Clinging to Devoted Fiancé, Heiress Slays the World!

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.

"But he took advantage of the situation and insisted I 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 not just to reveal how despicable he is, but also to be upfront about it.

"If you mind, we can call off the engagement, Mr. Camden."

A flash of cold light crossed Camden's eyes. "I heard about this incident too, but I didn't know the full story.

"Don't worry, Heather. I don't mind. It wasn't your fault."

"Mr. Camden, thank you for understanding," Heather forced out a couple of tears.

This was part of her clever strategy; many people already knew about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the Stonebrook family's resources, they likely knew as well.

By bringing it up herself, she hoped to handle the situation better.

She continued, "To protect my reputation, I agreed to marry him. But what I never expected was that the scoundrel was nothing but a beast. He's worse than an animal.

"As soon as we got engaged, he demanded that I sleep with him."

"I'm not that kind of woman and naturally refused him. He then tried to force himself on me, but luckily, I managed to escape."

"That bastard!" Camden was furious, smashing the table in front of him. "Heather, don't worry. Anyone who dares to bully my woman will die by my hand!"

"Mr. Camden, that scoundrel is very strong. Even my father couldn't defeat him," Heather warned.

Camden replied, "I heard he should be under 30 years old. How could he be stronger than Mr. Knott?"

added, "As cultivators improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There

he's in his 20s, but his real age could be far

brat's cultivation is at least at the early pinnacle stage of diving grandmaster, strongerthan the

age is definitely well

an early-stage divine grandmaster?

Heather and Camden's engagement spread

of the southern region, Camden would typically only marry

Heather had a decent status as the daughter of Holton's Knott Estate, it was still far from matching

family background wasn't on

potential at five rings, placing her on the same

genius with boundless potential

her beauty and talent compensated for her

hearing the news of their engagement, many women felt envious and even jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the Stonebrook family's daughter-in-law was like

especially those who secretly admired Heather, were equally

was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else;

Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast

to find Fressia, secure the third stage of the cultivation technique- whether by

to stockpile pills now to boost the

breaks periodically to rest. One

at Knott Estate.

invitations? One of them is for me, I

nodded. "Yes,

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

are

me an invitation, so if I don't go, wouldn't

to the core and their invitation is definitely not sincere it's clear they want to use

is right. You mustn't

walking right into

clowns. There's nothing

Wilder, you shouldn't be so careless. know you're strong, but the Stonebrook family

Hendrick warned.

to .net

your concern,

clowns. They're

me alone, fine. If they dare provoke

ie

family is one of the four major families in the

please listen to us

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

them

entrance of Knott Estate, a

with a veil partially hiding her stunning beauty-it was

there something you need from me?" Sebastian asked. "Are you heading to the engagement banquet?" Kaitlyn

Sebastian nodded.

Stonebrook family plans to kill you at the banquet. Going there now

here just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with a

run into you

care so much about me. Could it be that you've fallen for me?"

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed

Wilder, if Ms. Gardner says so, then

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

is made up. No more

their heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his doom. All they could probably do

atmosphere was festive and filled with

the Netherworld Sect had shown great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to personally attend and offer

one of the main figures of the day, Heather was overjoyed. After all, by the end of today, she would be the future daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family-who would

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

seen and touched by Sebastian So the only way to remove that thorn

Sebastian.

on Sebastian's movements, and his

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

down all the exits once he enters. Make sure

able to get away, even if he sprouts wings," the

satisfaction. "By the way,

But with the family's third elder and the seventh elder here, dealing with that brat will be more than

nodded again

Sebastian and his companions

doing here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when he

about the Stonebrook family's plan, yet he still showed up.

at Sebastian while gritting her teeth. "Sebastian, you bastard! You actually had the guts to come. I can't decide if I should praise your bravery or call

said, "This place isn't exactly a

dumb. Since you've come today, don't expect to

a mocking smile. "Brat, today next year will be your death

didn't give you a chance. If you kneel down, admit your mistakes, gouge out your own eyes, and break your

party. I came here to congratulate you, so I'm your guest. Yet, here you are, shouting threats. Is

you out of your mind?" Camden sneered. "I invited

is such an idiot. He thinks that just because he came to congratulate the couple, Mr. Camden would let him go. He must

Ms. Knott's reputation. Mr. Camden would never let him live. I can't tell if

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

said, "Today is your engagement party. Killing someone might bring

such things. If you want to live today, the only way is to do as I

laughed and his smile was

furious. "What are you laughing at,

"Mr. Camden, I really don't get it. There are so many good women

woman? You've got some nerve!"

it. This guy must

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 be

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Trey Stonebrrok, and seventh elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to strike Sebastian down at any

and unbothered. "Mr. Camden, don't get angry just yet. Hear me out.

been practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

energy

day,

me into her room,

"Shut up!"

while snapping, "Stop spouting

he's just slandering Heather on purpose. You can't believe a

him. This guy has slandered my

you

energy through a sinister technique and

just upset that

held her hand and said, "Don't worry. No matter what

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 threw me off a cliff.

