Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 437: Chapter 437

They all knew how ruthless Dimitri was—anyone who crossed him would be torn to pieces and tossed to the sharks. Now, they were dead men walking.
Dimitri stared at Zoe, momentarily taken aback by how calm she looked. "You... you don't remember me?" he asked.
Zoe replied, "I've saved so many people, I can't keep track."
Dimitri nodded. Had anyone else said that, he would've been furious. But coming from Zoe, he believed every word.
He had witnessed Zoe's capability firsthand and knew she'd saved countless lives—it was only natural she wouldn't remember him.
"Zoe, please have a seat," Dimitri said respectfully, gesturing for Zoe to take the sofa. He remained standing aside, though it was clear this arrangement wasn't quite proper.
"Out," Dimitri commanded Howard and the others.
But Francis kept pleading desperately, "Please, Mr. Chandler, have mercy! I swear I didn't know..."
"Get the hell out!" Dimitri roared.
Terrified, Francis scrambled out of the room, stumbling over himself in his haste.
Once only the three of them—Zoe, Dimitri, and Shawn—were left in the room, the atmosphere finally eased up a bit.
Dimitri asked respectfully, "Zoe, what brought you to such a seedy casino?"
"I've got something to take care of," Zoe said.
"Just say the word—I'm entirely at your command," Dimitri said with deep respect.
Shawn had been quietly watching from the side. Worried her identity might be revealed, Zoe turned to him and said, "Shawn, could you wait outside? I need to talk to him privately."
Knowing Zoe didn't want her Firefox identity revealed, Shawn agreed and stayed outside.
Dimitri asked, "Zoe, what do you need?"
"I hear you're now standing toe-to-toe with the Underground Kingdom," Zoe said.
"Yes, thanks to you. If you hadn't saved my life here back then, I never would've had a second chance," Dimitri said. "For the past two years, I've been expanding my influence relentlessly just to find you—and now, finally, here you are."
Zoe raised her hand. "Save the gratitude. Let's cut to the chase."
Moments later, Zoe stepped out of the VIP room.
"Done?" Shawn asked.
"Yep," Zoe said.
Zoe and Shawn were about to leave when Dimitri quickly stepped forward and offered respectfully, "Zoe, please allow me to see you both out."
"No need. Remember what I said," Zoe said before leaving with Shawn.
Only then did Howard dare to step forward and ask cautiously, "Mr. Chandler, those two..."
"From now on, they're my lieutenants," Dimitri commanded. "Treat them as you would treat me—their word is my word. Obey their every command without question."
Howard was shocked, thinking, 'What kind of favor could they possibly have done for Dimitri to willingly entrust them with his power?'
"Is that clear?" Dimitri demanded.
Howard replied, "Yes, sir!"
As Zoe and Shawn left the casino, they had a subtle feeling they were being shadowed.
They sensed someone following them, but since the tail was clearly harmless—probably sent by Dimitri for protection—Zoe and Shawn simply pretended not to notice.
"He agreed?" Shawn asked.
"Yes. We'll attend the underground auction under Dimitri's name—gives us legitimate cover," Zoe said.
Zoe had also tasked Dimitri with handling some matters, though she had no intention of telling Shawn—after all, it wouldn't make any difference to him.
Shawn, a legendary warrior, lived by his own strict code. He despised underhanded tactics, but in a cesspool like this, some dirty methods were simply necessary for survival.
"What's your connection to Dimitri?" Shawn asked.
"I saved his life here a few years back, nothing more," Zoe replied.
"Then he'd dare to openly defy the Underground Kingdom for you?" Shawn asked.
Zoe glanced at Shawn. "Don't make him out to be noble. At best, it's just mutual exploitation—he's been eyeing the Underground Kingdom's turf for ages. Now, I'm just giving him a chance."