Chapter 457: Chapter 483 Wang Hu Confirms His Love

Xiao Hong felt that something was suspicious. She was ambiguous, certainly having committed a serious mistake. Wang Hu should not be dragged into it. Wang Hu nodded; he thought the same.

Bai Fanglan was both ashamed and angry, almost to the point of bursting with rage. But she couldn’t leave in a huff and kneeled before him, choking up, "What’s the point in discussing past events? I promise this will be the last time I trouble you. Please don’t be so heartless; consider the child we lost..."

Xiao Hong interrupted her, "Hasn’t Wang Hu compensated you? Everything has a limit. Once it’s too much, it’s fake. You’re not disabled. You’re healthy, young, and have a college education. What’s so difficult about finding a job? You simply don’t want to work hard yourself and want easy money, but how is that possible?"

"Shut up," Bai Fanglan shouted angrily, "Who asked you to mind our business? Matters between Wang Hu and me are not yours to interfere with!"

Xiao Hong slightly frowned and became silent.

Wang Hu said, "Xiao Hong is right; I won’t help you find a job. If you want to kneel, you can just keep kneeling."

After saying this, he took Xiao Hong’s hand and walked away quickly. Xiao Hong’s entire arm felt stiff, and turning back, she glanced at Bai Fanglan left crying on the spot, then at Wang Hu.

Wang Hu chuckled, "Stop looking. No matter what happens to that woman, I won’t care."

"Hmm, but you’re still holding my hand."

"Is it wrong for me to hold your hand?"

Xiao Hong blushed, "But... but you said it was fake."

"It’s real now. Can I really hold your hand now?" Wang Hu smiled as he looked at her.

Xiao Hong lowered her head, rarely shy.

Wang Hu said, "I need to ask for your forgiveness. I’ve been divorced because I was immature in handling emotions and lacked empathy, like a wooden post, which hurt some people."

"I also dated before, but we broke up due to personality differences," she was quick to say, "Those romantic things aren’t suitable for us soldiers; we’ll be a fitting pair. Don’t ask about the past, but cherish the present!"

Though Wang Hu had a cold temperament, he was quite lenient with his own, giving Xiao Hong confidence that she’d have a good life with him.

Wang Hu laughed out loud, deciding to forget the pretensions. Together, they walked hand in hand.

Thus, Xiao Hong, once just helping out, became truly involved in the relationship, though Wang Hu’s parents weren’t aware.

A few days later, Wang Hu’s father’s lung examination results came out, just a minor inflammation from excessive smoking, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Mrs. Wang resolutely banned his smoking and incidentally pressed Wang Hu to finalize the marriage plans.

Both families highly approved, hastily setting their wedding for New Year’s Day, intending to relocate quickly. Otherwise, in such a remote area, how could Xiao Hong be pregnant? The parents were worried.

Thinking it over, Wang Hu agreed; he had been away long enough.

Things were joyous in their circle, but Bai Fanglan was miserable. Pleading with Wang Hu yielded no results, so she sought out other acquaintances. However, her grandfather, now retired, led these people to be extremely perfunctory towards her. Furthermore, Bai Fanglan’s affairs had become widely known, making hospitals reject her due to her poor medical skills.

Soon after her expulsion, she was forcibly discharged and returned home, only to find Bai Chuan had prepared a purchased train ticket for her.

Infuriated to the point of liver pain, Bai Fanglan bit her lip, "Grandfather, are you really giving me no way out? Just driving me away like this?"

Bai Chuan sighed, "It’s for your own good! Staying here no longer holds any meaning. I’m getting old, truly cannot withstand the stress anymore. Don’t worry; every month when my salary comes, I’ll send you fifty bucks."

Bai Fanglan coldly laughed, standing up abruptly, "Fine! Since you dislike me so much, I’ll leave! You’ll get your wish!"

She returned to her room and slammed the door.

Bai Chuan shook his head and went to care for his great-granddaughter. The child was pitiable; Bai Fanglan never cared while working, and even now unemployed, she remained indifferent.

The next morning, Bai Chuan woke up to find Bai Fanglan’s room in disarray. Everything was thrown about, yet she was gone.

Bai Chuan was puzzled; what happened? Then on the table, he found a letter.

Bai Fanglan said she’s left, gone south to find work, aiming to return once successful. The child was left for Bai Chuan to care for temporarily. Besides her jewelry and savings, she also took four thousand bucks from Bai Chuan’s drawer.

Bai Fanglan left in a fit of anger, refusing to believe she wouldn’t succeed! She vowed to get revenge! Against everyone who looked down on her and ignored her!

Bai Chuan worried, struggling to catch his breath, almost fainting. What on earth is Bai Fanglan trying to do!

The child from the next room cried out loudly, and Bai Chuan couldn’t neglect her, so he went to take care of her. Seeing her dark, gaunt face, Bai Chuan sighed deeply too, poor child. No father, and a mother who’s always negligent.

Bai Chuan’s previous grand ambitions were wiped away, leaving him with only taking care of the child daily.

Meanwhile, Sun Chan’s situation gradually returned to calm. Yuan Bing, due to his indecency and attempt at intentional homicide at their camp, faced serious charges. Coupled with Gu Junming’s thorough investigation, a raft of Yuan Bing’s business misconducts came to light.

Including tax evasion, engineering fraud, and bribery, among others, these evidences ensured Yuan Bing likely wouldn’t come out for life. People all around talked about it extensively, mostly cursing Yuan Bing and Bai Fanglan, some discussing Sun Chan.

Zhuang Lin was jumping up and down vigorously, but her husband knew and suppressed her decisively.

Later, the camp erupted with another scandal, overshadowing this one. It turned out Liu Gang secretly wrote reports, intending to falsely accuse Gu Junming!Chapter 645

Timothy shrieked in pain and turned in the direction where the branch had come from. His eyes were filled with fury as he asked, "Who ambushed me?"

There were only trees in sight, and nobody was there. Mad and flabbergasted, Timothy knew that the attacker was strong. A person who could pierce through his palm and then a tree with a branch must be a divine grandmaster.

Hence, he hurriedly summoned his ride-Hurricane Eagle. When Hurricane Eagle arrived, he jumped on it in a hurry and escaped.

Kaitlyn sighed in relief and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your help, sir. Please step out so I can thank you in person."

Obviously, she wasn't going to receive an answer. Just then, Sebastian walked out of the forest next to her. Thinking that the hidden expert had revealed themselves, Kaitlyn twirled around and found Sebastian instead.

"It's you? Why are you still here?"

"Didn't you ask me to be your pretext? I can't leave just like that," Sebastian said.

"Aren't you afraid that I'm going to kill you?" Kaitlyn said dangerously.

Smiling, Sebastian shook his head. "You would have killed me already if you wanted to. Why did you wait until now?"

"It's because you still have some use. Once you lose your value, I'll kill you," she said coldly.

Sebastian smirked without a word. Finally, he realized that Kaitlyn was a kind person. She was tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Although she kept saying she'd kill him, she never meant it.

"I'm returning to the sect. Don't forget your promise earlier to help me find that old man within a month. If you can't do it, I swear I'll kill you," Kaitlyn uttered and left.

"Hang on," Sebastian stopped her.

"What else?" she asked, looking back at him.

"Do you know how to leave this world?" Sebastian implored.

Besides the advanced third stage technique, this was currently his other big concern. Many people were waiting for him and they must be worried since he had been missing for such a long time He must

find his way back as soon as

possible.

s

"Leave this world?" Confusion was written all over Kaitlyn's face. "I have no idea

what you're talking about. I'm going now if there's nothing else."

Sebastian nodded and left the spot as well because he could sense people heading this way at a high speed. They must be the experts from Netherworld Sect who had heard squads of the fight from earlier. s

He planned to make a trip to Holton and find out from a few more people about ways to leave this world.

Unbeknownst to him, a young man was leading a group of people to Jenna's house. His name was Sean Knott, Martin's nephew and Heather's cousin.

With a loud bang, Sean kicked and broke the wooden door before marching into the yard aggressively. "Sebastian Wilder, get out here!"

Jenna and Fressia rushed out after hearing the commotion. "Who are you?"

Sean's mouth opened to say something, but he suddenly saw Fressia and was smitten by her beauty. "What a gorgeous woman! Are you Sebastian Wilder's wife?"

"Yes. Do you know my husband?" Fressia asked.

"Damn it. That bastard is really lucky to marry such a beautiful woman." Sean's face was full of jealousy. "Where's SebastianChapter 646

Upon Sean's command, a group of hitmen charged at Jenna and Fressia. One of them kicked Jenna so hard that he broke her legs, then they rained punches and kicks on her.

"Jenna! Stop it!" Fressia wanted to save Jenna, but she was helpless and couldn't even save herself.

A few men dragged her into the house. Despite having cultivation, she didn't know how to put it to good use.

"Remove all her clothes! I'll be the first, and the rest of you can queue up after me." Sean was losing patience, starting to undress after stepping into the house.

Fressia was so scared that she turned pale. She pleaded with them miserably, but they had no compassion at all. Instead, they were even more excited.

Lying in the yard, Jenna didn't even have the strength to get up. Besides cursing loudly, there was nothing else she could do.

Although the neighbors heard the commotion, they didn't dare to stick their noses into this because someone recognized that these people were from the Knott Estate.

...

Holton was a bustling city, and the streets were full of people. Suddenly,

hoofbeats echoed from the front. It turned out that a carriage was out of control, rampaging on the street. Terrified, the pedestrians jumped out of the way in panic.

Sebastian stood at the side of the road as well, but a little girl's cries in the middle of the road caught his attention.

Seeing that the carriage was about to hit her, the little girl froze on the spot in fright and continued crying. Without hesitation, Sebastian stood in front of her in a flash and placed a palm on the horse's head.

The big and tall horse fell from the huge impact, flipping the carriage to the side as well.

"Ah!" A woman in the carriage shrieked, and two people dashed out of the carriage.

They were a middle-aged man and a gorgeous young lady. The moment she stood up, she turned to Sebastian and said in a huff, "How dare you flip our carriage! The nerve of you!"

"I did it to save a life." Sebastian pointed at the little girl.

When the young lady wanted to say some more, the middle-aged man stopped her. "Abigail, it's alright. He didn't do it on purpose. Moreover, we almost hit someone earlier."

"How are you doing, Father?" the young lady, Abigail Watson, asked in concern.

"I'm fine. I can still take it." The middle-aged man seemed frail and left with Abigail's help.

"You're in a terrible condition now. If you don't receive treatment on time, you'll pass away in half an hour," Sebastian said.

"How dare you cure my father!" Abigail was enraged.

Sebastian chuckled softly. "I'm merely telling the truth. Your father sustained a hidden injury when he was younger and has been dragging it way too long. It's a miracle he's alive until now." s

that

ghat

"How do you know that my father has a hidden injury from his early years? Who are you?" Abigail asked warily.

"I'm a doctor. Your father's illness is clearly written on his face, and I can tell with just a look," Sebastian explained proudly.

"Since you're so amazing, do you have a way to treat it?" she asked with a hopeful face.

All these years, they had visited

many famous doctors and even

whonet

asked help of the

the help of the alchemist

from

fort

otherworld Sect, button

avail.

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"It's a piece of cake to me. He'll be as good as new with one pill," Sebastian answered.

Abigail grabbed his arm anxiously. "What pill is that? Let me have it! I promise to

pay you handsomely as long as it can save my father."

"The pill is very precious," Sebastian explained.

"That's not a problem. My father isChapter 647

"Do you know how to leave this world?" Sebastian asked.

"Leave this world?" Abigail wore a look of confusion.

Hendrick Watson suddenly interjected, "Mr. Wilder, do you mean leaving Coreland?"

