Russell Watson.
Why was he here? Mary, unconsciously captivated, stared at Russell. He seemed to be handling some business.
Mary instinctively thought of rising, hesitated, pursed her lips, then finally summoned her courage and approached.
Her footsteps were light as she neared. Russell, meanwhile, was waiting at the counter for staff to process some paperwork, unaware of her behind him. She reached out and gently tapped his shoulder.
"Hello."
A soft voice sounded in his ear. Reflexively, Russell turned and met those blue eyes.
"Mary?" he looked a bit surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I came with my father, for some errands," Mary smiled. "And you?"
"Here to deposit money for when I get married. Just kidding," Russell said candidly.
"Really? It hardly sounds like a joke," Mary's lips curled slightly, all her previous impatience gone. She glanced around—only Russell stood there, so she couldn't help asking, curious, "Charlotte didn't come with you?"
"She barely goes out on a sunny day. You won't see her on a rainy one—unless it's the end of the world," Russell shrugged.
As they chatted and laughed, the receptionist finished his procedure and handed Russell a receipt.
"Thank you."
Russell took it, and together they left for the guest sofa area. They sat in a quiet corner.
Russell's eyes scanned the hall, apprehending every detail and security measure. The layout was even more meticulous than expected—worthy of London's largest private bank.
He had mused at heart: completing this assignment would upgrade his social title.
The root of all this could be traced to that very morning. As he brushed his teeth at the mirror, a system panel appeared:
The operation against the Roy Family was finished; he had 2,500 Malice Points in his wallet.
Simultaneously, upgrade eligibility was unlocked: Complete the Lloyd's Bank heist to advance from "Fairly Well-Known" to "Famous."
Upon completion, he'd earn the title, Malice Points, and access to shop items.
With a week's break, he needed something to keep his skills sharp.
Thus, under the guise of a deposit, he came to Lloyd's Bank, observing every detail as he waited for his number to be called.
He wasn't a common thief—so while security was tight, he was unfazed.
"What are you looking at?" Mary asked, noticing his distraction.
"Nothing—it's just my first time here," Russell smiled innocently.
"It really is an impressive place."
"It's the largest private bank in London," Mary smiled, glancing around. "Its security is unmatched. Even Moriarty might not be able to break in."
"Yeah... I get that impression," Russell nodded.
At this moment, the reception room doors at the end of the corridor opened. Duke Morstan and branch manager Tommy walked toward them.
"Father," Mary rose instinctively, and, after some surprise, so did Russell.
"Hello, Mr. Morstan."
"So, who is this?" the duke scrutinized Russell with subtle scrutiny.
"Russell Watson, Mary's classmate," Russell introduced himself.
Duke Morstan frowned, swiftly retrieving data on the name from memory, before nodding coldly and looking at Mary.
"Let's go, Mary, don't waste any more time."
He turned and walked away, ceasing even to glance at Russell.
Mary opened her mouth as if to say something, but swallowed her words, watching his retreating back. She then turned to Russell with an apologetic smile—a smile as delicate as a snowflake melting in his gaze. She said nothing, but silently mouthed:
—See you tomorrow.
And with a quick turn, as if a wind-up doll, she elegantly left after her father.
Russell stood, watching the pair disappear under the grand golden gates into the rain. Tommy, at his side, shot him a scornful look, but Russell ignored it. Quietly, he turned and walked toward the restrooms.
Five minutes later, a man in black-rimmed glasses and a uniform emerged.
No time to mourn Russell Watson's departure.
Next up: Lloyd's Bank Headquarters Senior Internal Auditor—Clark Kent!
Standing at the restroom door, Russell adjusted the suit he'd bought from the system store for 50 points. He straightened his glasses and set his lips in a critical, dissatisfied line.
Russell walked to the counter and tapped the wooden desk lightly.
"Can I help you?"
"Clark Kent," Russell replied, producing an employee ID card marked in gold seal from his pocket and laying it out.
"I'm Senior Internal Auditor from HQ. I need to conduct a surprise security check of the underground vault."
The clerk looked surprise.
"Please wait a moment... I need to inform my supervisor."
"I don't like waiting long."
"No, no, it'll be soon!"
The clerk dashed off and quickly returned—with Tommy beside him.
"Hello, Mr. Clark Kent. I'm the bank director, Tommy..." Tommy examined the badge, its gold crest and texture. Both memory and touch confirmed it was genuine.
"Clark Kent..." Tommy's smile stiffened but remained polite. "We weren't informed of a spot check by HQ..."
"What's the point of a surprise inspection if you inform people, Mr. Tommy?" Russell's gaze cooled, his black glasses glinting sharply. "Unless you have something to hide?"
"No, of course not!" Tommy waved his hands.
"If not, hurry up. Time is money, Mr. Tommy."
"S-sure!"
Tommy forced a smile and led the way.
…