slander my woman right in front of me... you've

first time was with me. If you don't believe me, you can have her checked. If I'm lying, you can do with me as you wish,"

Even if an examination proves my innocence, it'll still be a joke

this guy has ulterior motives. Don't

Heather for a long moment, and she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his mind as he wondered, "Could this guy be telling

coldly. Whether Sebastian was telling the truth

Camden planned to verify everything as soon as the

Sebastian, releasing a powerful aura that felt as vast and overwhelming as

make me almost suffocate. This is truly impressive,"

they were also

whereas Septimus was a middle-stage divine grandmaster, significantly stronger than

some sense in you,

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

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

hand. In truth, Sebastian was just bluffing; those marks would

However, Heather's reaction

leaving everyone stunned.

tricked, Heather was

bastard! Even now, you're spouting lies! I swear I'll cut out your tongue and feed it to the

wasn't a fool, and he was infuriated by the Chapter

was one of the four major families of the southern region, with all their elders

particular, was a middle-stage divine grandmaster. His

he made his move, the pressure from his released aura alone made it hard

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

reached out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he would succeed, Sebastian suddenly countered, reacting faster and landing a punch directly

resounding sound, Septimus' arm

Septimus let out a pained scream

movement, Sebastian chased him down

"What?"

utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage divine grandmaster like Septimus had been defeated in a single move by

was beyond

and Kaitlyn were the most shocked. Not long ago, Sebastian had participated in the

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

you. If you release Septimus now,

was equally 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

you do me a favor? I'll have him release Septimus, and in return, you

noticed Kaitlyn from the start. Although her face was hidden, she had an

distance, Camden found her even more enticing than he had imagined. He

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

breaks

his eyes and breaking his hands a

myself rather kind for offering this. This is my bottom line!" Camden declared in a tone that left

whispered, "Didn't I warn you? Why did you still

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

"I didn't realize your strength was so formidable, but

Stonebrook

Gouging out your eyes and breaking your hands is the best outcome I

lightly and replied, "Ms.

not in the habit of

it's hard to

five miserably than to die.

my..." Kaitlyn wanted to say something, but in

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

chances were slim, at least Sebastian could die fighting

"Septimus!"

of the Stonebrook family erupted

he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder, how

I won't be satisfied until I

cripple his cultivation

need Camden's order. He was already walking toward Sebastian, his aura

presence intensified. Every footfall

powerful aura. Trey's cultivation must be truly unfathomable. He's

but it's said that Trey has

Sebastian's cultivation is? He struck so quickly before; this is definitely

Everyone nodded in agreement.

the sword!" Camden shouted,

immediately drew it from its sheath. A sharp, clear

blade resonated through the air, unleashing

leaving everyone feeling as though they had fallen into an icy abyss. Their hearts were quickly filled

this be the Godslayer Blade of

Our ancestors once roamed the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met

hadn't expected Camden to carry

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

nodded in agreement. The Godslayer Blade was a renowned magical artifact, said to

here was Sebastian, empty-handed-what chancChapter

eyes, unable

had taken her virginity, but after

to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and

more, she even started to develop some feelings for him. This was why she would always instinctively step in whenever he was in danger—she simply didn't want to see him

realize that Sebastian's strength far surpassed hers, and

moment, she felt completely powerless. The ones trying to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook family. Not even her entire Netherworld

pinnacle stage of divine grandmaster Trey wielded the Godslayer Blade. As he swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous power. It seemed

energy within a few miles surged violently,

cultivation slumped to the ground

alive, so his sword's target was Sebastian's

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

his expression filled with cruelty. To try and stop the Godslayer Blade technique with one's bare hand was utterly

contact with Sebastian's palm. However, instead of the expected sight of blood and mangled flesh, the sword stopped dead in its tracks as it was caught firmly

"How is this possible?"

present was equally stunned

his bare hand! This is

to pull the Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength, but it didn't budge

exertion of his spiritual energy, Trey instantly let go of

if he was jolted by

while nodding in satisfaction. "This sword is not bad. From now on, it's

of anger and panic, clenching his fists and throwing a punch at Sebastian.Chapter

Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill two of our family's elders! Do you

smirked. "Either kill or be killed. If you think you can kill

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

said, "Sebastian, don't get 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,

a pair of idiots. You two really are made

are you calling idiots? You're the idiot! Your whole family

to shout at

plan to kill us?" Heather

said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will never let you go. Not just you, but everyone you

seem powerful to others, but not me. You're nothing more than clowns. If you send one person to me, I'll kill that person. If you send two, I'll kill both of them. If you send a whole army, I'll wipe them out. If your

louder as he spoke. By the end, his

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

he had said this before, everyone would have looked down on him and thought that he was lying. However, after

yourself! Our family has stood strong for over a thousand years, with countless divine grandmasters

you really 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

coldly. "Whether or not I end up in a grave, you won't be around

dare!" Camden

He gathered all the experts from the Stonebrook family

looked at him with disdain. He took a

on everyone present. Those

to remain standing, their

Kill him!" Camden commanded

were filled with terror, they had no choice

the fray. Instead, he used the chaos to

There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed out blood as they

shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had been wiped

The sheer

was terrifying.