"Do you know about it?" Sebastian was exhilarated. His biggest fear was that no one knew about it.

"So, the records in the ancient books are real! Honestly, I didn't know about it. I've only seen some records in an ancient book," Hendrick explained.

"Where's the ancient book?" Sebastian asked anxiously.

"Wait a minute. I'll ask someone to bring it." Then, Hendrick ordered a worker to bring the ancient book.

Hendrick soon found the part where Coreland was recorded. After checking it carefully, Sebastian finally found a clue. "The Abyss!"

If the records were accurate, the way out of Coreland was through The Abyss.

"Mr. Wilder, The Abyss is a death zone. Anyone who goes in there will die. Don't act recklessly," Hendrick advised.

Abigail nodded in agreement. "Yes. The Abyss is one of the three forbidden areas. For thousands of years, no one has walked out of there alive.

"The records in the ancient book may not be correct. I think it's just a myth. It's impossible to have another world. That's all nonsense."

Sebastian merely smiled without a reply, feeling even more confident that The Abyss was the exit. Although it was a forbidden area, he had to take the risk in order to get back and only after he obtained the advanced stage three technique.

The stage three technique must be within the doors of Netherworld Sect. There were three ways to get it. The first method was very straightforward robbing.

With his strength, not even a thousand men from the Netherworld Sect were his opponent. In spite of that, it was ethically wrong to rob so brazenly.

The second method was stealing. Although it was also ethically wrong, it was slightly better than robbing.

Last but not least was trading. He had the techniques for the first and second transformations. They would probably agree if he traded one of them with them.

Sebastian was a man of his word. He asked Abigail to get him a brush and paper and wrote dozens of herbs in one shot.

These were the herbs needed to produce the Ultimate Nourishing Pill. This pill could strengthen the body and increase the cultivation. In the meantime, it could also heal injuries.

As the largest commerce

association in the county, the Holton Chamber of Commerce had all sorts of herbs. Some herbs had a different name as the ones in the surface world but

dese after Sebas

Abigail

knew which ones he meant.

belongs to s

After the herbs were prepared, he started making the pill right away. The chamber

of commerce had a place dedicated to making pills, and there was also a mini

Spirit Gathering Formation.

Beneath the cauldron was magma,

which could save a lot of energy

during the refining process. In addition, Sebastian's cultivation had greatly increased, so it didn't the him at af to refine the Ultimate

Nourishing Pill. s

In less than half an hour, it was ready. Hendrick was stunned when Sebastian presented the pills to him.

"Goodness, this is a second-grade medication. I didn't expect that you're a second-grade alchemist, Mr. Wilder. It's an honor to meet you." Hendrick politely bowed down low toward him, full of respect.

The way Abigail looked at Sebastian took a change as well, her eyes filled with admiration. There was even an odd light in her eyes, and her face blushed unwittingly.

"Are second-grade alchemists amazing?" Sebastian asked, puzzled.

As there were only a handful of alchemists in Coreland, he never found out his alchemy level.

Hendrick replied, "Of course, they are. It's incredibly rare to find an alchemist, and every one of them are very noble.

"All bigger sects and families are spending a lot of money to recruit them, and they enjoy generous benefits if they work for the royalties.

"Furthermore, second-grade alchemists are even harder to find. The head alchemist of Netherworld Sect is their fourth great-elder, Bertha Erikson. She's a second-grade alchemist."

"There's only one third-grade alchemist in Starfire Empire, and he's the imperial chaplain. His status is high, and even the king has to respect him," Abigail added.Chapter 648

Now that Sebastian already knew where the advanced stage three technique was and the way back home, he planned to return home and explain everything to Fressia.

Before he even reached the door, he already sensed something amiss. The door was missing, and pieces of wood were scattered around.

His instinct told him that there was trouble, so he bolted over as fast as he could.

Upon entering the yard, he saw blood on the ground, and the unease in his heart amplified.

"Jenna! Fressia!" he shouted while dashing into the house.

One of the rooms was a complete mess, and there were also bloodstains. There was even a large hole on the roof.

"Jenna! Freesia!" He dashed back to the yard and continued shouting their names, but nobody answered.

Hence, he utilized his spiritual senses. The next second, he turned to the haystacks nearby and was over there in a flash. Parting aside a bunch of dry weed, he found Jenna.

Her face was covered in blood, and her breathing was barely noticeable. She already slipped into a deep coma, and her life was hanging on a thread.

Hurriedly, Sebastian pressed his palm against her and injected his spiritual energy into her to treat her injuries.

His spiritual energy had strong healing effects. In seconds, Jenna's breathing gradually stabilized, and she slowly opened her eyes.

"You're back, Sebastian." Jenna's voice was very weak, but her expression took a great change the next second. "Sebastian, run! The men from Knott Estate want to kill you!"

"Don't worry, Jenna. They can't do anything to me. Tell me what happened. Where's Fressia?" Sebastian implored anxiously.

Although he and Fressia were from different camps and were even enemies, they were husband and wife before she recovered her memories, and they have feelings for each other.

"I don't know where she is, either." Jenna briefly told him what happened.

The men dragged Fressia into the room with indecent intentions, but Jenna had

no idea what happened later. There was a fight, and then, she heard a loud bang.

Jenna was in the yard and only heard someone saying, "After her!"

Afterward, everything was quiet.

Later, she crawled into the house, dragging her exhausted body, but there was nobody inside. All she saw was a hole on the roof Worried that the men from the Knott Estate would return, she hid between the haystacks and passed out unwittingly. s

"Martin and Heather Knott, I'll make sure you die a horrible death!" Sebastian clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming coldChapter 649

"Don't cry, and rest assured, Jenna. I won't strike unless I'm confident, but I can promise you that I'll bring Fressia home," Sebastian assured.

Time was crucial in saving a life, not to mention that Fressia was gorgeous. In the hands of those inhumane men, it wasn't hard to imagine the torture she'd have to go through in their hands.

Therefore, she must be saved as quickly as possible. Any minute later meant that she would suffer more.

For now, Jenna's condition was stabilized. Unfortunately, her legs were broken. Even after Sebastian had given her an Ultimate Nourishing Pill, she'd still need a few days to recover.

Sebastian was ready to return Jenna to the room and then save Fressia when he heard sounds of hooves from outside the door. He looked outside and saw dust rolling as a group of stocky bandits headed toward his house on galloping horses while carrying weapons in their hands.

The chief was a tall and burly skinhead. With a chubby face and eyes as big as golf balls, he looked ferocious and intimidating.

At the sight of them, Jenna's face fell. "Oh, no! They're the bandits from Mount Blitzen, and their chief is Brork Gantz. Run, Sebastian!"

In this world, many bandits claimed mountainous areas to be the chiefs, and Mount Blitzen was the closest bandit lair to this village.

To the kind and innocent villagers, bandits were more terrifying than the nobles. Although the nobles would also intimidate them and even steal the virginities of brides, they would usually return the women to their families after they were done with them.

However, bandits were different because they often murdered and plundered. It was common for them to violate young women and abduct the pretty ones to be their wives. Once they were bored of them, they would kill them.

Due to this, bandits were akin to devils in the villagers' eyes, and the fear they held for bandits was deeply instilled.

Undoubtedly, Sebastian wasn't afraid of the bandits, and he waited for their arrival silently.

Their house was not located at the entrance of the village, but the bandits headed straight for them and entered their yard.

"I heard that there's a beautiful bride in this house. Bring her out here and show me," Brork directly announced the reason that he had gone there.

Although Fressia had only been there for a short time, everyone who saw her would be stunned, and her beauty was already known far and wide.

After hearing news of her, Brork had brought his men here to bring her back for their own enjoyment.

Anxiously, Jenna fell to her knees. "Mr. Gantz, the men from Knott Estate have abducted my goddaughter-in-law."

"You're lying! Search the house!" Brork wouldn't be taken in so easily. Upon his order, the bandits behind him hopped off their horses and headed for the house. s

"Stop right there!" Sebastian bellowed out of the blue, and everyone froze.

"Don't be rude, Sebastian. Apologize to Mr. Gantz now!" Jenna berated sternly Then, she flashed Brork a smile, "Mr Cantz hChapter 650

"Get on my knees for him? He doesn't deserve it. Get up, Jenna. There's no need to be afraid of them," Sebastian said.

The bandits were enraged, charging at him ferociously. Some even raised their swords, ready to cut him to pieces.

Jenna couldn't bear to watch and could already imagine Sebastian's terrible death.

On the other hand, Sebastian didn't move a muscle or dodge. Brork simply thought that he was too frightened to move and sniggered.

The next second, swords landed on Sebastian, but there was no bloody scene.

Everyone merely heard a loud boom as a terrifying energy erupted from Sebastian's body. In an instant, the terrifying energy shattered the swords, and the bandits were thrown off, spewing out blood and dying before even hitting the ground.

"What?" After seeing this scene, Brork was flabbergasted, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

The men he had brought with him were the elites amongst his henchmen, and they were all warriors, including the second-in-command of the bandits, who was a pinnacle warrior.

Sebastian had killed all of his men solely by releasing his energy. This was a fearsome strength, and Brork reckoned that not even a grandmaster might be capable of it.

"You're a grandmaster!" Brork's face was full of shock. "Why is there a grandmaster in a small village?"

Sebastian raised his head at him and said indifferently, "You've successfully enraged me, and the price to pay is death."

"What arrogance!" Brork snorted. "So what if you're a grandmaster? I've been the king at Mount Blitzen for more than two decades. The Knott Estate has tried to take me down many times but to no avail. Why do you think I could achieve this?"

Suddenly, he jumped and gave Sebastian a palm through the air.

A huge wave of energy blasted toward Sebastian, who was unfazed and composed. With a wave of his hand, an even greater energy erupted from him.

Along with another loud bang, Brork's attack was repelled, and the remaining force struck him without stopping.

As though struck by lightning, Brork was blasted away by the energy and threw up blood, his eyes filled with shock.

There was a thud as Brork landed heavily on the ground after he was blasted off more than 30 feet away. The impact was so strong that it created a concave in the ground.

Sebastian's eyes were impassive, and with a flash, he was right in front of Brork. Quick and silent, he moved like a ghost.

Brork almost wet his pants as he begged for his life on his knees in panic. "Please spare me. I was wrong. Please let me off."

"Bandits have done all kinds of evil, violating women, plundering, and many other heinous deeds. You deserve death, and I'll rid the people of such a wicked many today Sebastian said. s

Right before he struck, Brork said anxiously, "Please hold on and listen to me, sir. Although I'm a bandit and have done many wrong, I usually plunder and rarely kill.

"Furthermore, I rob the rich and hardly harass the villagers. Please let me off. I promise I'll never do it again."

"I'm missing a henchman now. Are you able to obey me unconditionally?" Sebastian asked.

"Y-Yes, master!" Brork didn't dare to disobey. He had succumbed to Sebastian's strength and had no thoughts of defying him.

Meanwhile, Jenna was utterly flabbergasted by the scene before her eyes. She knew that Sebastian was strong because he coChapter 651

"You can refuse, but I'll kill you right now," Sebastian said coldly.

"I'll go! I'll go, okay?" Brork almost cried. Not going meant death, but going also meant death. It was just supposed to be a simple mission, so how did things get so unlucky for him?

The two of them rode their horses at full speed and soon entered Holton, heading straight for the Knott Estate. Upon arriving at the entrance, they dismounted and barged right in.

"Hold it!" the guards immediately shouted harshly.

Sebastian acted as if he hadn't heard them and continued walking straight ahead.

"How dare you trespass on Knott Estate? You're courting death!"

Enraged, the guards drew their swords and slashed at Sebastian.

