- 2 hours ago
Engsub Wrath Of The Chief English
Category
π₯
Short filmTranscript
00:00I'm a founding era war hero from a martyr's family, but some punk beat my only grandson into the ICU,
00:06and when I got there, his family tried to shut me up with their power.
00:10Pushed beyond my limits, I pulled out my military encrypted phone and dialed a long silent number.
00:16Who's this?
00:17Victor Sterling. Just two words and the other end went dead silent. A full five seconds before a shocked, terrified,
00:24and slightly trembling voice finally spoke.
00:27Chief?
00:27Ethan Bennett runs Astrosy City's bureau. He practically shouted, his voice shaking in disbelief.
00:33I'm at City Hospital. My grandson Nathan is in the ICU.
00:37Ethan's mind went blank. The chief's grandson is in Astrosy. In the ICU? Cold sweat soaked his back instantly.
00:44He didn't even dare ask why, because he knew if I had to make this call myself, then things were
00:50already beyond bad.
00:51I'm on my way! Get the car! City Hospital, now!
00:54Yes, sir!
00:54Get all patrol and CID heads to City Hospital, now! Level one alert, now!
00:59The whole office froze at the order, everyone in shock. Level one alert? That's for major violent cases and terrorist
01:06attacks. What on earth happened?
01:08One hour earlier, my son, Julian Sterling, was pacing anxiously outside the ICU. The moment I got there, he looked
01:15like he had someone to lean on and rushed over.
01:17Dad, why are you here? Where's Nathan?
01:21Still in emergency care. The doctor said, his injuries are severe. Took a heavy hit to the head. Three ribs
01:29broken. Internal bleeding in multiple spots.
01:33My chest tightened instantly. Then I looked at the blonde punks down the hall.
01:38They did this! The leader is Tyler Hart. His dad is Wesley Hart, a real estate guy.
01:45Where's the police?
01:46They came, took statements, and left. Said it was just kids fighting. Both sides got hurt. They want us to
01:54settle it privately.
01:56Privately? My grandson's life hangs in the balance. And their kid just has a cast. Both sides got hurt?
02:02Hey, you're Nathan's family, right? Oh, look at this mess. Kids get hot-headed. They swing before they think.
02:13Here's a hundred K. Consider it a small compensation for the kid. We'll cover all medical bills. How about we
02:20just let this go?
02:21Hearing this, Julian shook with anger. He was about to rush over. I stopped him. Not enough.
02:28Sir, you think it's too little?
02:33Don't be greedy. A hundred K is plenty.
02:37Dragging this out helps no one. My son is hurt, too. If we really dig into it, who's to say
02:43who's wrong?
02:44I couldn't be bothered to argue. I walked to a quiet corner and dialed that long, silent number.
02:50Wesley saw me end the call and fall silent. His smirk grew wider. He probably thought, who's he gonna call?
02:57What kind of people could I possibly know?
02:59Alright, stop playing the victim. We will get the best doctor. You will walk in a month.
03:05Dad, that old bastard is ungrateful. Not enough money, huh? His grandson should just die in there. See how tough
03:10he acts then.
03:11Shut up. This is a hospital. Watch your mouth.
03:15Although he's scolding his son, deep down, he thinks the exact same thing. A powerless family daring to challenge the
03:22hearts.
03:23Right then, a wave of sirens rushed toward the hospital. The noise tore through the quiet city.
03:28The sound grew louder and closer until they screeched to a stop downstairs.
03:33All the patients and families were startled. Everyone rushed to the windows.
03:38Down below, dozens of cruisers flashed red and blue. They sealed off the entire entrance.
03:43Doors opened. Officers stepped out, armed and stone-faced. SWAT rushed in and set up a perimeter.
03:49Then a group of senior officers got out. Leading them was Ethan Bennett, head of the bureau.
03:54His face was dark with fury. He strode straight into the building.
03:58Which floor is the ICU?
04:00It's on the third floor.
04:01The nurses had never seen this before. Their legs nearly gave out.
04:06Ethan led his people rushing toward the elevator.
04:09The hearts heard the commotion too.
04:11Wesley frowned. A hint of unease hit him.
04:15What's going on? Why such a fanfare?
04:17The elevator opened. Ethan and the top brass stepped out.
04:20They walked quickly. His eyes swept the hallway and locked onto the corner where I stood like an old pine.
04:25All his authority vanished instantly.
04:28Ethan jogged toward me, stopping three steps away.
04:31Then, to everyone's shock, he snapped into a perfect salute.
04:35Chief Ethan Bennett reporting to you!
04:37The word chief hit like thunder. It exploded through the silent hallway.
04:42Julian was stunned. He knew I served in the army and held rank, but he never imagined the city's top
04:48cop would salute me like that.
04:50As for the hearts, they were totally dumbstruck.
04:53Key chief? Ethan Bennett? The man who can shake astacy with a single order from his office.
04:59He called that old man chief?
05:01Tyler's cocky grin froze solid. His phone slipped and hit the floor. He finally realized he had provoked someone untouchable.
05:09Wesley's face turned white as a sheet. He recalled how he talked down to me. Every word he said.
