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.
s
"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?"
improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There are also herbs
like he's in his 20s, but
is at least at the early pinnacle stage
age is definitely well over
just an early-stage divine grandmaster?
and Camden's engagement spread quickly,
one of the four major families of the southern region, Camden would typically only marry into one of the other three great
the daughter of Holton's Knott Estate, it was still far
on par with the daughters of the four great families, her looks were
Bell test showed her potential at five rings, placing
genius with boundless potential
talent compensated for
news of their engagement, many women felt envious and even jealous of Heather. After
who secretly admired Heather, were equally disheartened, with their
her cruelty overshadowed
million gold coins from Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast amount of herbs for pill
plan was to find Fressia, secure the third stage of the cultivation technique- whether by stealth or
to boost the
to rest. One day, after finishing his pill refinement session, Hendrick
engaged tomorrow at
them is for me, I assume?"
nodded. "Yes,
nothing more than an attempt to use the
asked, "Mr. Wilder, are
don't go, wouldn't I be
to the core
father is right. You mustn't
right
just a bunch of petty clowns. There's nothing to fear," Sebastian
but the Stonebrook family has many powerful figures. If
Hendrick warned.
to .net
appreciate your
clowns. They're not worth
alone, fine. If they dare provoke me, I'll
ie
families in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld
"Mr. Wilder, please listen to us
out for revenge, they'll cook up something else next
to confront them sooner rather than later,Chapter
and his group approached the entrance of
with a veil partially hiding her
me?" Sebastian
Sebastian nodded.
kill you at the banquet.
been waiting here just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with
happened to run into you
so much about me. Could it be that you've
dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and
said, "Mr. Wilder, if Ms. Gardner says so, then it's surely true. Why
long as you're alive. With your talent, you're destined to become a peerless force in
made up. No more advice, please,"
was marching to his doom. All they could probably do now was retrieve
Estate, the atmosphere was festive and filled
shown great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to personally attend and offer their
After all, by the end of today, she would be the future daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook
a woman both stunning and neredibly talented was
had a thorn in his side-Heather's body had already been seen and touched by Sebastian So the only
Sebastian.
keeping tabs on Sebastian's
just at that moment,
once he enters. Make
Everything is in place. He won't be able to get away,
the way,
with the family's
again in
and his companions entered Knott
What's he doing here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when
warned Sebastian about the Stonebrook family's plan, yet he still showed up. Was he walking into his
you bastard! You actually had the guts to come. I can't decide if I should praise your bravery or call you a
exactly a
playing dumb. Since you've come today,
smile. "Brat, today next year
kneel down, admit your mistakes, gouge out your own eyes, and break your own hands, I'll spare
said, "You invited me to your engagement party. I came here to congratulate you, so I'm your guest. Yet, here you are, shouting threats. Is this how you treat
mind?" Camden sneered. "I invited
an idiot. He thinks that just because he came to congratulate the couple, Mr. Camden would
live. I can't tell if this guy is naive
to hurl insults. Among all the people present, aside from Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried about Sebastian. Despite everything Sebastian had done to her, seeing him in
engagement party. Killing
cultivators don't care about such things. If you want to live today, the
his
furious. "What are
I really don't get it. There are so many good women out there. Why on
You've got some nerve!"
lost it. This guy must
live. But insulting Ms. Knott? Now he's probably wishing for death to be an easy way
Everyone nodded in agreement.
seventh elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to strike Sebastian down at any
remained calm and unbothered. "Mr. Camden, don't get angry just yet. Hear me out. I was simply speaking the truth.
been practicing an
cultivation technique, one that
energy to
One day, shevited me
lured me into her room, and tried
"Shut up!"
Sebastian while snapping, "Stop spouting nonsense and
just slandering Heather on purpose. You can't believe a
course, I don't believe him. This guy
do you have?"
male energy through a sinister technique and tried to seduce
upset that I broke off the engagement
worry. No matter what he says, I won't believe
she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my
my woman right in front of me...
me, you can have her checked. If I'm lying,
Even if an examination proves my innocence, it'll still
guy has ulterior
feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his mind
standing around and cripple him!" Camden ordered coldly. Whether
for Heather, Camden planned to verify everything as soon
powerful aura that felt as vast and overwhelming as the sea, making it hard
grandmaster? Just the aura alone is enough to make me almost suffocate. This is truly impressive," the onlookers said
and Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they were
the early stage, whereas Septimus was a middle-stage divine grandmaster,
He smirked mockingly and said, "Camden, I originally thought you had some sense in you, but you're a fool Youre allowing
to shut
on her chest because I got a bit rough. They're
truth, Sebastian was just bluffing;
However, Heather's reaction
leaving everyone stunned. Upon
tricked, Heather
lies! I swear I'll cut out your tongue and feed
and he was infuriated by the
was one of the four major families of the southern region, with all their elders being divine
in particular, was a middle-stage divine grandmaster. His power was truly
move, the pressure from his released aura alone made it hard for anyone
But there was little they could do;
to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he would succeed, Sebastian suddenly countered, reacting faster
a resounding sound,
pained scream and staggered back
him down and
"What?"