Sebastian ignored them, leaving Brork no choice but to intervene and send the guards flying.

The fallen guards were both shocked and furious, and they quickly called for help. Hearing the commotion, more people from the Knott Estate rushed out.

"Sebastian Wilder!"

Many recognized him immediately since Heather had been seen showing him around Knott Estate not long ago.

However, they were also aware that Sebastian had fallen out with their young lady, so they angrily shouted, "How dare you barge into Knott Estate?"

"Tell Martin to get out here!" Sebastian shouted fiercely.

"How dare you disrespect the city lord! You're asking for it! Seize him and bring him to Mr. Knott for punishment!"

The leader of the guards commanded, and a group of them charged at Sebastian. Sebastian stood still, making no move to fight back.

Brork was internally groaning. He knew all too well that if he didn't act, Sebastian wouldn't hesitate to kill him. So, he reluctantly braced himself and joined the fray.

He was a grandmaster. Even though he was injured, he was more than capable of handling these guards. Each strike sent several flying, and not a single one could get close t Sebastian s

The leader was furious. "You're Brork Grant, chief of the bandits from Mount Blitzen, aren't you?

"How dare you cause trouble at the Knott Estate! You've got some nerve! Guards, kill him!"

The Knott Estate guards were ranked by level. The ordinary guards weren't even considered warriors; only the squad leaders had that status.

In addition, there were silver-armored guards, all of whom were warriors, with the squad leaders being mid to advanced-level warriors among them.

At the leader's order, a group of silver-armored guards charged at Brork. But a grandmaster was still a grandmaster, even wounded, he was not someone regular warriors could match. s

They quickly fell one after another.

"You're courting death!"

The leader was enraged. He suddenly leaped into the air and struck down at Brork with his palm.

Brork was caught off guard and hurriedly raised a fist to block the attack. A resounding bang followed, and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he was sent flying.

It was clear that the leader was also a grandmaster. He then approached Sebastian with an air of arrogance.

"So, you managed to get Brork on your side. That's impressive, but if you think you can storm the Knott Estate by relying on him, you're far too naive."

"Rely on him?"

Sebastian smirked. "I have never relied on anyone but myself. Brork is merely my slave."Chapter 652

Heather had just joined Netherworld Sect and was still a newcomer. Nevertheless, she often wasn't present at the sect, which somewhat surprised Sebastian.

What he didn't know was that Heather joined the sect mainly to have Bertha help treat her illness. As for cultivation, she didn't really need to rely on the sect because she had a family-legacy technique that was nearly as good as what the Netherworld Sect offered.

Moreover, she had been practicing it since childhood, so switching to a new technique would be more trouble than it was worth.

Heather stormed over, brimming with fury. "Sebastian, you've got some nerve! How dare you trespass into Knott Estate and show disrespect to my father! Today, I'll personally chop your head off!"

When Sebastian saw Heather, his eyes flashed with a hint of anger.

Heather had drugged him. While he was unconscious, she had used evil methods to extract his spiritual energy, blood essence, and even bone marrow, all before throwing him off a cliff.

If not for his strong cultivation and resilient body, he would have died. He had not forgotten this grudge.

He hadn't immediately sought revenge on Martin and Heather because he was still searching for the third stage of his technique and a way home, so he endured it for the time being.

But to his shock, this father-daughter duo had crossed the line by targeting Jenna and Fressia. They had simply pushed him beyond his limits.

"Heather, it was one thing for you to harm me, but why go after Jenna and my wife? They're just ordinary people," Sebastian demanded sharply.

Heather sneered. "They're just two lowly commoners. I was already merciful enough to not kill them."

At that moment, Martin also walked out. "Heather's right. Sebastian, I'm surprised you're still alive after everything, and you don't even look injured.

"If I were you, I'd have found a place to hide long ago, but here you are, handing yourself over."

Sean and others followed behind Martin. He turned to Heather and said, "Heather, there's no need for you to dirty your hands. Just stand aside and watch-I'll kill him myself."

"Fine, but don't let him die too easily. I won't be satisfied unless he suffers," Heather said coldly.

"Don't worry. I promise he'll enjoy every bit of it!" Sean assured with a cruel grin. He then looked at Sebastian and said, "If you kneel down and beg for mercy now, maybe I'll let you keep your corpse in one piece, you brat."

"The ones who should die are you

people! Release my wife

immediately, or I'll slaughter

everyone in knott Estate!"

wel

sebastian's voice was filled with

murderous intent. 's

Heather scoffed. "You're really delusional. A mere ant like you talking about wiping

out Knott Estate-you don't know your place!"

Martin sneered wickedly. "So, you're here for your wife, huh? Too bad you're too late; we already played her to death."

"What did you say? She's dead?" Sebastian was stunned. If Fressia hadn't lost her memory and married him, her fate would have been irrelevant to him. He might have even celebrated her death s

But now, it was difficult for him to accept that she was gone.

Martin smirked triumphantly. "That's right. I have to admit, your wife was really beautiful. She was such a joy to play with. We took turns, dozens of us, one after another, untilshe died from the sheer pleasure of it." s

shea

"You're asking for it!" Sebastian could no longer suppress the fury within him, and

a terrifying killing intent erupted from his body.

In an instant, everyone present felt a chill of fear, and even Martin was taken aback.

At that moment, Sebastian suddenly moved, grabbiChapter 653

Sebastian acted as if he hadn't heard anything and broke Sean's other leg with another kick.

Sean was in so much pain that tears were streaming down his face. "Please, spare me! I was lying earlier! Your wife isn't dead, and we didn't hurt her."

"Then, where is she? Let her go immediately!" Sebastian demanded, his voice dripping with murderous intent.

Martin quickly added, "I don't know where she is! We never captured her in the first place."

"You're still lying to me!" Sebastian snarled as he crushed Sean's shoulder blade.

Sean almost passed out from the pain. "I'm not lying, I swear! We planned to do something to her, but she suddenly went wild! She broke through the roof, and escaped. We chased her for a long time but couldn't catch her.

"I'm telling the truth, please, spare me."

Sebastian let out a sigh of relief, trusting Sean's words. Fressia's memory loss hadn't affected her abilities; it was entirely possible she escaped through the roof when in danger.

Heather shouted angrily, "Sebastian, I advise you to release my cousin immediately, or I'll have you cut into a thousand pieces, leaving you without a complete corpse!"

Sebastian ignored Heather and looked at Sean. "Even if you didn't hurt my wife, you still harbored evil intentions toward her. Not to mention, you nearly killed my godmother.

"You deserve to die!"

With that, Sebastian snapped Sean's neck with a loud crack.

"Sean!" Martin rushed forward to check, but Sean was already lifeless.

"He actually killed Mr. Sean! The nerve of him!"

Everyone at Knott Estate was filled with rage, and Heather's murderous aura surged as well. "How dare you kill my cousin? I'll have you torn to shreds!"

Heather immediately advanced toward Sebastian, unleashing a terrifying aura. "She's a pinnacle warrior!"

"Ms. Knott is truly remarkable! As expected of Holton's number one

prodigy. She's reached the pinnacle Warrior level at just

She now has

a real chance of becoming

20

grandmaster before she turns 18." s

"That's right. Her talent is unparalleled, rivaling even that of Ms. Kaitlyn from the Netherworld Sect Her future achievements are limitless!" s

Everyone was full of admiration, their eyes brimming with fervent worship.

"Die!" Heather shouted, clenching her fist as she prepared to strike Sebastian. Just then, a commanding voice rang out from a distance.

"Hold it!"

The voice wasn't particularly loud, but it carried an undeniable authority that shook everyone to their core. Heather feft a jolt of fear and instinctively halted. fo s

They all turned toward the source of the voice and saw a middle-aged man

striding forward, accompanied by a young girl.

"It's Mr. Watson!" someone exclaimed.

The man was none other than the chairman of Holton Chamber of Commerce. He was accompanied by his daughter, Abigail.

"Mr. Watson, what brings you to Knott Estate?" MartChapter 654

Hendrick knew that Sebastian was no ordinary person. Since Sebastian wanted to handle things himself, it was clear he had confidence in himself, so Mr. Watson stepped aside with a sense of relief.

However, he remained ready to intervene at any moment. Sebastian had given him a new lease on life, and he was determined not to let anyone harm him.

Heather stared at Sebastian coldly and said, "I don't know why Mr. Watson is protecting you, but anyone who goes against Knott Estate is as good as dead!"

As she spoke, she unleashed her aura again, making the guards around her feel incredibly oppressed.

Heather smirked smugly. "Do you see this? This is my power. It won't be long before I become a grandmaster. In my eyes, you're nothing more than an insect. If you kneel and apologize now, I might consider leaving your corpse intact."

Sebastian responded with a mocking smile, "Even grandmasters are nothing more than ants to me. You don't even qualify as one, yet you dare spout nonsense in front of me? How laughable."

"You're asking for it!" Heather shouted furiously. She raised her hand and struck Sebastian with a powerful blow.

Sebastian merely stood there, not moving an inch, appearing as though he was paralyzed with fear.

Hendrick was startled by this and was about to step in to save him when he noticed something strange.

Heather's palm had already connected with Sebastian's chest, but he remained completely unaffected, as if nothing had happened.

On the other hand, Heather's expression changed drastically as she was filled with shock and disbelief.

Sebastian showed her a disdainful smile and then extended his hand, pressing it in her direction from a distance.

An invisible force immediately bore down on Heather. She had no strength to resist and collapsed to her knees with a loud thud while her eyes filled with terror. "What?"

Everyone present was stunned. Heather was a pinnacle warrior, yet after hitting Sebastian with a palm strike, he remained completely unharmed.

With just a distant press of his hand, he had forced her to her knees. This kind of power was just too terrifying.

Heather struggled to stand, but the invisible force was too overwhelming, rendering her unable to move.

"This can't be! How is your strength so formidable?"

"It's not that my strength is formidable; it's that yours is too weak," Sebastian replied, delivering a slap to Heather's face.

A loud smack echoed as Heather was sent flying nearly 20 feet away.

"How dare you hurt my daughter? I will make sure you die without a burial!" Martin

roared in fury as he charged toward Sebastian.

"The city lord himself is stepping in!

This kid is done for," the Knott Estate people exclaimed excitedly, as seeing a divine grandmaster take action was a rare sight. s

Sebastian smirked with disdain, ready to retaliate when Hendrick suddenly stepped in, positioning himself in front of Sebastian.Chapter 655

Although he was a grandmaster, Brork was nothing more than an ant in the face of a divine grandmaster like Martin.

Since he had come with Sebastian, he knew that once Martin killed Sebastian, he wouldn't be spared either.

Brork desperately wanted to flee, but Knott Estate's guards surrounded him on all sides.

"You can go ahead and try!" Hendrick stepped forward, releasing a similarly terrifying aura, one that matched Martin's intensity.

"He's a divine grandmaster! Mr. Watson is also a divine grandmaster!"

Everyone was astonished. Divine grandmasters were the most formidable beings

in the world, capable of single-handedly opposing entire armies.

However, such powerful individuals were exceedingly rare.

In all of Holton, excluding the Netherworld Sect, Martin had been the only divine grandmaster.

Now that Hendrick had also ascended to the Divine Realm, it was no wonder everyone was so shocked.

"You actually broke through to the Divine Realm!" Martin exclaimed, clearly surprised.

Hendrick smiled and said, "Indeed, not only did I fully recover from my injuries, but I also broke through the bottleneck and entered the Divine Realm. Do you still think I can't protect Mr. Wilder now?"

Martin's expression turned cold. "Mr. Watson, even though you've entered the Divine Realm, you've only just broken through. You're no match for me, so I suggest you think it over carefully."