05:16Cold sweat soaked through his shirt. His legs started shaking uncontrollably.
05:20I did not salute back. I did not even look at Ethan. My eyes stayed fixed on the closed ICU
05:25doors.
05:26My grandson is in there.
05:28I spoke quietly. My voice was soft, but it hit Ethan like a hammer. He spun around. He leveled a
05:34cutting glare at the hearts.
05:35They are the ones who did it?
05:37At that moment, a sharp chill raced up Wesley's back and froze him. His mind went blank.
05:42Tyler turned pale with fear. His lips trembled. He couldn't get a single word out.
05:49Director Bennett. It is a mistake. All a mistake.
05:53A mistake?
05:55The chief's grandson is in the ICU. His fate unknown. And you call it a mistake?
05:59He stepped forward. His presence alone made Wesley struggle to breathe.
06:03I'll ask again. Did you do it?
06:05Wesley's legs gave out. He collapsed onto the floor.
06:09He never imagined the nobody his son bullied had someone this powerful behind him.
06:13Chief? Someone Ethan calls chief? Just what kind of rank are we talking about?
06:18My boy was out of line.
06:20Director Bennett, we will pay. Any amount you want.
06:24Please, I beg you, show mercy.
06:26Ethan did not even look at him.
06:28He turned to the head of CID.
06:30Take everyone involved down to the station.
06:34Separate them.
06:35Collect every piece of evidence.
06:39Forl all hospital and nearby footage.
06:42I don't care how you do it.
06:43Within three hours, I want a full second-by-second incident report.
06:49Yes, sir.
06:50The unit chief snapped to attention.
06:52He waved his hand.
06:54Officers moved in at once.
06:55They grabbed the stunned Tyler and his cronies and cuffed them all.
06:59Tyler still had a cast on his leg.
07:01The officers yanked him up from the chair.
07:04He screamed in pain.
07:05Dad! Dad! Help me! Dad! Help me! Dad!
07:09Wesley tried to step forward.
07:11A cop blocked him with a cold stare.
07:13He watched his son get cuffed and taken away.
07:15His business empire was collapsing
07:17and his last shred of composure shattered.
07:19He scrambled over and fell at my feet, clutching my leg.
07:23Sir chief, please! I was wrong!
07:25I was blind and arrogant!
07:26Please spare my son!
07:28He is young and foolish!
07:30I looked down at him, as if looking at an insect.
07:32I had no idea who you really are!
07:34When you son beat my grandson,
07:37did you ever think he's still a kid too?
07:40That line stuck in Wesley's throat like a blade.
07:43A sense of despair overwhelmed him.
07:45He knew no one could save them now.
07:47After dealing with them,
07:48Ethan walked back to me carefully.
07:50His posture was humble.
07:52Chief, this was my failure.
07:55On my watch, you and your family were wronged.
07:59I promise I will give you a full answer.
08:02Julian watched from the side.
08:04He was completely speechless.
08:05He'd always lived cautiously.
08:07A mid-level civil servant tiptoeing through life.
08:10He had never seen anything like this.
08:12The city's top cop standing before his father.
08:14As respectful as a schoolboy.
08:16I said nothing.
08:17I simply raised my hand.
08:19Ethan leaned in immediately.
08:21What I wanted was never one man's apology.
08:23In a voice only he could hear,
08:25I said a few words.
08:26Hearing this, his face changed.
08:28Chief, is that not to do as I said?
08:31I cut him off.
08:32My tone left no room.
08:33Ethan clenched his jaw and nodded firmly.
08:37Yes, I will get it done.
08:40He turned and walked off quickly.
08:42He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
08:45Operation Clean Sweep.
08:46Connect to command.
08:49This is Ethan Bennett.
08:51Activate Clean Sweep.
08:52Yes, level one authority.
08:55Authorization code is Fortline 01.
08:56It is a protocol used when a city faces major organized crime or infiltration.
09:01The maximum level investigation protocol.
09:03Once activated, every underground group in Astrocy and every protector behind them will be rooted out.
09:10A complete cleansing.
09:11I planned to use my grandson's case to turn the whole Astrocy upside down.
09:15Right then, my old phone rang again.
09:18Who is this?
09:19From the other end came a cautious and flattering voice.
09:22Is this Mr. Sterling?
09:24This is Wade Hart.
09:26Wesley's brother.
09:27I frowned.
09:28I hung up before he finished.
09:29Then I dialed another number.
09:31It was a number even shorter than Ethan's and far more intimidating.
09:35A strong commanding voice came through.
09:37It carried the grit of the battlefield.
09:39Victor.
09:41What made you call me today?
09:43Hearing that familiar voice, a trace of the frost in my gaze thawed.
09:47But a deeper chill followed.
09:50Jason.
09:53My grandson was attacked.
09:55He's now in the ICU.
09:56A furious roar burst from the phone.
09:59Jason Mercer commands the Southern Theater.
10:01He and I share a bond from the battlefield.
10:04He once served under me.
10:05During a border conflict, he was badly wounded.
10:08I carried him out under heavy fire and dragged him back from the edge myself.