to the ground, and her face became pale

Heather. He grabbed

the air, attempting to escape.Chapter

forward to shield the nervous clerk and

ever happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet

Elodie blurted, nodding so hard the tight bun at the back of her head

Relief spread through her limbs like warm water, leaving her

whim. Grateful, she

child,

turned to Jonathan, her posture unexpectedly shy. "Thank you," she murmured, sincerity softening

practiced smile-courteous, almost grown-up,

Ivy, I should be the one thanking you," he replied, voice clear as

into the miniature pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte

staff like a clap of thunder. Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and the boutique fell into stunned

all knew each ensemble Ivy had chosen started at well over ten thousand, yet this

card, uncertainty flickering across

required his guardian's word. Nathaniel gave

why Jonathan wanted an entire rack of adult clothing, yet

course," she said, nearly

the garments from velvet hangers into satin-lined

the showroom, the other employees watched, envy shining through their fixed

large could cover the down

more.

precisely why Jonathan was buying, no

Ivy guided

she leaned down, voice barely above az whisper “Everything's packed but it really is a mountain

over eight million." s

never have taken a job at a boutique this

necessary," Jonathan said, firm as bedrock.

objection, she finally

at the numbers in disbelief. The wealthy, it

you for choosing us." Ivy presented the card with both hands, as though returning a

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

set the

Ivy. With a flourish worthy of a stage magician, he indicated a slate-gray wool

to whatever gentleman keeps

A quick shake of her head sent her ponytail swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too

apairof

in silence until now, spoke in his low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is nothing. If you ever

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

bodyguards trailed them like silent shadows, arms loaded with crisp

who still wasn't tall enough to reach his thigh, and asked, "What business did you have in a men's boutique

a beat. “Oh. Ms. Kennedy wanted me to pop in and pick out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary. This

added, in the privacy of his own mind. Dad hardly knows Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would never check up on this, so the

unreadable. "Your Ms.

note curled inside his chest. Vivian remembers to buy

darkened like a sky before

sensed the cloud. He reached out, hooked his tiny pinkie around Nathaniel's larger finger, and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually asked me

believed the first fib, it was only because

like an

Cecelia? She would never delegate

figured something out,

Jonathan blinked, performing innocent

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

hadn't expected to be exposed so fast, and the realization sent a

“Are you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his

smile. "Why would I be?" he countered, voice calm yet edged with

bought clothes for me and Elliot, but none for you. She skipped you completely. That proves she doesn't value

opened, then snapped shut.Am I showing it

where did you

across your face, Dad.” Jon shrugged

a child could read him, how

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

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

corridor, she almost collided with Jonathan and

also noticed the bodyguard trailing behind them, arms loaded with

two been? And

intent on inspecting the loot, but Nathaniel spoke

said smoothly. "Holiday

Nathaniel was patching the hole as fast as

heads-up would have been nice. I was starting to wonder why you'd vanished."Chapter

utterly bewildered. When have I ever been

cleared his throat and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding flashed

to carrying the constipation story

skimping on

She slipped an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a full- bodied embrace that smelled of

all right? You're far too little to struggle with

has carried a child, nursed him through colic and fevers, knows how a single

warning, felt heat rush to his cheeks until his whole face burned as brightly as a stovetop

had merely confessed the problem, never imagining the confession

Cecilia had hugged

be fine if I drink

always been the model child,

her head, unwilling to yield. "That won't do. Maybe we

earnest gravity, the way surgeons

into silent misery. Great, sc*mbag daddy. Of all lies you could invent, you picked constipation. Now Mom

whispered,

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

her phone, tapped at lightning speed, and ordered suppositories plus half a pharmacy's

they reached home, a courier stood at the gate like a summoned genie, parcel in

be embarrassed. If you're not sure

at the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping

he let Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He shook his head so

Mommy. I can manage on

his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made the boy's ears

forced to endure the stubborn ache of constipation. If

with you," she said, voice low and gentle, as

"Okay."

the box like contraband and bolted down the hallway

watched his brother's retreating and, though he didn't quite know why, felt sweat break

He sure doesn't look

beside him, fixed him with a mild but warning stare. "Don't tease your

to calm the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really kind of pitiful," he breathed,

exaggerated burst of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on,"

have to take tons

the new clothes in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed them to the excited boy and stepped back while

ended, she pinged the piChapter

polite smiles fixed in place, but Cecilia saw

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

in return, video-called often to check on the children and

seemed

the children be able to come back for a

belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities

flew across the keyboard. "Nathaniel and I have decided. We'll come right

grandpa and I will prepare every one of

chatted with Bethany for a good while longer, then finally ended the call with

and Elliot

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

against the couch, eyelids drooping, intent on stealing five minutes

"Ceci."

jerked in surprise.

this all we're doing today?" His question hovered,

do you mean?" Confusion knitted

clouded Nathaniel's eyes.