Hendrick snorted. "There's nothing to consider. I won't allow anyone to harm Mr. Wilder."

"Then, you've brought this upon yourself. Don't blame me for being ruthless," Martin growled before launching a punch at Hendrick.

Hendrick quickly countered with a punch of his own.

A deafening explosion echoed as a terrifying force erupted from the clash of their fists. The shockwave hit those nearby, stinging their faces and sending them scrambling back in fear and astonishment. s

At the same time, Hendrick was forced back a few steps by the powerful energy, while Martin only wavered slightly, clearly demonstrating who was stronger.

This outcome was inevitable, given that Martin had entered the Divine Realm long ago, while Hendrick had just recently broken through. It certainly left a significant gap, between them. s

Vol

Martin snorted and pressed his advantage, throwing punch after punch, leaving Hendrick with no chance to counter. Martin then. seized an opportunity and struck Hendrick squarely in the chest, sending him flying with a terrifying force. s

Hendrick immediately spat out a mouthful of blood mid-air.

"Father!" Abigail cried out in shock, rushing forward to support him.

Martin smirked with satisfaction. "I told you before that you're no match for me, but you wouldn't listen!"

Hendrick wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said coldly, "Even if I'm not your match, if you insist on killing Mr. Wilder, I will fight to the death!"

"Mr. Watson, sacrificing yourself is pointless. I won't stop you if you leave right now, but that kid is doomed." Martin sneered, then turned to Sebastian.

"Brat, now I see why you dared to make trouble at KChapter 656

Upon hearing this, Martin smirked mockingly. "I really don't know where you get your confidence from, brat. You're at death's door, yet you still talk tough!"

Heather approached, her eyes filled with fury as she glared at Sebastian.

She spat venomously, "No one has ever laid a hand on me since I was a child. You're the first. I will make you wish for death over life! As for your wife and godmother, I'll ensure that they suffer fates worse than death too!"

The moment she finished speaking, a terrifying killing intent erupted from Sebastian, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet. Everyone present felt a chill of fear run down their spines.

Almost instantly, Sebastian moved aside.

His figure blurred like a ghost. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Heather, gripping her neck tightly.

Heather's face instantly turned pale with fright; she never expected Sebastian's strength to be so terrifying. What confused her even more was that she had cast a forbidden technique on Sebastian, which should have killed him, but he remained completely unscathed.

"Let go of Heather, or I'll ensure you die a brutal death!" Martin shouted, both shocked and furious. He was startled by Sebastian's power, especially his incredible speed.

Still, he remained confident that he could easily subdue Sebastian. After all, no matter how talented Sebastian was, he was still young-his strength couldn't possibly be that formidable.

Sebastian could be a grandmaster at most. As a divine grandmaster himself, that was merely a slightly stronger ant.

Sebastian's eyes gleamed with a cold light as he stared at Heather and said icily, "You have some nerve, Heather, threatening me with my wife and godmother!"

As she was both frightened and enraged, Heather tried to maintain her composure as she said, "Let me go now, or my father will tear you to pieces!"

"Your father is nothing but an ant in my eyes! He's not even worth fearing!" Sebastian scoffed.

"Damn, this guy is way too arrogant! He actually dared to call Mr. Knott an ant. He has no idea what he's up against!"

"Exactly! The divine grandmaster is one of the most powerful beingsan existence, and he dares to call a divine grandmaster an ant? What a joke! Knott Estate's people sneered, mocking Sebastian. s

Even Hendrick and Abigail thought Sebastian was being too arrogant. It was fine

to boast, but there needed to be a limit; otherwise, it would just make him a laughingstock.

Martin laughed angrily, "You brat, if you think I'm just an ant, then let Heather go and face me in a duel. Let's see what you're really made of."

"As you wish!" Sebastian responded. He continued to grab Heather by the neck

and throw her over 30 feet away. She landed heavily on the ground, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

Heather was furious, nearly

exploding with rage. She struggled to her feet and shouted, "Father, don't just kill him outright! I want to torture him slowly for days. Only then will be satisfied!" s

Martin glared at Sebastian and said coldly, "You heard Heather. I'll first cripple your cultivation, then break your limbs. After that, Heather can take her time tormenting you to death!" s

Sebastian stood with his hands behind his back, his face full of disdain. "You're just an ant, yet you dare to boast in front of me. How ridiculous."

"Then, I'll show you the strength of this ant!" Martin roared, charging at Sebastian with incredible speed.Chapter 657

Martin was shocked and horrified. It felt as though his punch had struck an indestructible metal, making his fist go numb. He tried to retreat upon realizing something was terribly wrong,, but it was already too late.

Suddenly, a terrifying surge of energy erupted from Sebastian. With a deafening sound, the energy blasted Martin away.

He immediately spewed a mouthful of blood mid-air as his eyes filled with disbelief and fear.

What!

Everyone was stunned, unable to believe what they were seeing.

Martin was a divine grandmaster; he had punched Sebastian, but Sebastian was unharmed and instead sent Martin flying. The sheer strength was just astounding.

"What incredible power! I knew Mr. Wilder was a genius at pill refinement, but I never imagined his combat prowess would be so profound!" Hendrick exclaimed in awe.

Abigail was in awe, and her eyes sparkled as she watched, momentarily entranced.

Heather, however, was paralyzed with fear. She never expected that her father, whom she had believed to be nearly invincible, would be so easily overpowered by Sebastian. His strength terrified her.

"This can't be happening! How is it possible? You're so young, how can your strength be this overwhelming?" Martin gasped, struggling to comprehend the situation. His eyes were filled with terror as he stared at Sebastian. "Who the hell are you?"

Sebastian sneered. "Who I am is of no consequence to you. All you need to know is that you are nothing but ants in my eyes, something easily crushed at my whim!"

If he had said this earlier, everyone would have thought he was boasting. But now, not a single person doubted his words.

Martin, the divine grandmaster, couldn't even withstand a single move from Sebastian. To the rest of them, they weren't even worthy of being called cannon fodder.

Sebastian then turned his gaze toward Heather, who instantly paled. Terror was evident on her face.

"Sebastian, what are you planning to do?" Heather stammered, trying to sound defiant. "I'm warning you. I'm an apprentice of the Netherworld Sect. My mentor is Bertha Erikson! If you dare to touch me, she will hunt you down and kill you!"

Sebastian sneered at her words. With a flick of his wrist, Heather was unable to resist and was suddenly pulled toward him.

Everyone present was stunned. They knew that a divine grandmaster could manipulate objects from a distance, but usually no further than 10 feet and not with heavy objects. However,

Heather was over 15 feet away, and Sebastian still managed to pull her toward him effortlessly. This display of power was far beyond their comprehension.

Sebastian grabbed Heather by the neck once more.

"What are you doing, Sebastian?" Heather asked, both angry and terrified. Her eyes betrayed her fear.

With a loud smack, Sebastian slapped her hard across the face and sneered. "What can you do now that I've laid a hand on you?"

Heather was both furious and panicked. "My mentor will never let you get away with this!" she yelled.

Sebastian gave a mocking smile. "I thought you had some brains, but it seems that you're incredibly foolish."

"What do you mean by that?" Heather asked while bristling with anger. Sebastian's cold laugh echoed. "Even now, you don't understand what kind of being you've provoked. You keep threatening me with your mentor-how stupid can you be?

"Let me make it clear for you. Even if your mentor Bertha were here, she wouldn't be able to save you because, in my eyes, she's nothing more than an ant."

"You're delusional! My mentor is one of the Grand Elders of the Netherworld Sect! She has unfathomable power andChapter 658

Heather had pleaded for help from her mentor, Bertha, while Sebastian stood there waiting.

He already knew by now that Fressia hadn't been captured. With her level of skill, ordinary people wouldn't pose a threat to her even with her memory loss. So now he had no reason to worry about anything.

Today, he was determined to make this father-daughter duo taste despair, bit by bit.

Hendrick approached Sebastian and whispered, "Mr. Wilder, the Netherworld Sect is full of experts. They have five divine grandmasters, and Tyler's power is beyond comprehension. Are you confident you can handle them?"

"They're just ants," Sebastian replied dismissively.

"Just don't underestimate them, Mr. Wilder," Hendrick cautioned.

Sebastian remained unfazed. It wasn't arrogance but confidence, confidence rooted in his strength.

The Netherworld Sect wasn't far from Knott Estate. With the speed of carrier pigeons and their giant birds that people could ride, they should have arrived within an hour.

Yet, two hours had passed, and still no sign of them.

"It seems your mentor won't be coming," Sebastian remarked.

Fear filled Heather's eyes. "Sebastian, you can't kill me. I'm the Netherworld Sect's once-in-a-millennium genius apprentice. If you kill me, the Sect will never let you go."

Sebastian responded calmly, "If I were afraid, I wouldn't have let you call for help, nor would I be standing here waiting.

"If the Netherworld Sect doesn't come after me, fine. But if they do, I'll just wipe them out."

He spoke of destroying a powerful sect as casually as if he were talking about slaughtering a chicken.

Everyone around was stunned-what kind of confidence was this? How strong did one have to be to have such unwavering self-assurance?

If they had heard him before, they would have dismissed it as bluster, and not even credible bluster at that.

However, they had just witnessed him severely injured Martin in a single move-it was terrifying.

"Heather, do you have any last words before you die?" Sebastian asked.

Heather was trembling so much that her legs gave out. She fell to her knees before Sebastian. "Sebastian, please don't kill me. For the sake of the one night we shared as husband and wife, spare my life. I'm still so young. I don't want to

die."

Sebastian let out a cold chuckle. "You still dare to mention our one night together? You drugged me, used wicked means to steal my energe essence, and marrow and then tossed me off a cliff ff thadn't been lucky, I wouldn't be standing here now." s

Heather pleaded, "I'm just still too young and made a terrible mistake in a moment of weakness. I truly know I was wrong now. Please give me a chance to change. I'll devote myself to you and serve you well as your woman." s

Sebastian sneered. "You should've gone into acting with those skills. Let's set the fact that you harmed me aside for now.

"You also sent people after my godmother, had her beaten severely, and even tried to humiliate my wife. Such malice-how could I ever forgive you?"

"That wasn't my doing! It was Sean acting on his own!

"He was driven by lust. It had nothing to do with me," Heather quickly tried to distance herself from the blame.

Martin chimed in, "She's right, I can vouch for her. When it all happened, Heather was at the Netherworld Sect. She didn't know anything about it."

"Sean deserved to die, but I don't believe he acted alone. If it wasn't her, then it must've been you." Sebastian turned his gaze te Martin, his eyes full of killing

intent.

belongs to s

Feeling a wave of fear, Martin quickly denied, "It wasn't me! I had nothing to do with it."

"Hmph!" Sebastian scoffed. "Well, it's definitely either one of you. So, you can choose who will die."

"Are you trying to turn us against each other? How vicious!" Martin shouted angrily.

The onlookers silently agreed, thinking that forcing them to choose would be more

cruel than simply killing them both.

After all, the survivor would live with the guilt forever.

"Enough talk. I'm giving you one minute to decide. IfChapter 659

"Father." Heather's eyes were full of fear and helplessness.

Martin was at a loss for words. He didn't want to die, but he also couldn't bear to lose his daughter.

"Sebastian, maybe we can negotiate. Let us go, and just name your price- anything you want."

Sebastian thought for a moment and said, "Alright. I'll give you a chance. I want one million gold coins!"

"What? One million gold coins? Why don't you just rob a bank?" Martin nearly jumped up in anger.

Just ten thousand gold coins were enough for someone to live comfortably for a lifetime. One million gold coins was a huge sum even for him.