10:12From that day on, Jason believed his life belonged to me.
10:16I was his chief, his lifesaver, and his elder brother.
10:19Who dared to do this?
10:21I can deploy a full unit right now to chop his up into pieces.
10:25Jason, I did not call you for that.
10:28Chief, tell me what you need.
10:29The Hart family runs real estate in Astacy.
10:32Their company is called Hart Group.
10:34My grandson is still in the ICU fighting for life.
10:37I do not want them open for business tomorrow.
10:40I spoke slowly and softly, but every word hit like a bullet.
10:43Jason heard me loud and clear.
10:45It hit him instantly.
10:46I didn't want money.
10:47No revenge on lives.
10:49I wanted their pride shattered.
10:51I wanted the Hart family to fall from heaven to hell in one day.
10:55I wanted their so-called business empire to face real power and crumble like paper.
11:00In an instant.
11:01I understand.
11:02Chief, wait for my news.
11:03After hanging up, Jason returned to the conference room,
11:06looking grim.
11:07The room full of senior officers watched him,
11:09not daring to even breathe.
11:11Jason stepped to the map.
11:13His eyes locked on Astacy, cold as ice.
11:15Order the action unit to assemble in one hour.
11:18Tell logistics and audit to form a special investigation team.
11:22In the name of a military security review,
11:25target Hart Group.
11:27Every military-related project they built
11:29is to be sealed and reviewed at the highest level.
11:33Any unit doing business with Hart Group must cut all ties immediately.
11:38Each order landed like a surgeon's blade,
11:41striking straight at Hart Group's lifeline.
11:44The officers in the room were stunned.
11:47The Blade Brigade handles the theater's top security reviews.
11:51This is the harshest sanction available.
11:53Once it's launched, it's basically a death sentence.
11:55What kind of company could make Commander Merso strike this hard?
12:02Director, this.
12:04Hart Group is a star company in Astacy and a key partner, too.
12:08If we launch this suddenly, will it be...
12:12Jason snapped his head around, his eyes sharp as a hawk.
12:16Execute the order.
12:17Everyone's heart skipped a beat.
12:19No one dared say another word.
12:21Meanwhile, a silent storm was forming in Astacy.
12:24At the city bureau, Wesley and Wade were desperately calling every contact.
12:29But to their horror, none of the calls went through.
12:32Those so-called friends who drank and toasted with them
12:35either hung up instantly, claimed to be in meetings,
12:38or shut their phones off.
12:40The entire Astacy bureaucracy seemed to slam every door on the hearts all at once.
12:45Wesley was sharper than his brother.
12:47He realized they had not hit an easy mark.
12:49They'd hit a brick wall.
12:51Wesley, tell me the truth.
12:52Who exactly is that old man?
12:55I really do not know.
12:57He didn't say anything.
12:59He just made a call and everything exploded.
13:03Right then, Wade's phone rang.
13:06It was his secretary.
13:07Mr. Hart, bad news.
13:08All our company bank accounts have been frozen.
13:11What?
13:13Every single account is frozen.
13:16Jacks, commerce, fire safety and inspections.
13:19Every department sent joint investigation teams.
13:22They sealed off our headquarters.
13:24The secretary's voice was breaking.
13:26One bad news after another hit like bombs.
13:29Wade staggered, his head spinning.
13:31Military security review.
13:32He knew better than anyone what that meant.
13:35It was over.
13:36It is really over.
13:37The Hart family has fallen.
13:39He lowered his phone weakly.
13:40It was as if all strength left him.
13:42He collapsed into the chair.
13:44But all of this was only the beginning.
13:46Outside the city hospital, a deep rumble suddenly echoed.
13:49Everyone instinctively looked out the window.
13:51Several dark green military SUVs formed a tight convoy.
13:55They pushed straight through the police line, stopping firmly at the entrance.
13:59The doors opened.
14:00A squad in special ops gear faces cold and sharp stepped out, radiating battlefield intensity.
14:06They ignored everyone, heading straight into the building.
14:09They took over security on the ICU floor.
14:12In the hallway, the police on duty saw the Blade Brigade patch on their shoulders and stepped
14:16back instinctively.
14:17Their eyes filled with respect.
14:19Julian stared at these legendary soldiers.
14:21Each stood like a spear along the corridor.
14:24His mind froze again.
14:26His father's second phone call had summoned an entire military unit.
14:29Doctor, how is my grandson?
14:31How is my son?
14:32Director Lawson looked at the old man, then at the fierce-looking soldiers in the hallway.
14:37His heart was already in turmoil.
14:40He took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice.
14:42Sir, please rest assured.
14:44After our full rescue efforts, the patient's vitals have stabilized.
14:47All bleeding points were found and controlled.
14:49The fractured ribs are fixed.
14:51He is not out of danger.
14:53He is not out of danger.
14:55But the hardest part has been overcome.
14:58Hearing this, Julian finally let go of all tension.
15:01He dropped to the floor, crying with relief.
15:04Even my straightened back shook ever so slightly.
15:07My clenched fists finally loosened.
15:13You are welcome.
15:14This is our duty.
15:18When can we visit?