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

lifted her face to his, worry eclipsing her earlier cheer. "What's the matter? Who

closer, the scent of cedar from

could speak

arms swept

possessive motion,

his chest, as though staking

have to

rough, velvet-edged with gravel, every syllable

over her cheek. Color flared across Cecilia's face. Her blush deepened as she tried

whisper-shouting, "Stop it, let me go! If Elliot or Jonathan

his embrace, chin settling atop her hair as if

be awkward about two married people holding each other? They're not babies

eyes, she muttered, "Not babies? They're only six-maybe

own," Nathaniel replied, the words low,

genuine amazement slipping past her irritation. "You left the

Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend time abroad to build some resilience. It'll give us more space

regained his health,

།

a full team to watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him

lifted a hand, the pad of his finger brushing

"Hmm?"

from 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. Sometimes I feel like I'm dead last

click. Her proud, composed husband was jealous of

could suppress it. "Of course, the kids

darkened, a storm gathering behind

twisted free of Nathaniel's arms and bolted down the hallway, bare feet whispering across

it, then sprang up and

to swing the door shut, Nathaniel planted one hand against the panel, his voice

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

With a gentle shove, he slipped

the deadbolt turned, and darkness

against the windows, but inside,

a burst of white light, snow glare slicing through the curtains and painting the room

than an inch away. She could count

her trace a finger over that faint roughness, then lower to the soft

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

eyes fluttered open, hazy

awake?” he murmured, drawing her even closer until

Nathaniel. I can't breathe.” Her voice came out in a

loosened his hold by a fraction, closed his eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer." "It's already nine. We really

friends a full day of

and mumbled, "Give me a few more minutes.

Cecilia realize how clingy he could be, warmth and

when were you this attached?

slow grin tugged at his mouth. "I

and ruffled his hair, dark

I have a busy day ahead,"

"Ceci, after you hit the mall with your friends, that's all, right?

head.

asked, still unwilling

clothes for Mom, and

His tone carried a note

"Nope."

studied Nathaniel with a puzzled tilt of her head. He had never shown the slightest interestin which dress of coat she bought yet this morning he fussed over

the heartbeat. He gently pried her fingers loose, voice low and

sensed the heaviness under the words but misread the cause. He just hates it when I leave

staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep had scattered, and there was no coaxing

rose, padded through quiet hallways, and stepped

1.

Elena had spirited Jon and Elliot off to RaiChapter

Dunce! You can 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 of sense, you'd

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

"Baroness Wolfsbane," he called. "Conrad here just called you an idiot with half a brain for daring to ask for collaboration. Thought you

then burned red. He

on the table. Her face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband, Conrad and then Annabella, her so-called

of all people, it was Alex-the outcast,

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

least this one had

you!" she thundered. "You're cowards! Every last one of you! From

The room fell silent.

she

crossed his arms, flashing Beatrix a smug grin that

curling into a sneer. "Go on, Sofina -try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll drag the rest of us down

this family up,

turned crimson. "You're the half-slave here, Alex -the real embarrassment of this

will want that collaboration. I believe in the Baroness's dream—and I

Beatrix-what's your real problem? Do you not believe in your grandmother, or are you just like your husband-thinking your own grandmother's got half a brain? That she's an

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

and dangerous. "No, you're not being realistic-you're being a coward. You've already surrendered before the fight even started. That's not

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

room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if she does succeed? Want to make a

her arms. "Fine. You think I'm scared? Name

that manor outside the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off,

through clenched teeth. "But if Sofina fails, I want both of you

a half-smile. "Then

suddenly chimed in, "Count me in too! If I win,

on her, raising a

"I won't lose. But fine-I'll play along. What do

how about this—if you lose, you kneel ten times and admit you're lower than that

digging your own grave, loser! Fine-I'll take that

Felicia said. "If you lose,

said calmly. "But if I win, you'll

cruel sound. "You really think you can win this? I've already recorded the bet and sent the document to the government registry. It's official now. You'll

smirked. "Perfect," he said. "I like it when everyone

even glance at them. She couldn't care

to her was one thing-whether the Wolfsbane family

of this nonsense." She roared. "Sofina, you have three days to

way home, Sofina frowned, glancing out the window. "You really think Grandma trusts me with

smirked. "Trust?

"That's supposed

someone

grinned. "Hey, at least I bet on

arched a brow. "You really think this bet will

who's got

her arms. "And what if you

chuckled. "Then I'll finally fit right

in the passenger seat, clutching a thick file of proposals she'd spent the entire night refining. Her eyes were tired, but her

car they'd won from Nikolaus-a machine so rare in Winchester that it turned

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

the wheel. "Maybe it's too fancy for a gardener like me," he

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

can."

him. "You really think this is

sign, Sofina. We're on our way up. And when this is over, maybe we'll have a new mansion

head, half anxious, half amused. "I wish

That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot for the moon;

as the car descended toward the Eden Group's towering headquarters,

whispered

me here, your luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener of the

QUMS

help but laugh. For a moment, her nerves eased. She wished she

felt something empty out inside her-like a room with

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

to partner with them was like a beggar asking a banker to lend

she'd promised her grandmother. She'd accepted the challenge in front of the whole

like a courtroom-every seat occupied by nobles from Winchester: barons, viscounts, and counts, all dressed in tailored suits and guarded

quiet conversations, their voices low but tense, each waiting for their turn to be judged