Sebastian sneered. "If you're unwilling to pay one million, that's fine. I can just kill your daughter, and you won't have to pay for anything."

"Fine. I'll pay!" Martin gritted his teeth, feeling as if his heart was bleeding.

Due to the large amount of gold, Sebastian only asked for gold notes.

Not long after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth 100 thousand gold coins.

Sebastian kept his word and left after receiving the notes.

He hadn't intended to kill Martin and Heather-not because he was merciful, but because he wanted to take his time to destroy them.

After leaving Knott Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick to the Holton Chamber of Commerce.

"Mr. Watson, I'd like to ask you for a favor," Sebastian said.

Hendrick quickly replied, "Mr. Wilder, there's no need to be so formal. Just tell me what you need."

Hendrick's respect for Sebastian had grown even deeper. Sebastian not only healed his wounds, which saved his life, but also helped him break through his cultivation bottleneck.

It was a debt that Hendrick considered a second chance at life.

Moreover, Sebastian was at least a second grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to boot. Such a person was worth cultivating a good relationship with.

"I need your help to find someone." Sebastian requested paper and a pen, then drew an image of Fressia.

Although Sebastian wasn't a professional artist, his drawing was remarkably lifelike.

"Mr. Wilder, is the woman in the picture your wife?" Abigail asked.

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

A trace of disappointment flashed in Abigail's eyes. It was hard not to admire a man as exceptional as Sebastian.

Abigail had always been confident in herself, but after seeing the portrait, her confidence wavered-the

woman in the drawing g

easily matching her own beauty. s

Sebastian then explained the circumstances and timing of Fressia's disappearance.

"Don't worry, Mr. Wilder. I'll send people to find her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news soon," Hendrick assured him with conviction.

Then, Sebastian stayed at the chamber, waiting for updates. He also asked

Hendrick to arrange for some people to take care of Jenna.

Additionally, he assigned Brork to protect her in secret.

Having witnessed Sebastian's terrifying power first hand, Brork didn't dare to utter

a single word of refusal. He was completely subdued, with no thoughts of escaping.

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

"Father, I just can't swallow this humiliation!" HeatheChapter 660

Martin looked at Heather and asked, "Are you willing to marry the Stonebrook's heir?"

Heather replied without hesitation, "Mr. Camden is an outstanding man. Of course I'm willing."

"Alright then. We'll settle this marriage today and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal with that little bastard!" Martin said coldly.

The father and daughter then stepped out to greet their guests.

Meanwhile, the Stonebrook family had arrived in large numbers, bringing an abundance of betrothal gifts.

Leading them was a dignified middle-aged man, Denzel Stonebrook, the head of the Stonebrook family and one of the top powerhouses of the southern region.

Beside him was a young man of about 26 years old. Though his appearance was average, he had an impressive presence; this was Camden Stonebrook, the heir to the Stonebrook family.

"Mr. Denzel, Mr. Camden, your arrival truly graces our humble Knott Estate," Martin said with a flattering smile.

Denzel smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Knott, you're too kind. Please forgive our unannounced visit."

"No need for that; it's our honor. Please, come in." Martin led the father and son into the sitting room and had them seated.

Denzel got straight to the point, saying, "I've long heard that your daughter is as beautiful as a goddess, and today I see the reputation is well-deserved."

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Stonebrook." Heather appeared slightly shy. But the more reserved she acted, the more captivated Camden became; his eyes never left her, like they were practically glued to her every move.

Denzel quickly reprimanded, "Camden, it's impolite to keep staring at Ms. Knott. Apologize immediately."

Camden snapped out of his daze and quickly stood up, saying, "I'm sorry, Ms. Knott, I was being rude."

Heather showed him a bashful smile. She was not angry at all. In fact, she felt quite pleased inside.

The Stonebrook family was one of the southern region's four major families. If Heather could become the young mistress of the Stonebrook family, it would be like a shortcut to soar to higher places.

With access to the Stonebrook family's cultivation resources, her strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds, making it only a matter of time before she surpassed Kaitlyn.

She might even secure a place among the four great ladies in the future.

Denzel smiled a

and said, "My son saw

Ms. Knott once not long ago, and it

was love at first sight for him. Since

then, he lost his appetite

his appetite and many.

nights of sleep over her. As his father, I became anxious, soove brought him here to propose."

Cóntent

After Denzel was done speaking, he clapped his hands, and the servants immediately opened the boxes.

The first three boxes were filled with gleaming gold coins. They were followed by a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs, a box of antique paintings, a box of aged wine, and a box of pills.

The pill box, though smaller, contained dozens of bottles.

"The Stonebrook family's betrothal gifts include 880 thousand gold coins, a box of top-grade gemstones, a box of premium medicinal herbs, some antiques..."

One had to admit, the Stonebrook family had truly gone all out. The gold coins alone amounted to 880 thousand, which was Chapter 661

Due to their rarity, even internal consumption was not enough, making them extremely scarce in the market. When Martin and Heather heard about the Purification Pills, their eyes lit up with excitement.

Purification Pills could cleanse the body, improve physical constitution, extend life, and greatly enhance a warrior's physique.

When consumed by warriors, these pills significantly improved their constitution, accelerated their training speed, and even helped them break through bottlenecks.

Denzel said proudly, "Mr. Knott, are you satisfied with the Stonebrook family's betrothal gifts?"

"I'm very satisfied. Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin quickly replied.

"So, does that mean you agree to their marriage?" Denzel asked.

Martin responded, "Of course. Mr. Camden is a remarkable man. For him to be interested in my daughter is an honor for us. How could we possibly disagree?"

Heather was feeling shy, but she was overjoyed inside. With the future title of daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family, who would dare disrespect her?

Both parties quickly settled on the wedding date, setting it for a year later. Martin then mentioned Sebastian to Denzel.

"Mr. Stonebrook, we've recently provoked someone whose strength is formidable and who is extremely arrogant. It's infuriating."

"Oh? In the southern region, there aren't many people who could cause trouble for you. Who might this person be?" Denzel asked curiously.

Heather interjected, "It's a scoundrel named Sebastian Wilder. He's just a lowly

commoner.

"I fell ill with a strange disease once. Despite consulting many renowned doctors, none could help me. Later, when my illness flared up, that scoundrel saved me.

take off my clothes before he would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had no way to refuse. I'm telling you this

you mind, we can call

cold light crossed Camden's eyes. "I heard about this incident too, but I didn't

don't mind. It wasn't your

understanding," Heather

about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the Stonebrook family's resources, they

bringing it up herself, she hoped to

him. But what I never expected was that the

he demanded

He then tried to

"Heather, don't worry. Anyone who dares to bully my woman will die by

Camden, that scoundrel is very strong. Even my father

"I heard he should be under 30 years old. How could he be stronger

There are also herbs and pills

he's in his 20s, but his real age

in agreement. "That's right. That brat's cultivation is at least at the early pinnacle stage

real age is definitely well over

he just an early-stage

of Heather and Camden's

heir of the Stonebrook family, one of the four major families of the southern region, Camden would typically only

of Holton's Knott Estate, it was still far from matching the prestige of the four

wasn't on par with the daughters of the four great

were remarkable. The Netherworld Bell test showed her potential at five rings, placing her on the same level as Kaitlyn and

with boundless potential

compensated

Heather. After all, becoming the Stonebrook family's daughter-in-law was like ascending to the heavens in a

especially those who secretly admired Heather, were equally disheartened, with their

mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he wouldn't want her even

obtaining a million gold coins from Martin, Sebastian invested in a

to find Fressia, secure the third stage of

wanted to stockpile pills now to boost the cultivation of those around him once he

so Sebastian took breaks periodically to rest. One day, after finishing his pill refinement session, Hendrick came to

tomorrow at Knott Estate. They've sent over an invitation,"

them is for me, I assume?" Sebastian

"Yes,

immediately saw through Martin's intentions-it was nothing more than an attempt to use the

are

I don't go, wouldn't I be letting them down?"

"Mr. Wilder, I think it's best if you don't go. Martin and Heather both hate you to the core and their invitation is definitely not sincere it's clear they want to use the

is right. You mustn't

right into

petty clowns. There's

be so careless. know you're strong, but the Stonebrook family has many powerful figures. If you go you're bound

Hendrick warned.

to .net

unmoved. "I appreciate your concern, but those

clowns. They're not worth

leave me alone, fine. If they dare provoke me,

ie

in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld Sect.

"Mr. Wilder, please listen to us

things can't be avoided. If they're out for revenge, they'll cook up something else next time even if I skip this

confront them sooner rather than

his group approached the entrance of Knott

a colorful gown, with a veil partially hiding her

from me?" Sebastian asked. "Are you heading to

Sebastian nodded.

you at the banquet. Going

here just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with

happened to run into you and thought I'd give you a friendly warning,"

you to care so much about me. Could it be

Kaitlyn scoffed and turned to

so, then it's surely

There's always hope as long as you're alive. With your talent, you're destined to become a

is made up. No more advice,

both sighed and shook their heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his doom. All they could probably

the atmosphere was

Netherworld Sect had shown great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to

by the end of today, she would be the future daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook

face was beaming. To have Heather a woman both stunning and

and touched

Sebastian.

had been keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements, and his

report just at that moment, "Mr. Camden, Sebastian

he enters. Make sure he doesn't escape," Camden ordered with a vicious

He won't be able to get away, even if he sprouts wings," the subordinate

satisfaction. "By the way,

it today. But with the family's third elder and the seventh elder here, dealing

nodded again

moment, Sebastian and his

Korbin exclaimed in surprise when

She had already warned Sebastian about the Stonebrook family's plan, yet he still showed

gritting her teeth. "Sebastian, you bastard! You actually had the guts to come. I can't decide if

isn't exactly a dragon's lair. Why wouldn't I dare to

Since you've come today, don't expect

today

say I didn't give you a chance. If you kneel down,

in his hand and said, "You invited me to your engagement party. I came here to congratulate you, so

Camden sneered. "I invited you here just to kill you.

to congratulate the couple, Mr. Camden

reputation. Mr. Camden would never let him live. I can't tell

all the people present, aside from Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried about Sebastian. Despite everything Sebastian had done to her, seeing him

Camden and said, "Today is your engagement party. Killing someone might bring bad luck,

such things. If you want to live today, the

his smile

grew furious. "What are you

so many good women out there. Why on earth

dare you insult my woman? You've got some nerve!"

it. This

he had done as Mr. Camden asked, he might have had a slim chance to live. But insulting Ms. Knott? Now he's probably wishing for death to

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to strike Sebastian down at any

angry just yet. Hear me out. I was simply speaking the truth. You

practicing

cultivation technique, one that

male energy to

day, shevited me

me into her room,

"Shut up!"

quickly interrupted Sebastian while

"Mr. Camden, he's just slandering Heather on purpose. You can't believe

I don't believe him. This guy

evidence do you have?" Camden

finish what I was saying earlier? Heather wanted to absorb male energy through a sinister technique and tried to seduce me, but I wasn't

that I broke off the engagement with him, so he's trying to

No matter what he says, I won't

drugged me that day, I couldn't resist and ended up sleeping with her. But what I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone marrow. Afterward, she

laughed angrily. "To slander my woman right

time was with me. If you don't believe me, you can have her checked. If I'm lying, you

was horrified. "Camden, don't listen to him! He's making it all up! Even if an examination proves

has ulterior motives. Don't fall

and she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into

and cripple him!" Camden ordered coldly. Whether Sebastian was telling the

everything as soon as the

powerful aura that felt as vast and overwhelming as

the aura alone is enough to make me almost suffocate. This is truly impressive," the

like Korbin and Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they were

was a middle-stage divine

I originally thought you had some sense in you, but you're a

were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking. Heather is nothing more

by the way, I left a few scratch marks on her chest because I got a bit rough. They're

at his words and instinctively covered her chest with her hand. In truth, Sebastian was just bluffing; those marks would have healed by now, given a warrior's rapid

However, Heather's reaction

everyone stunned. Upon realizing

tricked, Heather

lies! I swear I'll

a fool, and he was

family was one of the four major families of the southern region,

in particular, was a middle-stage divine grandmaster.

his released aura

with faces full of concern, and even Kaitlyn's eyes flashed with worry. But

hand reached out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he would succeed, Sebastian suddenly countered, reacting

sound, Septimus' arm shattered

pained scream

swift movement, Sebastian chased him down and grabbed

"What?"

into chaos. Everyone was utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage divine grandmaster like Septimus had been defeated in a

was beyond

most shocked. Not long

person, perhaps at most a warrior. After all, if he were a grandmaster

fury. "I've really underestimated you. If you release

shocked and enraged, and she yelled, "Sebastian, he's from the Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill him,

also approached Sebastian, his eyes filled with

me a favor?