15:19He needs 48 hours in intensive care.
15:21Once he is fully stable, he can move to a regular ward.
15:24Then family can take turns visiting him in there.
15:26I nodded without saying a word.
15:28I walked to the ICU viewing window.
15:30Through the thick glass, I stared at the young man inside, lying there with tubes all over his body.
15:36He is my flesh and blood and my hope.
15:38At that moment, the elevator at the end of the hall opened.
15:42Ethan had returned.
15:44Behind him stood a man in a suit, his face pale with fear.
15:47It was Wade Hart, the eldest of the family.
15:50His face was ashen.
15:51His legs trembled.
15:53Two officers dragged him over.
15:54He knew this was his final chance.
15:56If he failed to earn my forgiveness, the Hart family would vanish from us to see.
16:01They brought him before me.
16:02The special ops soldiers' cold stares cut across his skin like blades.
16:07He felt as if...
16:08As if he were standing bare in the cold.
16:12Chief.
16:12Wade tried to speak, but his voice shook uncontrollably.
16:15He tried to kneel, but the officers held him upright.
16:18He could not even kneel.
16:20That humiliation cut even deeper.
16:22He had to stand and face judgment.
16:24On behalf of the Hart family, I offer you and your family my deepest apology.
16:31My useless brother and that disgrace of a nephew.
16:34I have removed them from our family records.
16:36Our family is willing to give up everything we own.
16:39We only beg you to spare us.
16:40Wade sobbed uncontrollably, nearly fainting on the spot.
16:44He thought draining his entire fortune would at least buy him a sliver of hope.
16:48But I did not even look at him.
16:50My eyes never left my grandson in the ICU.
16:52The hallway lay in a dead hush.
16:55Only Wade's ragged breathing remained.
16:57Time passed, second by second.
17:00Every second was torture for Wade.
17:02Just as he was losing hope, I finally turned my head.
17:06My eyes landed on his face.
17:08There was no anger, no hatred, only a bottomless indifference.
17:11Your entire fortune?
17:14Go on, put a price on my grandson.
17:17Wade's face turned red.
17:19Shame, fear, despair all tangled together.
17:22He could barely breathe.
17:24He opened his mouth but no words came out.
17:27I ignored him.
17:28I turned to Ethan.
17:29Do we have the investigation results?
17:31Ethan stepped forward.
17:33Chief, we have the preliminary results.
17:35He opened a video file.
17:37The footage was a bit blurry but clear enough to show what happened.
17:41It showed Nathan riding a bike.
17:42He seemed to accidentally scrape a red Ferrari parked by the road.
17:46Four young men stepped out of the car.
17:48Leading them was Tyler Hart.
17:50Tyler pointed at an almost invisible scratch on the door and started yelling at Nathan.
17:55Nathan kept apologizing.
17:57He was sincere and offered to pay for it.
17:59But Tyler refused to let it go.
18:01He and his friends surrounded Nathan and kept shoving him.
18:04Nathan never fought back until Tyler kicked him hard in the stomach, knocking him to the ground.
18:10What came next made everyone watching clench their fists.
18:13Tyler and his buddies began kicking and hitting Nathan on the ground.
18:16They acted like a pack of hounds, tearing into prey that can't fight back.
18:20One of them even grabbed a brick from the roadside and struck toward Nathan's head.
18:25The ground was stained red in moments.
18:27When Nathan stopped moving, they walked away laughing arrogantly.
18:30The entire scene was shocking.
18:32Julian watched the footage.
18:33His eyes bloodshot.
18:35His nails dug deep into his palms.
18:37If the cops nearby hadn't stopped him, Julian would have torn Wade apart.
18:41Ethan's face turned frighteningly dark.
18:44This was no simple fight.
18:46This was intentional harm, an assault.
18:48My face remained expressionless.
18:50But those who knew me knew this was the calm before the storm.
18:53After watching the video, I turned off the tablet and handed it back to Ethan.
18:58Then, I slowly walked toward the restrained Wade.
19:00Seeing this, Wade nearly lost his soul.
19:03A warm wetness spread down his pants.
19:06He had lost control.
19:07I stopped in front of him and said nothing.
19:09I raised my hand and gently tapped his cheek.
19:12But to Wade, that calloused hand felt scorching hot.
19:16Like a branding iron on his soul, your brother raised a fine son.
19:20Tell everyone in your family, from today on, none of you are allowed to set foot in Astasi.
19:28Get out.
19:29The officers released their grip on Wade.
19:32His legs gave out instantly.
19:34He collapsed on the floor like a pile of mud.
19:36He knew this was not a threat or intimidation.
19:39It was a verdict.
19:40A total end for the Hart family.
19:42The officers showed no emotion as they dragged him up.
19:45They hauled him into the elevator like dead weight.
19:48I walked back to the ICU window.
19:51My eyes fixed on my grandson.
19:53But then, a nurse rushed toward us.
19:55Director Lawson, something is wrong.
19:57The patient in bed 12, his heart rate is dropping.
20:00His blood pressure too.
20:02Director Lawson's face changed.
20:04He rushed back inside.
20:06Bed 12 was Nathan's bed.