The

all every one

of them was hono

thing: a coffaboration with power.

you doing here?" a

standing with Katarina

the

sentence.

his head like a man forced to swallow bile. "I'm sorry, Katarina. I tried. I truly did. I don't understand how she keeps turning

Who the hell are you trying to fool? Even

security drone glided into the room, humming softly as its sensors locked onto

to monitor was just shoved by a guest-he forced her out into

the

hand clamped around Sofina's arm,

his collar, pulled on his gloves,

a pile of scattered

he said quietly, helping her pick

head, frustrated. "It's Heinrich. No matter what I say, he just

gently lifting

nothing serious," she

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

"Maybe. But I like the feel of paper. I like touching

"The same way I like

"You

me like I was more than data in

walked back through

voice

Heinrich barked, stepping forward. "What the hell are you doing here? I told you to stay away from me. I don't want you near me,

The color drained from

invisible chain that still tied her

control doesn't vanish overnight. Her body tensed, eyes

placing himself between

a guest. You have no authority to order people

me how to behave? I'm a guest here-l expect to be treated like a king. Where's your

dreaming. You're not a king- you're just another arrogant fool. A pathetic worm in

me an invitation—said I should run this place. You're a gardener. When I'm finished, you'll be out of a job.” "You can try," Alex said, calm as

his arm. "Let's go. Don't give him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes found

of human resources, hurried over and forced a smile while extending a hand. "Mr. Schiller. What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We'd be delighted if you joined our efforts-Winchester's finest in Al

But somebody in your place

offend you. If someone attempted to remove you, tell

gardener. He insulted me and tried to throw me

uniform. His brow furrowed. "I've never seen you before. Are you pretending to be one of our

of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here.

forget your place. I'm Dietrich Wedell,

I can fire you anytime I want. Now, you've

Kneel and beg

should I? He's the one who tried to throw out another guest, and he doesn't even

who Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of the brightest

not joining?" Alex asked

deserves your respect. You're nothing compared to

Alex said calmly, shaking

fired if you don't!" Dietrich

long time. Just kneel and bow three times, and maybe I'll let you

Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows,

to gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter rippled through

stand up to Heinrich?

joined in. "That gardener's got a

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

walking mistake of Winchester? No wonder

and turned to

my

doesn't know his place. How about you

bows, and I

around Alex's

everyone

have

on you-even the Wolfsbane name you'll be nothing

s

forward, but Sofina grabbed him tighter and shook

but steady. "Let me

She met his eyes. "Trust

stepped

a boil. "You hit me, bitch-" He spat the word like

curse.

God's name do you

dare you strike Mister Heinrich inside Eden Group! Security robot - fetch her, give her twenty lashes, then throw

a hand

won't be standing after that her flesh will tell

said, every syllable a

with Dietrich. "You'd better cancel that order," he said. "Someone's going to get hurt if you

"The one who'll

his communication bracelet. "Security — attend. Punish this

his head.

began to close

dare she hit

Heinrich's the

her!" another

ran its routine: ID scan, threat assessment, authorization check. Its lenses

moment the system flagged a threat to her, an alert

expected-Eve, the household robot Sofina had

machine. Alex had wired her into his network bridge so she could talk to every

that touched

the previous command. Secure Dietrich and give him twenty

security robot optical sensors

produced a taser and slammed it into Dietrich's chest. The shock hit him like a thrown rope; he folded

robot drew an electric whip from a holster

stroke cracked and seared; the skin opened, and dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop!

tilting from triumph to alarm. "Is the Eden security unit malfunctioning?" someone

most advanced," someone

ripple of confusion moved through the

until Dietrich had taken twenty

to his feet and kicked him out, shoving him past

mind struggling to catch

one hand clutching his bleeding nose. He wiped the blood away with the back of his wrist, his

low and venomous.

her, his hand swinging

the first time. Heinrich had struck

it, not because she was weak, but because she'd once mistaken

on Heinrich and seized his arm. "Find someone your own

— let go of me!"

temper under a hard lid. The government

screamed like an animal, pain folding him in

to his knees, clutching at a hand that felt as if

me go!" Heinrich gasped, tears wet on his cheeks as the pressure

stepped out of the Eden Group meeting room like a storm breaking loose. Her heels struck

-

their offer - a bid to replace

the next family tied to its vast

were

same breath she'd promised Eden that Heinrich would cooperate if the contract went to

the moment Katarina emerged into the main hall, the polished calm of her diplomacy

Heinrich down, and Heinrich

She stormed over and slapped Alex hard. "You half-slave!"