Although her face was hidden, she had an undeniable allure that piqued

close distance, Camden found her even more enticing than he had

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

own eyes, and breaks both his hands, I'll

Camden, isn't gouging out his eyes and breaking his

consider myself rather kind for offering this. This is my bottom line!" Camden declared in a tone that left no

turned to Sebastian and whispered, "Didn't I warn you? Why did you still

place isn't some death trap. Why shouldn't I come?" Sebastian

realize your strength was so formidable,

The Stonebrook

out your eyes and breaking your hands is the best

and replied, "Ms. Gardner, I

the habit of

hard

than

wanted to say something, but in the end,

both eyes and hands was a fate worse than death. Rather than living

slim, at least

"Septimus!"

the Stonebrook

was seething with rage as he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder,

won't be satisfied until I torture

cripple his cultivation for

Trey didn't need Camden's order. He was

intensified. Every footfall left a deep imprint on the hard diamond-stone

truly unfathomable. He's probably at the late-stage divine grandmaster

grandmaster, but it's said that Trey has the ability to fight beyond his level, comparable to

is? He struck so quickly before; this is definitely going to be a

Everyone nodded in agreement.

the sword!" Camden shouted,

caught the sword and immediately drew it from its

blade resonated through the air, unleashing a

instant, the surrounding temperature seemed to plummet, leaving everyone feeling as though

this be the Godslayer Blade of

"That's right. This is our Stonebrook family's Godslayer Blade. Our ancestors once roamed the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal. As

They hadn't expected Camden to carry the

is doomed now. With the added power of the Godslayer Blade, not even late-stage divine

artifact, said to be a top-tier weapon that could slice through

was Sebastian, empty-handed-what

unable to bear

she deeply resented the man who had taken her virginity,

that old scoundrel instead, so she found herself preferring it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young

develop some feelings for him. This was why

to realize that Sebastian's strength far

she felt completely powerless. The ones trying to kill Sebastian were

wielded the Godslayer Blade. As he swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous power. It seemed as though

energy within a few miles surged violently, creating an oppressive

cultivation slumped to the

alive, so his sword's target

as the blade was about to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching out

with cruelty. To try and

boom resounded as the blade made contact with Sebastian's palm. However, instead of the expected sight of blood and

"How is this possible?"

was equally stunned as they were unable to believe what they were

He caught the Godslayer Blade with his bare hand! This is insane!" "What level is this guy? How can he

of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength, but it

slight exertion of his spiritual energy, Trey

if he was

in satisfaction. "This

and panic, clenching his fists and throwing a

shocked. His finger trembled as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill two of our family's elders! Do you have a

or be killed. If you think you can

afraid and angry. "Sebastian, I'm warning you. I'm the heir to

too cocky! The Stonebrook family's power is beyond anything you can imagine. They are filled with masters of unparalleled skill. My future father-in-law is one of the top experts in the Southern Regions, so killing you would be a

You two really

idiots? You're the idiot! Your whole family is!" Heather shouted angrily

still dare to shout at

kill us?"

as he said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will never let

kill that person. If you send two, I'll kill both of them. If you send a whole army,

the end, his voice was

stunned into silence. No one could believe how brazen Sebastian was, declaring his intent to annihilate the Stonebrook

said this before, everyone would have looked down on him and thought that he was lying. However, after witnessing Sebastian's terrifying strength, everyone was very afraid of

Our family has stood strong for over a thousand

think you can fight us alone? Hand over the Godslayer Blade technique and come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then, we might let you live. Otherwise, I guarantee you won't even have a grave to be buried

or not I end up in a grave, you won't be around to see

dare!"

down, he was already afraid of him. He gathered all the experts from the Stonebrook family around him as they were ready to flee at

looked at him with disdain. He

everyone present.

remain

Kill him!" Camden commanded

the Stonebrook family were filled with terror, they had no choice but to obey Camden. Gritting their teeth, they rushed toward

Instead, he used the chaos to

deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed out blood as they were sent flying. Before they even hit the

The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had been wiped

of cake. The sheer

was terrifying.

and her face became pale

rushed toward Heather. He grabbed her by

into the air, attempting to

to shield the nervous clerk and decided

this will ever happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of judgment

blurted, nodding so hard the tight

once Nathaniel turned away did Elodie finally breathe. Relief spread through her limbs

dangled on someone else's whim. Grateful, she offered a quick, thankful glance first to

hadn't stepped between danger and the child, the

Jonathan, her posture unexpectedly shy. "Thank you," she murmured, sincerity softening every line

answered with a small, practiced smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly composed for a boy his

one thanking you," he replied, voice clear

the miniature pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek

Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and the boutique

had chosen started at well over ten thousand, yet this

the card, uncertainty flickering across

purchase of this scale required his guardian's

an entire rack of adult

Ivy's expression. "Of course," she said, nearly breathless with

off, sweeping the garments from velvet hangers into satin-lined bags

other employees watched, envy shining through

cover the down payment on a new car,

more.

understanding precisely why Jonathan was

guided

az whisper “Everything's packed but it really is a mountain of clothes. Should we put

over eight million." s

hadn't asked her, Ivy would never have taken a job at a boutique this

said, firm as bedrock. "I'm

gaze flicked to Nathaniel. When he offered no objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's card through the polished

the numbers in disbelief. The wealthy, it seemed, spent money the

choosing us." Ivy presented the card with both hands, as

accepted it with matching courtesy. "Ms. Ivy, I truly appreciate

clerk finally set the receipt

magician, he indicated a slate-gray wool blazer on the mannequin. "Consider this my gift, he said, oice

on to whatever gentleman keeps

swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too expensive," she blurted, hands

apairof

baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is nothing. If you

bill, Jonathan had delivered a lightning-fast briefing about the ruckus that had

loaded with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and ribbon-tied shopping bags that bumped

who still wasn't tall enough to reach his thigh, and asked, "What business

to pop in and pick out a few outfits

the privacy of his own mind. Dad hardly knows Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would

Ms. Kennedy

his chest. Vivian remembers to buy clothes for Zachary, but Ceci never thinks of buying any

darkened like a sky before

a reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually asked me to purchase a suit a while back. I'm pretty sure that

it was only because Vivian's eccentricity

Nathaniel, Jonathan appeared more like an adult compared

delegate adult shopping to a

gaze sharpened. "You've figured

blinked,

quiet breath. “When it comes to social-grade lying, you're still

so fast, and the realization sent a

exhaled a theatrical sigh. “Are you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could study every

"Why would

you completely. That proves she doesn't value

mouth opened, then snapped shut.Am I

throat. “And exactly where did

printed across your face, Dad.” Jon

comment landed like a weight on his chest. If even a child could read

the restroom door stayed shut far too long. Taking Elliot by

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

in the corridor, she almost collided

noticed the bodyguard trailing behind them, arms loaded with shopping bags

been? And what on earth

on inspecting

said smoothly. "Holiday

painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching the hole

well, a heads-up would have been nice. I was starting to wonder why

Jonathan gaped, utterly bewildered. When have I ever been

his throat and shot Jonathan a pointed

resigned himself to carrying the constipation story

been skimping on water lately,"

an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders

take you to a doctor, all right? You're far too little to

a child, nursed him through colic

his cheeks until his

never imagining the confession would

had been ages since Cecilia had hugged him like

I drink more water.

model child, obedient, courteous, eager to

shook her head, unwilling to yield. "That won't do. Maybe we should buy medicine. Constipation

the way

lies you could

honestly, Mommy, I don't need them,” he whispered, the words

with pity for the boy and a glimmer of amused apology for the mess he

Cecilia opened her phone, tapped at lightning speed, and ordered suppositories plus half a pharmacy's worth of gentle digestive

a courier stood at the gate like a

don't be embarrassed. If you're not sure how to use them, I will help

Jonathan stared at the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping like a stone

earth would he let Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He shook his

I can manage on

ruffled his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that

him. So young, already forced to endure the

she said, voice low and gentle,

"Okay."

contraband and bolted down the

the couch, Elliot lounged with a plate of sliced fruit. He watched his brother's retreating and,

sure doesn't look it," Elliot muttered

a mild but warning stare. "Don't

to calm the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is

of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on," she said, "let's try the outfits we just bought today, shall

to take tons of super-cool photos

hurried to the bedroom, arms gathering the new clothes in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed them to the excited boy and stepped back while he struck every

little photoshoot ended,

Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in

she sent them daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the boys chasing sunlight across

video-called often to check on the children

by little, life seemed to find

be able to come back for a

belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were pulled

"Nathaniel and I have decided. We'll come right after the New Year to visit

you can. Your grandpa and I will prepare every

for a good while longer, then finally ended the

Elliot collapsed onto their beds, fast asleep

into a rare hush, holding only Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the distant tick of a

drooping, intent on stealing five minutes of calm when Nathaniel suddenly

"Ceci."

surprise.

all we're doing today?"

do you mean?" Confusion knitted her

Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing,"

the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming, evident from the faint tension at his jaw and the way his gaze

her earlier cheer. "What's the matter?

of cedar from

she could speak

arms swept out

swift, possessive motion,

though

have

voice came out rough, velvet-edged with gravel, every syllable vibrating through

flared across Cecilia's face. Her blush deepened as she tried

let me go! If Elliot or Jonathan walks out and sees this, it'll be

embrace, chin settling atop her hair as if the conversation

two married people holding each other? They're not babies anymore. They should understand," he

"Not babies? They're

Nathaniel replied, the words low,

her

behind his eyes. "Ceci, we shouldn't coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend

too little, Nathaniel. Besides, Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan still keeps Old Mr.

for Jonathan,

his finger brushing her burning cheek. “You're

"Hmm?"

the kids, yet you're perfectly fine leaving me on the sidelines.” He paused, drawing a steadying breath. "Remember, it's you and me for the rest of our lives.

click. Her proud, composed husband was

suppress it. "Of course, the kids outrank you. I

darkened, a storm gathering

and bolted down the hallway, bare feet whispering

a break for it, then sprang up and

as Cecilia reached the bedroom and tried to swing the door shut, Nathaniel planted one hand against the panel, his voice low and teasing. "Why lock me out? Are you really sentencing me to

the door. "There are plenty of spare rooms in this house. Pick any one

gentle shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again, and kicked the door shut

turned, and

windows, but

light, snow glare slicing through the

Nathaniel's face less than an inch away. She

over that faint roughness, then

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

open, hazy

murmured, drawing her even closer until her breath mingled with

up, Nathaniel. I can't breathe.” Her voice came out in a whisper, pressed tight

his eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer." "It's already nine. We really have to get

best friends a full day of

"Give me a few

could be, warmth and weight wrapped around her like

were you this attached? I never

grin tugged at his mouth. "I was younger. Didn't know any

hair, dark strands springing up beneath her

moving. I have a busy day ahead," she said,

caught her hand again. "Ceci, after you hit the

head.

