Chapter 318: The Nine Members of Peak Club Join Temple in Heaven
The group sat quietly, listening attentively.
Paige was about to explain the origins of Temple in Heaven, signaling that she was formally recruiting them. Everyone’s blood was boiling with excitement, but there was also a sense of sadness in the story.
“After I solved the puzzle, I discovered that Arjun, after escaping the slums, found others like him-people who had survived against all odds. They stuck together for warmth and survival. That was the original scale of Temple in Heaven,” Paige said, her voice calm and clear.
This revealed that when she spoke at Gangnam Hall about a so-called organization, it had been a lie. Back then, she was under Enrico’s strict control, with no time to create such a group.
Suddenly, Angie, who had been standing behind Paige, spoke coldly, “Back then, when Miss was captured and taken to Gangnam Hall, she faced brutal tactics. She neither sought death nor confessed, enduring torture and drugging. She claimed to have an organization to buy time, solely to wear down the President’s patience. You’re all incredibly smart-why do you think she did this?”
Paige glanced at Angie, slightly exasperated by her sudden disclosure.
Angie avoided her gaze and continued, “I see you’ve figured it out. Yes, Miss did it to save your lives.”
“…”
“Miss sacrificed everything to buy you time. If you had betrayed her, you would have been deemed heroes and no longer burdened by the label of ‘slum fugitives.’ You would have lived without fear for the future,” Angie revealed the truth of the past.
If Paige hadn’t held on at Gangnam Hall, the nine members of Peak Club, so close to her, might not have survived, let alone lived in the happiness they enjoyed now.
Everyone’s faces grew pale. They stared at Paige, and slowly, one by one, they stood up.
Mila looked at Paige and couldn’t hold back her tears again, “I never knew the truth was like this…”
Even the betrayal was something Paige had orchestrated to protect them.
Nick’s eyes reddened as he turned his head away.
Paige stood there, watching them get so emotional, feeling slightly helpless. “I was the one who got you into trouble back then. It was my responsibility to protect you. There’s no need to be so moved.”
“That’s not true!” Lamont stood, his fists clenched tightly, his voice hoarse. “I heard the stories about Gangnam Hall. The torture there was worse than death. Even international spies couldn’t keep secrets under those conditions.”
Carrie’s eyes were red as well. Before this so-called betrayal opportunity came, no one knew how much suffering Paige had endured. This wasn’t something you could do just because you felt guilty.
“Paige, I don’t care what you say this time. You’re not going to make us think twice anymore. I’m joining Temple in Heaven, right now!” Nick said, wiping his nose and speaking with unwavering determination.
Seeing them all like this, Angie’s expression softened. Miss Paige had made the right call in trusting them.
“At least let me finish first,” Paige gestured for them to sit down.
Once they were seated, Paige began introducing Angie. “This is Angie, 30 years old, my personal assistant, and one of the original slum survivors that Arjun found. As for the others, I’ll introduce them to you later. After I left The Capital, I secretly found them and brought them to the southern border, officially founding Temple in Heaven.”
Nick looked at Angie, noticing the tight band around her wrist.
Sensing his gaze, Angie explained calmly, “It’s a lock ring, just covered up.”
Nick remained silent.
The others followed his gaze, silently reflecting on how these slum survivors had faced life-or-death situations on their escape and lived without freedom even after reaching safety.
“In the past three years, I’ve been gradually finding more slum survivors in the country, inviting them to join Temple in Heaven,” Paige continued, seated in the main chair, her tone steady. “But Temple in Heaven isn’t just for slum survivors. Its sole purpose is to rebuild the slums, no matter the background of its members.”
“Paige, you’ve changed your approach, haven’t you? This doesn’t seem to follow the law anymore,” Rey remarked, his chubby face filled with curiosity.
“In A-country, power is everything,” Paige leaned back and replied calmly.
Those few words revealed the harsh reality of the world.
Everyone fell silent.
“The steps to rebuilding the slums are simple. We weaken the powerful conglomerates, bring Temple in Heaven into the light, and build a larger financial force. By then, even the combined powers of A-country won’t be able to crush us like they did three years ago,” Paige explained. “But this is easier said than done. Doing this goes against the law and common sense. And Rachel from Artisans is opposing me, backed by someone powerful. It’s going to be harder than you imagine, as dangerous as last night.”
Carrie scoffed, “This Rachel has been fighting Paige since school and into the business world. How hasn’t she learned her lesson?”NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.
Clearly, Carrie wasn’t worried.
“Should we swear an oath or perform a blood pact? Come on, I’ll start!” Nick exclaimed, standing up and pretending to bite his finger.
Paige sighed in frustration, “Nick, this isn’t a martial arts competition. Be serious.”
Angie added, “To join Temple in Heaven, you simply swear in front of Arjun’s portrait. Once inside, there’s no betrayal and no acting without permission. You follow Miss Paige’s lead and work to rebuild the slums.”
Hearing this, everyone stood up, eager to swear their loyalty.
Paige leaned against a table, arms crossed, watching them make their vows beneath Arjun’s portrait. As she gazed at their determined faces, memories of their time at Peak Club flooded back-the youthful laughter, the lively moments.
Back then, they were young and full of passion. Now, they were mature and resolute.
Looking at Arjun’s smiling face in the portrait, Paige smiled softly. “Arjun, you must be proud of what Temple in Heaven has become.”
Just wait. Soon, the slums will no longer be isolated islands.
After the nine members of Peak Club swore their allegiance to Temple in Heaven, Paige wasted no time. Angie brought out stacks of documents and piled them in the center of the conference table.
“I’ll be dividing the members of Temple in Heaven for you to manage,” Paige said, standing at the head of the table. Leaning forward, hands pressed against the surface, she gazed at them with calm intensity. “Starting today, your job is to help me weaken the major conglomerates and reduce their power.”