Let him go this instant. How dare you strike him

and released Heinrich's arm. "Calling the police won't help you," he said

that true?" Katarina

Sofina. She hit my

coward wearing someone else's name. Sue a noble

still carried real power. The law bent for

immigrant struck a noble, the punishment could be death. If a commoner

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

law protected rank,

a commoner, most people just accepted it. That

power didn't need

her sharp

know why you married Sofina — to make me jealous, to get my attention. Well, you've got it. I think that's enough. Divorce her.

"No. I won't divorce her.

don't have to be

tone soft. "I'm doing at this for you and for your Sant Claire family.

her, disbelief hardening his face.

to you? That everyone

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 and come back to me. You've

gone. Just the sound of her voice

shouted. "Kneel! Now!" Katarina's voice cracked with fury and

emptiness she'd discovered something she wouldn't admit

him.

the memories still haunted her - the nights Alex cooked for her, the way he shielded her from the world, how he cared for her without needing a

everything was cold and transactionaChapter

moment. He didn't want to

them, but before he could take another step, her hand shot out and

staring at him, fierce and cold, while his

Alex," Katarina said,

kneel in the rain for three days and nights? You think I

owe you a damn thing. I don't answer to your orders.

life," Katarina hissed, and her hand whipped across his face. The slap cracked through the hall like

flash of tears she fought to hide, gripping him with a

command

this bitch!" Katarina

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

tightened on Alex. Sofina caught it in one swift move and

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

been treated like

the

Rosenheim title

by stabbing their own marquis, the Saint- Claires,

beneath their silks and titles they were nothing more than well-fed servants gnawing on

to the room, her voice shaking with fury. "She's spitting on my family name! Slap her-make

and some Rosenheim retainers shuffled forward, eager to prove their

Eden security robot glided between them, its mechanical voice

on Eden Group property," it

of tasers snapped out. Electricity flashed. The would-be attackers jerked, their muscles seized, and

No violence," the security unit repeated. "Please remain calm

for the moment,

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

get out of here," she

like a whip. "You always talked about love! You said you loved me! You swore you'd

obey me, to give me your body, to destroy yourself for me! You liar! You

to rot and fade, it hides behind forced gestures-empty rituals, hollow

could answer, another android

is your scheduled interview for the collaboration. Please proceed to Meeting Room 01. I can escort you

squeezed her hand. “Go,” he

she asked, her

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

down the corridor. The robot stopped at a glass door and bowed slightly. "Please wait here. The person in charge will arrive shortly." It turned and

poised woman in a tailored suit

change in location. Please follow me. Miss

Von

ma'am. She's expecting

still dazed, and followed the woman through

of Eden Group

Von Adler-the most powerful

submitted her proposal yet, the one about working with the Wolfsbane family. She wasn't supposed to meet the chairman, only

It didn't make sense.

corridor, her

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

"I'm Marlena Von Adler, chairman of Eden Group. It's a pleasure

race. She was standing before the most powerful businesswoman in

as she answered,

met

"I came to discuss the collaboration proposal. I

we work hard.

never disappoint."

to .net

Marlena a neat folder. "This is the Wolfsbane Group portfolio.

take a look."

and took the file. She

a few pages, then closed it

"I've already reviewed your documents. I

"Really? You mean...

out.

all felt too quick-too easy. She had spent weeks rehearsing every

a long negotiation. And yet here

in seconds.

leaned back, her

"the Wolfsbane Group doesn't fully meet our usual standards. But our founder hold's your very nigh regard. He personally requested this partnership be offered to

breath caught. "Your founder?" she asked, her

know who your

smile. “Our founder," she

blinked, unsure

"Don't worry. You'll understand

sees something in you. He believes in you. And that's why he's giving you

Alex had instructed her not to reveal

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

nervous. "Yes, that's right," she said, her voice small. "Is...

"Oh no," she said easily. "In fact,

slightly. "What do you

instructed me to increase the contract value," Marlena

it set at one hundred million

breath

repeated, barely believing it.

contract, and slid it across the

drafted the agreement-one hundred million dollars in total. If you have

the document in disbelief. Her mind spun. Eden

corporations in Winchester-had not oChapter

brought it down hard on Finnian's back. "I forbid you from seeing her! If you dare bring that woman home as your wife, I'll throw you out on

of the cane echoing through the room. Despite his age, Mr. Everly's arm was still strong; after just a few blows, Finnian's crisp

listen. He kept shouting, "I'll beat you to death!" and

caught Mr. Everly's arm, her voice soft

stopped, glaring at Finnian and gasping for breath, his

her expression calm. "You should go. I'll talk to Grandpa," she

shot her a long, searching look, then turned

gone, Mr. Everly's anger seemed to collapse into grief. He clutched Amara's hand, his voice breaking. "Ama, Finnian's out of his mind. Can't you see? He insists on

to fall as he squeezed her hand, his heartbreak almost

yesterday, Finnian had confessed his feelings to her; today, he was

her voice clear. "Grandpa, there's something I've never

"What is it?"