you buying?” he asked, still unwilling to

clothes for Mom, and something nice for Grandpa

His tone carried a note of suspicion

"Nope."

interestin which dress of coat she bought yet this morning he fussed over

gently pried her fingers loose, voice low

the cause. He just hates it when I leave too quickly. With that familiar assumption, she let the moment pass and walked

once the door clicked shut behind her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep

padded through quiet hallways, and stepped

1.

and Elliot off to RaiChapter

say all that crap because you're an idiot-half a brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with rage. "If you had even a sliver

only a complete fool like Alex could think the Wolfsbane family had any chance of

here just called you an idiot with half a brain for daring to ask for collaboration. Thought you

went pale, then burned red. He spun toward the

the table. Her face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and

of all people, it was Alex-the

gaze shifted to Sofina. She'd never liked the girl. But seeing Sofina step forward with quiet resolve, something in the old woman's

this

Every last one of you! From this moment on, Sofina

The room fell silent.

she said. "I'll do

crossed his arms, flashing Beatrix a smug grin that

all you want. When

a thousand of you. She's fighting to lift this family up, while you bury it in arrogance

real embarrassment of

the Wolfsbane family is great enough that even the Eden Group will want that

your real problem? Do you not believe in your grandmother, or

hands fast. "No! That's not what I meant! I just think it's impossible for Sofina to make that deal,

being a coward. You've already surrendered before the fight even started.

flashed. "Me? Envious?" she snapped. "You're a fool

deep, mocking sound that filled the room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if she does succeed?

I'm scared? Name your terms, Alex

Baroness gave you that manor outside the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off, that place is ours foever. You move into

grin twitched, "Deal," she said through clenched teeth. "But if Sofina

half-smile. "Then let's see

in too! If I win, I want Nikolaus's

a

her arms, chin lifted. "I won't lose. But fine-I'll play

grin widened. "Since you love calling me a half-slave, how about this—if you lose, you kneel ten times and

really digging your own

too," Felicia said. "If you lose, I want you to divorce

flinch. "Fine," he said calmly. "But if I win, you'll accept

you can win this? I've already recorded the bet and sent the document to the government registry.

"I like it when

at them. She couldn't care less about their

Wolfsbane family could actually secure that collaboration

nonsense." She roared. "Sofina, you have three days to negotiate and close the

glancing out the window. "You really think Grandma

"Trust?

shot him a look. "That's

someone who hasn't met this

"Hey, at least I bet on your

arched a brow. "You really think this bet will prove

who's got

arms. "And what if you

chuckled. "Then I'll finally fit right in with this family-bad decisions

Sofina sat in the passenger seat, clutching a thick file of proposals she'd spent the entire night

her, Alex drove the sleek black luxury car they'd won from Nikolaus-a machine so rare in Winchester that it turned heads

the reflections glide across the car's polished hood, “we should return this car. It's

hand casually resting on the wheel. "Maybe it's too

for you the future deputy of the Wolfsbane Group-it's perfect. Your grandmother and mother wouldn't dare buy you one, so let's

can."

frowned, glancing at him. "You really think this

from the road. "More than okay. It's a sign, Sofina. We're on our way up.

anxious, half amused. "I wish I had your

don't need it," Alex said, his grin widening. "You've got me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot

Group's towering headquarters, its

luck," Sofina whispered

and walked around to open her door. "With me here, your luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm

QUMS

her nerves eased. She wished she

of the two-hundred-story tower and felt something empty out inside her-like a room with

god. The idea that the Wolfsbane family—old, fractured, scandal-scarred—could sit at that table

Eden to partner with them was like a beggar asking a

in front of the whole house.

The lobby felt like a courtroom-every seat occupied by nobles from Winchester: barons, viscounts, and counts, all dressed

low but tense, each

Group. The sight said

all every one

of them was hono

the same thing: a

earth are you doing here?" a voice

Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim, both

hawks. Katarina's lips tightened the way a judge's did before

sentence.

tried. I truly did. I don't understand how she keeps turning up. I'll make her leave." He

his tone thick with mockery. "You? Who the hell are you trying to fool? Even your grandmother couldn't get

security drone glided into the room, humming softly as its

the woman you asked us to monitor was just shoved by a guest-he forced her out into

me the footage,"

arm, dragging her down the hallway while papers scattered across

straightened his collar, pulled on his gloves, and strode out toward the

on the floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers.

he said quietly, helping her pick them up.

"It's Heinrich. No matter what I say, he just slips back into his

Alex asked, gently lifting her chin,

nothing serious,"

last sheet. "You know, you don't need to print

But I like the

hand brushed his chest. "The same way I like

"You

me like I was more than data in a file. You

teased each other as they walked back through the glass corridor of Eden's

a voice cracked the

told you to stay away from me. I don't want you

The color drained

it-the invisible chain that still tied her

years of control doesn't vanish overnight. Her body tensed, eyes flickering, as if waiting for

himself

Eden Group," Alex said. "You're a guest. You have no authority to order people

me how to behave? I'm a guest here-l expect to be treated

"Keep dreaming. You're not a king- you're just another arrogant fool. A

I'm Heinrich Schiller." Heinrich's face went hard." The chairman of Eden Group personally sent me an invitation—said

brings

a smile while extending a hand. "Mr. Schiller. What an honor to

derisive snort. "I came here to join, yes. But somebody in your place had the nerve to try and kick

here would deliberately offend you. If someone attempted to remove you, tell me their name

coldly. "That's the man. Your gardener. He insulted me

never seen you before. Are you pretending to be one of our

thousand workers in this two-hundred-floor building. You don't know all of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here. And if

closer. "You seem to forget

you

and beg for

firm. "Why should I? He's the one who tried to

Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of

not joining?" Alex asked

compared to him! Now kneel before I make sure you regret

calmly, shaking

fired if you

known each other a long time. Just kneel and bow three

and dangerous. "How about this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows,

gather, drawn by the rising tension.

gardener trying to stand up to Heinrich?

voice joined in. "That gardener's got a name. You know who he

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

crowd chuckled. "Oh hell, that Alex? The walking mistake of Winchester? No wonder he's mouthing off. He's too stupid

smirked and turned to

my attention, haven't you? Well,

it. Your husband's a fool who doesn't know his place. How about

and I

Alex's arm, her

you don't, I'll make sure everyone in Winchester hears about this.

have the whole

nothing outcasts. And you know I

s

but Sofina grabbed him

soft but steady. "Let

face. She met

Sofina stepped forward

as a boil. "You hit me,

curse.

in God's name do you think you're doing,

strike Mister Heinrich inside Eden Group! Security robot - fetch

him with a hand at

Mister Heinrich. I've called security. Twenty lashes. She won't be standing after that her

said, every syllable a command. "Give her what she

until he stood toe-to-toe with Dietrich. "You'd better cancel that order,"

sneered. "The one who'll get hurt

communication bracelet. "Security — attend. Punish

head.

began

hit

you know Heinrich's the

her!" another voice

security unit glided forward and ran its routine: ID scan, threat assessment, authorization check. Its lenses swept

threat to her,

a node nobody in the room expected-Eve, the household robot Sofina had

wasn't just a home machine. Alex had wired her into his network

every linked node. Any device that touched Sofina reported to Eve first-she was Sofina's guardian in the

the network. "Override the previous command. Secure

optical

into Dietrich's chest. The shock hit him like a thrown rope; he folded

it, security robot drew an electric whip from

blood followed. Dietrich's

crowd recoiled, noise tilting from triumph to alarm. "Is the Eden security unit malfunctioning?" someone

tech is already the most advanced," someone muttered, half in awe, half in

ripple of confusion moved through

robot didn't stop until Dietrich had

finished, it hauled him to his feet and kicked him

catch up with the

the blood away with the back

bitch," he hissed, voice low and venomous. "I'll teach

her, his hand swinging

wasn't the first time. Heinrich had struck Sofina

because she was weak, but because she'd once mistaken

seized his arm. "Find someone your own

slave — let go of me!" Heinrich

hard lid. The government cameras

tightened his grip until Heinrich screamed like

hand that felt

you let me go!" Heinrich gasped, tears wet on his cheeks as

out of the Eden Group meeting room like a storm breaking loose. Her heels struck the marble floor with sharp precision, aides

-

finished presenting their offer - a bid to replace

to become the next

they were

Heinrich would cooperate if

main hall, the polished calm of her

down, and Heinrich bled

went white with fury. She stormed over and slapped Alex hard. "You half-slave!"

instant. How dare you strike him until he bleeds-I'll call the police and have you deported, you filthy

met her eyes and released Heinrich's arm. "Calling the police won't help

that true?"

hit my nose." Heinrich

noble. You're a coward wearing someone else's

nobles still carried real

noble, the punishment could be death. If

the penalties were severe and swift. More often than not, the blame settled on the

law protected rank, not

people just accepted it. That

the Prussia — power

turned her sharp eyes

to make me jealous, to get my attention. Well, you've got it. I think that's enough. Divorce her. I'll marry you later

I won't divorce her.

don't have to

at this for you and for your Sant Claire family. When im done with Heinrich, if you behave yourself,

her, disbelief hardening his face.

to you? That everyone just spins

dare talk to me like that, Alex!" Katarina snapped. "It's already a blessing that I'm even willing to marry you. How dare you disobey me! I command you divorce that woman

with her was long gone. Just the sound of

Now!" Katarina's voice

she wouldn't admit

him.

the memories still haunted her - the nights Alex cooked for her,

everything was cold and transactionaChapter

He didn't want to face Katarina—not here, not

turned, trying to put distance between them, but before he could take another step, her

him, fierce and cold, while

told you to stop, Alex,"

"Remember when I made you kneel in the rain for three days and nights? You think

Alex said, his voice low and hard as steel. "You're not my wife anymore. I don't owe you a damn thing. I don't

face. The

else trembled — a flash of tears she fought to hide,

I command you

this bitch!"

front of Alex without hesitation. Her eyes were quiet, but they held frost. "I

caught it in

my husband," Sofina ordered. "You're his ex- don't touch him again.