20:08My heart clenched tight.
20:09Alarms blared throughout the ICU.
20:12Doctors and nurses stormed into Nathan's room.
20:14Through the thick glass, I watched the frantic rescue unfold.
20:18Grab the equipment.
20:19One vial.
20:20Hurry.
20:21On the monitor, the line was flattening towards stillness.
20:24My body began to tremble beyond my control.
20:28I spent my life on the battlefield.
20:29I never flinched before armies.
20:32I laughed in the face of gunfire.
20:35But now, watching my only grandson fight for his life, I was afraid.
20:41Please save him.
20:42In this moment, I was no longer a feared war god.
20:45Just an old man terrified of losing family.
20:48Suddenly, my eyes caught a familiar figure among the doctors fighting to save him.
20:52It was Director Fletcher, the head of this hospital.
20:55And beside him stood an elderly man with silver hair, calm and scholarly in demeanor.
21:00I recognized him.
21:01Dr. Adrian Holloway, the top cardiovascular expert in the nation.
21:04Why was he here?
21:05As I struggled to understand, Dr. Holloway seemed to sense my gaze.
21:10He looked toward me through the glass.
21:12He gave me a small, steady nod.
21:14It hit me like a shot of strength.
21:16My collapsing heart steadied.
21:18Decades ago, during a secret mission, I once saved his life.
21:22Later, he became a National Guardian physician.
21:25Dedicated to the health of the top leaders.
21:27We rarely stayed in contact, but he never forgot that debt.
21:30Why would he appear here now?
21:33I turned sharply toward Ethan.
21:35Chief, it might be...
21:37It might be Commander Mercer.
21:39It all made sense.
21:41Only Jason had the reach to make this happen so fast.
21:44To bring someone like Dr. Holloway from the capital to Astasi,
21:47he had thought even further than I did.
21:49In that instant, warmth slowly returned to my frozen heart.
21:53With him leading the surgery, Nathan's chances of survival soared.
21:57Time passed, second by second.
22:00At last, the red alarm light went dark.
22:03The flat line on the monitor began to beat steadily again.
22:07The ICU doors opened once more.
22:09Dr. Holloway and Director Fletcher walked out.
22:12Both looked exhausted, but more relieved than anything.
22:15Dr. Holloway.
22:17Victor, don't worry.
22:18We pulled the boy back from death's door.
22:20My tense body finally relaxed.
22:22I can't thank you enough.
22:24I bowed deeply to Dr. Holloway.
22:26There is no need for that between us.
22:29If not for you back then,
22:31I would have ended in the southern rainforest.
22:35Although the boy is saved, his injuries are severe.
22:38Especially the blows to the head.
22:39They were serious.
22:40Someone hit him hard.
22:41We did our best to remove the hematomas in his head.
22:44But there may be lasting effects,
22:45such as memory loss or cognitive impairment.
22:48You mean he might be impaired?
22:49It is possible, but the odds are low.
22:52Young brains have strong plasticity
22:54and recover quickly.
22:56Rehabilitation will be the key.
22:58My fists tightened again.
23:00I spent a lifetime in uniform.
23:02My scars and after effects are countless.
23:04But I will never allow my grandson to bear such pain.
23:08He is barely in his twenties.
23:10He should not face a lifetime of suffering.
23:12The Hart family is now carved in blood in my heart.
23:17I will remember it.
23:19Director Fletcher,
23:20my grandson's recovery counts on you.
23:23Whatever is needed,
23:24no matter the cost or how rare,
23:26just tell me.
23:26Chief, rest assured,
23:27we will use the hospital's best resources.
23:29No, the best in the entire city
23:31to treat your grandson.
23:32My gaze turned cold again.
23:34I looked at Ethan.
23:35Where are they?
23:36Ethan understood instantly.
23:38Chief, reporting.
23:38The main offender,
23:40Tyler Hart and the three accomplices
23:41are all detained at the Bureau.
23:43They are being interrogated overnight.
23:44Based on initial statements,
23:45they admitted to everything.
23:46It all started
23:47because your grandson
23:48accidentally scratched Tyler's sports car.
23:50We checked the vehicle.
23:51It was a birthday gift for Tyler
23:52from his father,
23:53worth over $8 million.
23:55All over a scratch?
24:02No.
24:04One accomplice said something else.
24:06Tyler did not care about the scratch at all.
24:08The reason he went that far
24:10was because he lost money gambling.
24:12He was in a foul mood
24:13and wanted someone to vent on.
24:15These words went off like a bomb in my head
24:17just because he was in a bad mood
24:19and wanted to vent.
24:20Because of his bad mood?
24:24He beat a living person
24:26to the brink of death.
24:27This was treating life like dirt.
24:29Utterly deranged.
24:31Animal!
24:31A pack of animals!
24:33Compared to my son's agitation,
24:35I only listened quietly.
24:36My eyes terrifyingly dark.
24:38Where are Wesley and Wade?
24:41Wesley was detained
24:42for obstructing justice.
24:43As for Wade,
24:44after we sent him back,
24:45our officers reported
24:47that he checked right into the hospital,
24:48claimed his health had issues
24:50and needed to rest.