Qu

that because you thought Finnian cared about me, but the truth is our relationship has never been

firm. She nearly said

utterly exhausted, guilt

blame Amara for not wanting Finnian.

l.ne

him? For years, it had been Mr. Everly

tired. I need to lie

Grandpa.

left, Mr. Everly lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Was there truly no hope for Amara and Finnian? He really did care for her, and he'd always dreamed She'd stay with the Everly family become Finian's wife. But now, after what she'd said-and

wanting to dwell on

still in the living room. He'd changed

Chapter 365

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looking away,

spoke up. "Let

"That's not necessary-"

to you," he added quickly, sensing her

hesitated, but she knew it was time to put things to rest between them. She nodded, walked out to his

real," she murmured,

thought of her grandmother, who had

with such generosity. Now they weren't

had been given

as she looked up at Marlena, eyes

and awe.

you,” she whispered. "Thank you

a deal, every touch a performance. He was arrogant,

in the best way - a man who

him, life had warmth. And losing that warmth felt like standing in an endless

crisis, she thought bitterly. It's the ordinary days

at dinner, the

of pride instead of

voice cracked as she screamed, desperate and trembling, "Alex, I'm warning

kneeling, sweetheart. Maybe I'let your husband keep his job. And if you take off your clothes while you're at it, might even forgive the 'trauma' you caused

a moment,

Sofina smiled. Not

could blink, her fist shot forward

square on his nose with a sickening

back, clutching his face,

the crowd gasped.

u are."

this is about business. We both know why you're here. You came chasing my attention,

Katarina's sight

her toward the entrance like

to step foot in here again. I'm done with you-whatever we

over."

as the folder burst open, papers scattering across the

you take care

herself out of the pain Dorian had caused her and start living for herself again. That, above all else,

after she got back. A few days later,

side in front of a house.

he was the CEO-no, now

you." It looked almost exactly like a

did it feel

relationship, speculation they'd get married someday. But

they didn't try to take down Liliana's post either. Their silence was approval enough-everyone understood now that Liliana

was suddenly flooded with messages, all wishing her and Mr. Everly a

flocked around her, eager to curry favor.

been the center of attention like this. Maintaining

?

perfectly well that ever since word of her suicide attempt had gotten out, people whispered behind her back, saying she'd forced Finnian to stay by her side with her life on the line. Now, with everyone falling over themselves to flatter her, she couldn't tell which

But so what?

be the only woman in Finnian's life. When that day came, these same people would rush to curry her favor all over

appeared. “Hey, I heard you had a rough time a few days ago. How

spent over a week in the hospital after his accident, and another few days recovering at home. Now he was back on his feet, if a bit thinner

tough for a while, but it's over now.

just told me to eat well and

first time in Liliana's dressing room. He'd always gotten along well with her, and they'd even

the only member of

Liliana was feeling awkward or not, no one could tell-she was a master at hiding her emotions. Even if she was uncomfortable, she'd never let it show. She

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

moment. This was the first time Hogan hadn't called her "sis- in-law."

her smile didn't falter. "Alright, go home and get some

his brow furrowed, thoughts tangled up like a knot he couldn't

spotted Amara coming down the

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

out, "You know Finnian and Liliana are

sure why he'd suddenly brought this up. "Weren't they already together for ages?" she

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

He frowned, frustrated.

even though Liliana had once "been pregnant" with Finnian's child, they'd never actually been a couple. All that intimacy had been just an act Liliana put

shouldn't be anything left between them He'd wanted to explain this to Amara, but she hadn't let him get a

a child anymore, suggested things had changed between her and Finnan. Maybe now they

asked what he actually wanted to know: "Nothing, really. Aren't you

was the real reason he'd

"Why would I

and yes, the news had stung at first. But she'd

her face carefully. She didn't look like she was lying. His frown deepened. "You really

answered

clench her fists, her eyes darkening with a

would wrap up filming in just over two weeks, and the set was a whirlwind of activity. Everyone's workload had doubled or even tripled, but no one

night. This evening was

the place, flopping onto

saying, "Have you noticed? Lately, Finnian and

paused, then resumed typing, her eyes on the screen. "Weren't they always joined

on it," Keith replied, shaking his head. “It's just..... 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

there a time someone joked that Finnian took better care of Liliana than I take care of you?" Amara recalled, her chest tightening for a split second as she

with a casual tone. "What's the big deal? Didn't Liliana just have a miscarriage? She's been

"True enough."

eye on Amara's expression, only relaxing when he

trying to sound offhand. "If you want, after it's born, you could put

was mid-sip

water all over her keyboard,

the keys

put your name down? How are you ever going to find a wife if you pull a stunt like

marry you,

and drawled, "Who says I want to get

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

rolled her

worried about the stigma of being a

him on the head.

let out a sigh as she looked at him, then walked over and rested her hand on his shoulder. “I know you've always worried about me," she said, her voice

family than friends. They always found different ways to look out for her-Elysia with her warm, attentive gestures, Keith with his gruff but steadfast support. The difference, Amara figured, came down to gender more

completely blindsided her, she could still sense his good intentions and, in

He sighed, clearly giving up hope that

it your way.

yeah, noted. Now go do your job already."