She had been treated like royalty, and she'd

the

title was

earned their barony by stabbing their own marquis, the Saint- Claires,

that beneath their silks and

her voice shaking with fury. "She's spitting on

retainers shuffled forward, eager to

a hand, a silver Eden security robot glided between

property," it

snapped out. Electricity flashed. The would-be attackers jerked, their muscles

unit repeated. "Please remain calm

and unmoored robbed, for the moment, of the power she'd

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

get out of here," she said,

Katarina's voice cracked like a whip. "You always talked about love! You said you loved

voice rose, trembling with rage. “You promised to obey me, to give me your body, to

hides behind forced gestures-empty rituals, hollow vows, or even violence and control-trying to keep alive what's

Alex could answer, another android glided up

smoothly, "this is your scheduled interview for the collaboration. Please proceed to Meeting Room 01. I can escort you if you

surprise. Alex squeezed her hand. “Go,” he said quietly. "This is your

she

personnel can access it. These people won't be able to follow." He smiled faintly, calm despite

whispered, then followed the android down the corridor. The robot stopped at a glass door and bowed slightly. "Please wait here. The

woman in

follow me. Miss

Von Adler? The

She's expecting

dazed, and followed the woman through the

Group

Marlena Von Adler-the most powerful

hadn't even submitted her proposal yet, the one about working with the Wolfsbane family. She wasn't supposed

It didn't make sense.

assistant through the long corridor, her heels

Marlena Von Adler-the legendary chairwoman of Eden Group-rose gracefully from behind her desk. Her presence

Von Adler, chairman of Eden

most powerful businesswoman in Winchester-someone people usually met only in

answered, but she kept her tone

met

said. "I came to discuss the collaboration

we work hard.

never disappoint."

to .net

"This is the

take a look."

and took the file. She opened

few pages, then closed it

her voice soft but sure, "I've already reviewed your documents. I believe you're the perfect

stunned. "Really? You mean... it's approved?"

out.

too quick-too easy. She had spent weeks rehearsing

a long negotiation. And yet here

in seconds.

her

Wolfsbane Group doesn't fully meet our usual standards. But our founder hold's your very

caught. "Your founder?" she asked, her

I know who your

faint smile. “Our founder," she said softly, "is the most handsome man I've

me?" Sofina blinked, unsure if she'd

You'll understand when the time comes. Let's

in you. And that's why he's giving you this

weight. Alex had instructed her not to reveal his identity, and she

calm. "Now, Miss Scheinwald, according to your proposal, your initial quotation for the collaboration

she said, her

smiled again, shaking her head. "Oh no," she said easily. "In fact, it's less than what we planned

frowned slightly. "What do

founder instructed me to increase the contract

set at one

her breath

repeated, barely believing it.

a crisp contract, and slid it

already drafted the agreement-one hundred million dollars in

disbelief. Her

corporations in

it down hard on Finnian's back. "I forbid you from seeing her! If you dare bring

Mr. Everly's arm was still strong; after just a few blows, Finnian's crisp white shirt was already stained with blood, making Lisa, who stood

wanted to intervene, but Mr. Everly wouldn't listen. He kept shouting, "I'll beat

arm, her voice soft but steady. "Grandpa,

finally stopped, glaring at Finnian and gasping for breath, his shoulders heaving with

met his gaze, her expression calm. "You should go. I'll talk to

her a long, searching look,

clutched Amara's hand, his voice breaking. "Ama, Finnian's out of his mind. Can't you see? He insists on being with that actress, as if he's completely lost his senses. Why can't he

as he squeezed her hand,

didn't even know what she felt anymore. Just yesterday, Finnian had confessed his feelings to her; today, he was determined to be with Liliana. Thinking back on the words he'd spoken to

never told you, but I think you

"What is it?"

Qu

thought Finnian cared about me, but the truth is

tone was gentle but firm. She nearly said outright that she

grandson. Mr. Everly listened, utterly exhausted, guilt weighing

blame Amara for not

l.ne

For years, it had been Mr. Everly Finself, swallowing his pride and pushing for them to

"Ama, I'm tired. I need to lie down for a while.

well, Grandpa. I'll see

her, and he'd always dreamed She'd stay with the Everly

sighed deeply, no longer wanting to dwell on it, and finally closed his

still in the living room. He'd changed his shirt, and

Chapter 365

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at him briefly before looking away, steeling herself

spoke up. "Let me

"That's not necessary-"

you," he added quickly,

rest between them. She nodded, walked out to his car, and let him drive her home.nly accepted Wolfsbane's proposal but had doubled the

this can't be real,"

her grandmother, who had dreamed of a

with such generosity. Now they

had been given a

as she looked up at Marlena, eyes wide

and awe.

whispered. "Thank you so

was a deal, every touch a

Loyal. Predictable in the best way - a man who didn't

warmth. And losing that warmth felt like standing

thought bitterly. It's

— the empty mornings, the silence at

life out of pride instead of

trembling, "Alex, I'm warning you! Kneel — and come back

his job. And if you take off your clothes while you're at it, might even forgive the

moment, everything

smiled. Not

shot forward and cracked

on his nose with

Heinrich stumbled back, clutching

the crowd gasped.

u are."

know why you're here.

sight you're fucking

entrance like a man

dare try to step foot in here again. I'm done

over."

her backside as the folder burst open, papers scattering across the marble steps. Heinrich glared down at her,

make sure you take care

mattered was that she could finally pull herself out of the pain

back. A few days later, Liliana set the internet

of a house. Liliana's arm was looped through

he was the CEO-no, now the Chairman of

photo was captioned: "So grateful to have you." It looked almost exactly like a formal relationship

it feel

rumors about Liliana and Finnian, whispers of their relationship, speculation they'd get married someday. But the Everly Group had never acknowledged anything publicly, and there'd never been

Everly Group didn't issue a statement, they didn't try to take down Liliana's post either. Their

went viral in minutes, and Liliana was suddenly flooded with messages, all wishing

and recharged, Liliana returned to the film set. The moment she walked on, people flocked around her, eager to curry favor. Some

had been ages since she'd been the center of attention like this. Maintaining her graceful smile,

?

back, saying she'd forced Finnian to stay by her side with her life

But so what?

fine now. Someday, she'd be the only woman in Finnian's life. When that day came, these same people would rush

dressing room, Liliana hadn't been there long before Hogan appeared. “Hey, I heard you had a rough time a few days ago.

his accident, and another few days recovering at home. Now he

softly. "I'm alright. Things were tough for a while, but it's over now. How

just told me to eat well and get my strength back," Hogan replied casually, dropping

gotten along well with her, and they'd even had dinner together a few times He'd always genuinely approved of her

been the only member

could tell-she was a master at hiding her emotions. Even if she was uncomfortable, she'd never let it show. She chatted with

the other hand, couldn't pull off Liliana's easy grace. After a few meaningless exchanges, he cut the conversation short. "I'm heading out. Let's catch up another time," he said, already halfway to the

called her "sis- in-law." She couldn't tell if he'd done it on purpose or just out

and get some rest. If you're

then left her dressing room, his brow furrowed, thoughts

he spotted Amara

had been days since he'd seen Amara's real face, but every time he ran

and strode over to her, blurting out, "You know Finnian and

sure why he'd suddenly brought this up. "Weren't they

correct her, but Amara cut him off. "Does it even matter? Did you

He frowned, frustrated.

never actually been a couple. All that intimacy had been just an act Liliana put on

be anything left between them He'd wanted to explain this to Amara, but she hadn't

that tweet, despite not having a child anymore, suggested things had changed between her and Finnan. Maybe now

Hogan dropped the explanation and just asked what he actually wanted

the real reason

"Why would

first. But she'd already worked through those feelings. Why was he asking her about it

didn't look like she was lying. His frown deepened. "You

Amara answered without

thought made Liliana clench her fists, her eyes darkening with

activity. Everyone's workload had doubled or even tripled, but no one complained. The sooner they finished, the sooner they could rest; the whole team was fueled

the night. This

"Come in," she called, barely glancing up. Keith strolled in like he owned the place, flopping onto the couch and pouring himself a glass of water with the

sip before saying, "Have you noticed? Lately, Finnian and Liliana seem to be

screen. "Weren't they always joined at the hip?

Finnian's gone the extra mile for Liliana these past few days. You haven't noticed him running back and forth on set? The way he looks after her he's doting on

than I take care of you?" Amara recalled, her chest tightening

just have a miscarriage? She's

"True enough."

a close eye on Amara's expression, only relaxing when he

the baby?" he asked, trying to sound offhand. "If you want, after it's born, you

was mid-sip

water all over her keyboard, Grabbing a

the keys and

“What on earth are you talking about? Why would I put your name down? How are you ever going to find a wife

marry you,

and drawled, "Who says I want to get

on my case about being single, but if I have a kid on

her eyes. As far

worried about the stigma of being a single

him on

at him, then walked over and rested her hand on his shoulder. “I know you've always worried about me," she said, her voice light, "but there's really no need. I've got looks, I've got money, and honestly, raising my kid

more like family than friends. They always found different ways to look out for her-Elysia with her warm, attentive

completely blindsided her, she could still sense his good intentions and, in

clueless. He sighed, clearly giving up hope that she'd catch on to what

against her forehead. "Alright, alright, have it your way. My offer still stands-if you ever change

your job already." Amara gave him a

night. It was nearly ten, but there was still one more scene to shoot-an important one, at that: the first kiss between the

it was such a key moment, Amara brought her laptop and went outside to watch from behind the camera. Keith and Liliana were already in position, standing in front of the lens while Cedric, the

apart, and Cedric

to call "action,"

wrong?" Cedric asked,

we

hush fell over

pretty standard, but usually it was the actress who requested it. Having the male lead bring up first, especially with someone like

filming kiss scenes, and in the past, she'd always been the one to request the camera trick. This time, with Keith bringing it up first, she couldn't

say something-otherwise it would only look worse. She curved her lips into a teasing smile. "What's

at Amara and covered her mouth as she

brow furrowed immediately, her expression turning

she knew she shouldn't be interfering on set, but the last thing she wanted was for people to get the wrong idea about her and

the spot. Sensing the awkwardness, a crew member-someone who'd been fawning over Liliana ever

over.

been back when he first started out. He didn't seem to care much about that sort of thing at the time. Now that he's a big star, I guess he's more particular-comes with the territory, right?" The woman let out a

and she quietly let out a breath she hadn't

tugging at the corner of his mouth, he shot back, "That's not

that followed was

exchange had been a subtle game of chess, this was Keith upending the board in front of everyone. His

Liliana's hands balled into fists at her sides. She couldn't

child could be tomorrow's nobody, and vice versa. You learned to leave people a little dignity, in case you

Liliana not a shred of dignity.

Amara finally spoke up. She shot Keith a cool glance

attitude shifted in an instant. "Of course, Ama. Whatever

he spoke to Amara was

was a little after midnight when Finnian arrived to pick Liliana

as if searching for someone but the place

fleeting glance. Who had he been

smile. "Finn, something happened on set today. We were supposed to film a kissing scene, but

And when

obvious-he likes her. I think everyone

enough, Liliana deftly steered the conversation elsewhere, though she was certain her words

at the

Finnian here. Instinctively, she glanced his way, then quickly looked ahead and pretended not to notice him, striding forward as if nothing

called out to her.

in her

already late when she'd left the set tonight. She hadn't planned to come to the Everly estate, but then she saw the text Lisa had sent her half an hour earlier: Mr. Kevin Everly hadn't had much of an appetite, barely touched his dinner, and had even gotten sick

over.

was already resting. She'd quietly peeked in through the door, checked with Lisa about his condition, and only felt at ease when she learned the family doctor had already been by and there was nothing serious. She was on her way out when she unexpectedly

Liliana's side from now on-Amara had felt like she and Finnian had nothing more to

Finnian called her name, and she stopped. "Is something wrong with Mr. Everly?" she

nearby. They quietly filed

walked over to Amara. "What's going

frowned. "Why are you

comes from a powerful family, but he insists on working in the entertainment industry, which his family strongly opposes. That fells you a lot about how controlling his relatives are Getting involved with someone from a family

belongs to s

seemed completely out of the blue. She and

more into it. What on

the first time. She remembered at Jessica's birthday party, Dorian had hosted the whole group, and Finnian had

let me say this one more time: Keith and I are

Amara said, enunciating every

I did want to

don't need to

heavy. "You really can't tell how he feels

Amara back until she was pressed against the

inch nearer, he'd have

grand hall

shadows stretching across polished wood. Amara felt a strange, unspoken threat

the goosebumps prickling her skin. "He's just a friend, nothing more. I don't know why you

tone was unwavering, but Finnian caught her chin in his hand, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Do you honestly believe you understand men

Amara laugh—sharp, incredulous. She twisted her face from his grip, shaking his hand off with a mocking little

you keep misreading things between us, but I'd appreciate

past him,

on her retreating

finally left did Hogan, who'd been hiding in the kitchen, quietly slip out. He replayed the scene he'd just witnessed,

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