24:51As Ethan said this,
24:52a hint of disdain flashed through.
24:55Chief, about the heart group.
24:56We worked with the investigation team.
24:58We found plenty.
24:59The company is a mess.
25:01Tax evasion,
25:01collusion with officials,
25:03illegal land grabs.
25:04And even deaths.
25:07It's just they all buried before
25:09with money and favors.
25:11I understood the whole picture.
25:13A family that raised someone like Tyler
25:15was rotten from the roots.
25:17Organize every piece of evidence.
25:19Yes.
25:20And look into someone for me.
25:21Please name him.
25:22Deputy Director Philip Rowan
25:24from Astercee's Education Bureau.
25:25Ethan froze for a moment.
25:28He did not know why I suddenly mentioned
25:29someone who seemed unrelated.
25:31But he did not ask.
25:33He nodded.
25:34Understood.
25:34I will send someone immediately.
25:36Just then,
25:36my encrypted phone rang for the third time.
25:38The caller was someone I did not expect.
25:40The moment I answered,
25:42Ethan instinctively held his breath.
25:44His posture snapped even straighter.
25:46On the other end came a warm,
25:47yet commanding voice.
25:48Chief, it is Frankie.
25:50Frankie, you're still up this late.
25:53Hearing the name Frankie
25:54made Ethan's heart skip a beat.
25:56He already knew who he was.
25:57In all of Zeylon,
25:58there's only one man I call Frankie.
26:00I heard you ran into trouble in Astercee.
26:03I called to check on you.
26:04Chief, how is your health holding up?
26:07Do you need me to send people over?
26:10No need.
26:11A small family matter.
26:12Almost resolved.
26:14Family matters are never small.
26:16Especially yours.
26:17I already heard.
26:18Jason stirred up quite a storm.
26:21Young people are hot-headed.
26:22He was standing up for you.
26:24After all,
26:25we failed to do our jobs properly.
26:28On our turf,
26:29letting a hero's descendants bleed and suffer is our failure.
26:32Chief, rest assured,
26:33this matter will not be brushed aside.
26:36Swift, severe and thorough,
26:37we dig to the bottom.
26:38No matter who is involved or who backs them,
26:41we will show no mercy.
26:42Hearing that is enough.
26:44Take care of yourself.
26:46Do not let these fools ruin your health.
26:48When you return,
26:49I will visit you.
26:50I hung up.
26:51A long breath escaped me.
26:52With that promise,
26:53the Hart family's fate was sealed.
26:55What awaits them is no longer just the Sterling's anger,
26:58but the weight of the entire state apparatus.
27:01Ethan spoke carefully,
27:03cold sweat on his forehead.
27:05He never imagined this case would reach that level.
27:08Chief,
27:08about Deputy Director Philip Rowan.
27:11I will look into him now.
27:13No need.
27:13I will handle it.
27:15Right then,
27:15in front of Ethan,
27:16I took out my regular phone
27:18and dialed Philip Rowan's number.
27:20This number
27:20was given to me by Julian after the attack.
27:23Although the incident started with a scraped car,
27:26the deeper reason was tied to this Philip Rowan.
27:29Nathan is a senior this year.
27:31He was preparing for the civil service exam.
27:33He ranked first in the written test,
27:35but during the interview,
27:37he was pushed out by a candidate named Peter Rowan.
27:40And Peter Rowan is the son of Philip,
27:42the Deputy Director.
27:44Coincidentally enough,
27:45Peter was one of the four who beat Nathan that day.
27:47The call connected quickly.
27:50Hello,
27:50who is this?
27:52I am Nathan Sterling's grandfather.
27:54Philip paused for a moment.
27:56Then his tone turned impatient.
27:58Oh,
27:58it's you people.
28:00About your grandson,
28:01I am sorry,
28:02but the police ruled in mutual fighting.
28:04What more do you want?
28:04My son was hurt too.
28:06He is still in the hospital.
28:07Do not bother me.
28:08Go talk to whoever you want.
28:09That is all.
28:10He was about to hang up.
28:11Mr. Rowan,
28:12your son,
28:13Peter Rowan,
28:14applied for a post at the party office,
28:16right?
28:16What are you implying?
28:18For the written exam,
28:19Nathan ranked first.
28:20Your son ranked 15th.
28:22For the interview,
28:23Nathan scored 82
28:24and Peter scored 95.
28:26For the overall score,
28:27your son won by a margin of 0.1 points.
28:30I read out the numbers,
28:32clear as day.
28:33Philip fell silent.
28:35Inside,
28:36he was already in a panic.
28:37These scores were confidential.
28:39How did this old man know?
28:41Mr. Rowan?
28:43Do you think these numbers make sense?
28:46What exactly are you trying to say?
28:51Nothing much.
28:53Just a reminder.
28:56Starting now.
28:58You have three hours.
28:59Three hours from now.
29:01If I do not see a signed whistleblower letter online
29:03exposing corruption in this exam,
29:06then you and your son should prepare
29:08to join the Hart family's fate.
29:11With that,
29:12I hung up the phone.
