eyes wide open the moment she saw the person sitting on the executive chair. She had a stunned expression on her face. He was the last person she expected to be the Dark Lord.

Elle's eyes met the sharp gaze of the Dark Lord. He was emanating a chilly aura, powerful enough to intimidate and frighten people. But Elle was different. Aside from being shocked by this discovery, she wasn't afraid of him at all.

The Dark Lord's lips twitched into a sinister smile and said, "Hello, Miss Aliyah Ross, we meet again. Long time no see. How have you been?"

Elle immediately concealed her displeasure, pretending that she was confused and had no idea what's going on here.

"Senator Mondragon? What are you doing here? Why are you here…" Elle roamed her eyes in her surroundings and continued. "...together with these bad guys?"

Yes, the Dark Lord was none other than Senator Alex Mondragon. He was the mysterious leader of the Dark Knight Organization- the powerful man who caused Elle's and others' misery. 

As far as she remembered, Arison Family and Mondragon Family were good friends. Who would have thought that these two families were the true rivals? Alex Mondragon had tricked everyone even his fellow countrymen who believed that he was a good man.

She knew that Jorge Arison had no idea that his friend was his true enemy. Because if Jorge knew this then he should have informed James about it.

Alex Mondragon aka the Dark Lord stood up and approached Elle. Everyone was silent as they just watched the interaction between the two.

Senator Mondragon shook his head while clicking his tongue.

"Tsk tsk Tsk… Miss Ross, why did you do that? Pulling the curtain? What are you trying to do here?" Elle could sense danger from his voice alone. He was assessing Elle from top to bottom.

"Because I am curious to know who's the man behind the curtain." Elle simply stated.

"Oh Miss Ross… did you forget the famous saying… Curiosity can kill a cat." Senator Mondragon emphasized his last words.

Elle was aware that they won't let her leave this place alive especially now that she learned the Dark Lord's identity. Only a few trusted guards and Dark Knight's men knew his true face.

"Senator Mondragon… I am a reporter so it's in my nature to become curious about things around me. I am really curious why I am here and who's that Mateo Carter? Why did you have to kidnap me and threaten Erick for that man?"

This time Alfonso could no longer watch them on the side. Elle was becoming bold in front of the Dark Lord. She was clearly talking back at him. No one among them dared to do that.

'Is she courting death already? Fortunately, she still has a use for us. If not then she can be killed right here and right then. The Dark Lord can easily be pissed by someone like her.' Alfonso thought to himself.

"Guards, bring the hostage back to her prison. She is no longer needed here," Alfonso told the guards. 

Then he turned to the Dark Lord. "Apology for that mistake, our Lord. She was not supposed to see your face."

'Foolish woman. She had just sealed her fate today. She must die together with that Chief Detective.' Alfonso mumbled to himself.

When they were about to get her out, Senator Mondragon stopped them.

"Hmm, stop. Just let her talk to me." 

Even the Dark Lord was amazed by Elle's boldness. He couldn't see any fear or worry from her eyes. She looked very calm despite the fact she was surrounded by enemies or what she called "bad guys".

She didn't feel intimidated by his presence. That's the reason he was intrigued by her. The dark Lord wanted to talk to her and figure out if she's just really brave or just pretending that she's not afraid of them.

Since the Dark Lord already gave his order, Alfonso and the guards had no choice but to follow him. He even asked them to prepare a vacant seat for Elle as the Dark Lord returned to his table.

He also asked Alfonso and the other higher-ups to leave and continue their planning session in another venue. Only a few guards were left. Though Elle was just a girl, the Dark Lord didn't lower his guard as he let the other guards stayed with them.

"Miss Ross, I will only give you three chances. You can ask me anything but I will only answer three of your questions so think carefully before you ask me."

Elle knew what the Dark Lord was trying to do here. He was already suspecting her. He would assess her based on the questions she would throw at him. She needed to be careful so that she could not give away her true identity.

However, she also had to think of a better question that could help her know more about the Dark Lord's scheme and plan, without giving away her identity.

'Think, Elle… what should I ask him?'