there was still one more scene to shoot-an important

laptop and went outside to watch from behind the camera. Keith and Liliana were already

apart, and Cedric moved behind the camera to adjust

"action," Keith suddenly raised his hand to signal a

wrong?" Cedric asked, thrown

"I think we should fake the kiss-use camera

hush fell

standard, but usually it was the actress who requested it. Having the male lead

camera trick. This time, with Keith bringing it up

something-otherwise it would only look worse. She curved her lips

mouth as she laughed. "You two really are close,

brow furrowed immediately, her expression turning

be interfering on set, but the last thing she wanted was for people to get

the awkwardness, a crew member-someone who'd been fawning over Liliana ever since her relationship with

over.

kissing scene before, didn't he? Must've 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

words offered Liliana a lifeline, and she quietly let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd

had no intention of letting the matter drop. With a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth,

silence that followed was

exchange had been a subtle game of chess, this was Keith upending the board in front of everyone. His words landed

fists at her sides. She couldn't get a single word

cutthroat as this, few people were ever so openly ruthless. Most played it safe-after all, today's golden child could be tomorrow's nobody, and vice

a shred of dignity. Was he really trying to burn this bridge

finally spoke up. She shot Keith a cool glance and said, "Enough. Let's get this scene over

shifted in an instant. "Of course, Ama. Whatever

tone when he spoke to Amara

little after midnight when Finnian arrived to pick Liliana

parked outside the studio and glanced toward the entrance, as if searching for someone but the place was deserted. He quickly

Who had he been looking

and forced a smile. "Finn, something happened on set today. We were supposed to film a kissing scene,

instead And when

pretty obvious-he likes her. I think everyone can see

as unreadable as ever, offering no comment. Sensing she'd said enough, Liliana deftly steered the

his coat to a maid at the door and was just about to head upstairs when Amara stepped

Finnian here. Instinctively, she glanced his way, then quickly looked ahead and pretended not to notice him, striding forward as if nothing

out to

in her

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 afterwards. So, on second thought, she'd made

over.

only felt at ease when she learned the family doctor had already been by

staying by Liliana's side from now on-Amara had felt like she and Finnian had nothing more to do with

stopped. "Is

addressing the maids nearby. They

over to Amara. "What's going on

"Why are you

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 like that would be rough. I think you

belongs to s

out of the blue.

more into it.

time. She remembered at Jessica's birthday party, Dorian had hosted the whole group, and Finnian had insisted

one more time: Keith and I are just

assumptions," Amara

if I did want to be with

his family's opinion. You don't need to warn

was low, almost heavy. "You really can't tell how

until she was pressed

moved even an inch nearer, he'd have

hall lay

shadows stretching across polished wood. Amara felt

just a friend, nothing more. I don't know why you keep insisting he has feelings for

caught her chin in his hand, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Do you honestly believe you understand men better than

twisted her face from his grip, shaking his hand off with a mocking little

why you keep misreading things between us, but I'd appreciate

him,

his eyes fixed on her

hiding in the kitchen, quietly slip out. He replayed the scene he'd

Amara took off her mask. If he loved her then, when she was still

Finnian was with Liliana. Was it because of her

ch

was it about

never had?

s

had never existed, yet Finnian was still in the dark. The urge to come clean-to

Hogan made

told me you wanted to explain the truth about your fake pregnancy to Finnian, but

as usual, polite and charming, but his blunt words wiped the smile from

Hogan inwardly, she forced herself to think fast, mind

into remorse. "Hogan, I know I promised to tell Finn the truth, but I just couldn't go through with

and lowered her voice, sounding truly pitiful. "But I had no choice if Finplan ever finds out what really happened, he'lHeave me can't bear for it to end that way." sChapter

busy lately-maybe you haven't

two weeks, right? I need you to tell Finnian the truth before filming ends. If you don't, I'll tell him myself.

the surface, but the threat

alone. Fury shook her whole body; she smashed several glasses in quick succession, unable to

she would tell Finnian the truth. She wanted nothing more than to get rid of

her botched attempt, Hogan had doubled his security. There was no chance for a second try. She clenched her jaw so hard it hurt, her eyes growing darker with each passing thought. What was she supposed

take for no good reason. She'd always been a consummate professional, so this behavior was

Hogan's threats haunted her. Whenever she thought about what he'd

started visiting her again. Their relationship had been strained after Emma's miscarriage, but gradually Emma seemed to let go

far as to find some old home remedies to help Liliana recover, hoping she'd get better soon

Liliana didn't marry into the Everly family, Finnian might end up bringing Amara home as his wife—a possibility Emma

afternoon, Emma stopped by to check on Liliana. Afterward, instead of leaving the studio, she changed course and headed straight for Amara's dressing room.

expected Emma to seek her out, but she greeted her politely. "Is there something I can help you with,

dressing room, then fixed her gaze on

Her silence was a clear attempt to put

unfazed. She said coolly, "If you don't have any business here, Mrs. Everly, please see yourself

opened the door, motioning for Emma

had rarely been treated like this by anyone but Andrew, was instantly enraged.

with you

haven't even

already kicking