29:13Hearing the busy signal,
29:15Philip froze,
29:16his blood running cold.
29:18A threat.
29:18A blatant threat.
29:20Yet he felt no urge to resist.
29:22My voice had been too calm.
29:23So calm,
29:24it chilled him to the bone.
29:25He had a terrible feeling.
29:27If he disobeyed my words,
29:29my words would come true.
29:30He already knew the Hart family's fate.
29:33Thinking of that ending,
29:34Philip shivered.
29:36His mind raced for a way out.
29:37But a signed report would be digging his own grave.
29:40It would ruin his son and drag him down as well.
29:43As cold sweat poured down his back,
29:45his office door burst open.
29:47The discipline commission walked in.
29:49The lead officer stared at him and showed his badge.
29:54Philip Rowan,
29:55we received a report.
29:56You're suspected of abusing your power in civil servant recruitment.
29:59At that moment,
30:00his last bit of hope completely collapsed.
30:03He finally understood.
30:05I never expected him to file anything.
30:07My call had been a notice.
30:09A notice before his trial began.
30:11Philip Rowan,
30:12come with us.
30:14I will go with you.
30:16All the energy seemed to drain from Philip.
30:19His head dropped in defeat.
30:21He knew his political career was done.
30:24And his precious son,
30:25Peter,
30:26stuck in the detention center,
30:27had probably met the consequences he earned.
30:30In the hospital hallway,
30:31Ethan watched me end the call.
30:33His respect for me deepening again.
30:36Breaking their will.
30:37The chief's methods were as ruthless as ever.
30:40And just as satisfying.
30:41Not only would he bring the abusers to justice,
30:44but he'd also make everything they relied on.
30:46To crumble right in front of them.
30:49From the Hart family's business to Philip's political future,
30:52anyone tied to this mess wasn't getting away.
30:55Chief,
30:55maybe you should go rest a bit.
30:57I'm here.
30:57And the team's here too.
30:59Nothing will go wrong.
31:00No.
31:00I'm staying till my grandson wakes up.
31:03My eyes drifted back to the ICU window,
31:05to the only thing I care about.
31:07Night deepened around us.
31:08Only the soft steps of the special ops team echoed in the hall.
31:13Everything else was silent.
31:15Julian had fallen asleep by the wall.
31:17The day's turmoil drained all of his energy.
31:20But I remained standing like a tireless statue.
31:23In my mind,
31:24scenes flashed one after another.
31:25Moments from Nathan's entire life.
31:27His first calling grandpa.
31:29His first steps.
31:30His first day walking to school.
31:32And the day he enlisted in a crisp new uniform.
31:35Saluting me with that slightly awkward military salute.
31:38Grandpa.
31:39I want to be like you to protect our family.
31:42And everyone.
31:45His words still echoed in my ears.
31:47But now my eyes were growing wet.
31:50I could not remember the last time I cried.
31:52Not even when my eldest died on the border.
31:55Or when my second drowned during flood rescue.
31:57When the news came,
31:58I did not shed a single tear.
32:00Because I was a soldier.
32:02I was supposed to be iron-willed.
32:04But right now,
32:05seeing that fragile life behind the glass,
32:07my heart felt gripped,
32:09as if a hand squeezed it tight.
32:10It hurt to even breathe.
32:12At that moment,
32:13the ICU door opened a crack without a sound.
32:16Dr. Holloway stepped out.
32:18He gestured for me to come.
32:19My heart tightened.
32:21I walked over at once.
32:22Dr. Holloway, is it?
32:25Don't worry.
32:27Good news.
32:28He just regained consciousness.
32:30He enlarged his fingers.
32:34Can I go in and see him?
32:37By the rules, no.
32:39But rules are meant to be bent.
32:41Put on a sterile suit.
32:43Five minutes only.
32:46I thanked him repeatedly.
32:47With the nurse's help,
32:49I fumbled into the sterile suit.
32:51When I finally stepped into the room
32:53filled with beeping machines,
32:54my steps grew unbearably heavy.
32:56I reached the bedside
32:58and looked at my grandson.
32:59A ventilator still on his face.
33:02His skin pale,
33:03yet with a faint hint of color returning.
33:05His eyelids trembled slightly
33:07as if trying hard to open.
33:09I reached out my calloused hand
33:11that once commanded thousands in battle
33:13and gently held his hand.
33:15The one with the IV line.
33:18Nathan, grandpa is here.
33:21Don't be afraid.
33:22Grandpa is right here.
33:24Maybe he heard my voice.
33:25Maybe he felt the warmth of my hand.
33:28Nathan's right index finger
33:29actually twitched slightly.
33:31That tiny movement felt heavier
33:32than the whole world to me.
33:34I bent down,
33:35pressing my cheek to his cold hand.
33:37Hot tears finally broke free.
33:39Five minutes passed quickly.
33:41The nurse guided me out.
33:42I removed the sterile suit
33:44and stood again in the hallway.
33:45But this time,
33:46that cold emptiness was gone.
33:49Warmth and hope filled me.
33:50As long as he is alive,
33:52anything is still possible.
33:53I took out my phone
33:54and called Jason.
33:56Jason.
33:57Chief, how is he doing?
34:01He is conscious.
34:03Great news.
34:04I knew your grandson was tough.
34:06Jason, thank you for everything.
34:08Chief, please.
34:09You make it hard for me
34:11serving you as my duty.
34:12I chuckled softly
34:14and let the topic drop.
34:16How was the Hart family situation?
34:18Reporting, Chief.
34:19Hart group is completely done.
34:20Wesley faces major charges.
34:22He will never get out.
34:23Wade had a heart attack.
34:25He is in emergency care.
34:26Even if he survives,
34:28he will be a vegetable.
34:29As for that animal, Tyler,
34:31he had an incident inside.
34:34He suffered some injuries.
34:39He will spend the rest of his life
34:41in a wheelchair.
34:42I listened quietly
34:44and said nothing.
34:45The outcome was within my expectations.
34:47But just when I thought things were over,
34:49Jason suddenly changed his tone.
34:52Chief,
34:53during the raid on the Hart estate,
34:54we found something unexpected.
34:57A merit medal stained with blood.
35:00A blood-stained medal?
35:02I frowned deeply.
35:04Yes.
35:05A second-class merit medal.
35:07The blood on it was confirmed to be fresh.
35:10We checked the serial numbers.
35:12It belonged to a soldier
35:13who went missing 20 years ago
35:15during Op Falcon
35:17on the southwest border.
35:18It was your second son, Caleb.
35:22A rush of heat hit my head.
35:24My vision darkened.
35:25Caleb was my second son
35:27who died in a flood rescue.
35:28Back then,
35:29the official report stated
35:30he was swept away by the flood
35:32while saving civilians.
35:33His body never found.
35:35He was honored as a martyr.
35:36But now,
35:37his squad's merit medal was found.
35:39It was found in the Hart family's safe
35:41and the blood on it was still fresh.
35:43What did that mean?
35:45A terrifying thought
35:46began to grow wildly in my mind.
35:48My second son
35:49might not have died in that flood.
35:51Operation Falcon
35:52was a top-secret cross-border drug raid.
35:54Caleb led a seven-man squad
35:56deep into the triangle
35:57to hunt a cartel boss
35:58called Scorpion.
35:59Mid-mission,
36:00the squad lost all contact with command.
36:02All seven vanished.
36:03The military searched secretly for three years
36:06but found nothing.
36:07It ended with total loss reported.
36:09To protect families
36:10and keep the mission sealed,
36:12the public story became accidental deaths.
36:14Caleb's flood rescue sacrifice
36:16came from that.
36:17This has always been my deepest pain.
36:19I always believed he was long gone
36:21in some foreign jungle.
36:23But now it seems
36:24the Hart family and Scorpion were connected.
36:27We are interrogating them.
36:28Wesley had kept his mouth shut
36:30and refused to say a word.
36:31But in his secret ledger,
36:33we found something else.
36:35He had dealings with an offshore account
36:37for over a decade
36:38involving massive sums.
36:40And the account holder
36:41is suspected to be Scorpion's agent in Ceylon.
36:44In other words,
36:47the Hart family,
36:49built on real estate,
36:50was likely Scorpion's biggest channel
36:52for laundering money in the country
36:54and his domestic network.
36:56The truth peeled back
36:58layer by layer like an onion,
37:00revealing at the core
37:01a rot that was sickening to behold.
37:03I finally understood
37:05why Tyler acted so arrogantly
37:07and treated life as dirt.
37:08Because their roots were rotten,
37:10built on the blood
37:11of countless anti-narcotics officers
37:13and soldiers.
37:14And why was that bloodstained metal
37:16in the Hart family's safe?
37:17Whose blood was on it?
37:18Could it be?
37:19I dared not think further.
37:21All I felt was a surge of fury
37:23and deep cold.
37:24If Caleb isn't dead,
37:25if he was captured by traffickers,
37:28or stranded for some other reason,
37:30then could this metal appearing now
37:32be a signal?
37:33A signal for help
37:34or a threat?
37:36Jason,
37:38find out everything about Wesley.
37:41Use any method necessary.
37:44At any cost.
37:46Yes, Chief.
37:46I will go myself.
37:48I hung up.
37:49I stood in the hallway
37:50for a long time.
37:51The night outside was thick.
37:53A greater storm was gathering.
37:55I once thought
37:56this was only about justice
37:58for my grandson.
37:59But now,
38:00it was far more complex
38:01and darker
38:02than I imagined.
38:03It tied back to a mission
38:0420 years ago.
38:06My son who gave his life
38:07and that brutal cross-border cartel.
38:09I slowly raised my head.
38:11My gaze pierced the night
38:12toward the distant southwest.
38:14There lay my unfinished duty,
38:16my son's trail,
38:17and the blood debt
38:18I must settle as an old soldier.
38:20My eyes snap sharp again.
38:22The lion in me was wide awake.
38:24Not only will I seek justice
38:26for my grandson,
38:27but also for my son
38:28who's been missing for 20 years
38:30and for his lost squad
38:31and every hero
38:32who fell in the drug war.
38:33I will demand justice.
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