erupted into chaos. Everyone was utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage divine grandmaster like Septimus had been defeated in a single move by
was
most shocked. Not long
Sebastian was just an ordinary person, perhaps at most a warrior. After all, if he were a grandmaster or divine grandmaster, why would he
in fury. "I've really underestimated you. If you release Septimus now, I might leave your
and she yelled, "Sebastian, he's from the Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill him, you won't even have a
his eyes filled with
can you do me a favor? I'll
Kaitlyn from the start. Although her face was hidden, she had
her even more enticing than he had imagined. He nodded and
Gardner Astong asterele Monet
gouges out his own eyes, and breaks both his hands, I'll spare
"Mr. Camden, isn't gouging out his eyes and breaking
This is my bottom
I warn you? Why did
isn't some death trap. Why shouldn't I come?" Sebastian
said, "I didn't realize your strength was so formidable, but you still
The Stonebrook family
Gouging out your eyes and breaking your
lightly and replied, "Ms. Gardner, I appreciate
not in the
it's hard to
five miserably than to
to say something, but in
and hands was a fate worse than death. Rather than living worse than
at least Sebastian could
"Septimus!"
members of the Stonebrook family erupted in
seething with rage as he shouted,
I won't be satisfied until I
cripple his cultivation for
was already walking toward Sebastian, his aura growing increasingly
his presence intensified. Every footfall left a deep
a powerful aura. Trey's cultivation must be truly unfathomable. He's probably at
the middle pinnacle stage of divine grandmaster, but it's said that Trey has the ability to
level Sebastian's cultivation is? He struck so quickly before; this is definitely going to
Everyone nodded in agreement.
catch the sword!" Camden shouted, tossing
it from
the air,
an instant, the surrounding temperature seemed to plummet, leaving everyone feeling as though they had fallen into
be the Godslayer Blade
Stonebrook family's Godslayer Blade. Our ancestors once roamed the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal. As long as one wields the Godslayer Blade, their combat strength instantly rises a whole
hadn't expected Camden to carry the Godslayer
not even late-stage divine grandmasters could stand against
artifact, said to be a top-tier weapon that could slice through iron like it
was Sebastian, empty-handed-what
closed her eyes, unable to bear
she deeply resented the man who had taken her virginity, but after
been defiled by that old scoundrel instead, so she found herself preferring it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and handsome, and he had acted to save her.
This was why she would always instinctively step in whenever he was in danger—she
she had come to realize that Sebastian's strength far surpassed hers,
trying to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook family. Not
wielded the Godslayer Blade. As he swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous
energy within a few miles surged violently, creating an oppressive
weaker cultivation slumped to
to capture Sebastian alive, so his sword's
as the blade was about to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved,
death!" Trey sneered, his expression filled with cruelty. To try and stop the Godslayer Blade technique
resounded as the blade made 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
"How is this possible?"
disbelief. Everyone present was equally stunned as they were unable to believe
my god! He caught the Godslayer Blade with his bare hand! This is insane!" "What level is this guy? How can he
pull the Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength, but it didn't budge an
that. Just hand it over," Sebastian said calmly. With a slight exertion of his spiritual energy, Trey instantly let go of the s go
if he was jolted by
satisfaction. "This sword is
anger and panic, clenching his
finger trembled as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill two of
think you can kill me, I can also kill you.
was both afraid and angry. "Sebastian, I'm warning you. I'm the heir to the Stonebrook family.
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,
of idiots. You two really are
idiot! Your whole family is!" Heather shouted angrily
to die, yet you still dare to shout at me.
You really plan to kill us?"
he said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will never let you go. Not just you, but everyone you care about
send one person to me, I'll kill that person. If you send two, I'll kill both of them. If you
end, his voice
was stunned into silence. No one could believe how brazen Sebastian was, declaring his intent to annihilate the
everyone would have looked down on him and thought that he was lying. However, after witnessing Sebastian's terrifying strength, everyone was very
has stood strong for over a thousand years, with countless divine
think you can fight us alone? Hand over the Godslayer Blade technique and come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then,
up in a grave, you won't be around
dare!"
the experts from the
Sebastian looked at him with disdain. He
down on everyone present. Those
remain standing,
him!" Camden commanded
were filled with terror, they had
fray. Instead, he used
a tremendous energy burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed out
Stonebrook family had been wiped out in a single
cake. The
was terrifying.
to the ground, and her face became pale
that moment, Martin rushed toward Heather. He grabbed her by the
leapt into the air, attempting to
the way little Jonathan stepped forward to shield the nervous clerk and decided to let the matter drop,
again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight
tight bun
Relief spread through her limbs
dangled on someone else's whim. Grateful, she offered a quick,
the child, the day would have ended in
Jonathan, her posture unexpectedly shy. "Thank you,"
smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly composed for a boy his
thanking you,"
a hand into the miniature pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte card. Holding it up,
staff like a clap of thunder. Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and the boutique fell into
over ten thousand, yet this child intended to
around the card, uncertainty flickering across her
still a minor. A purchase of this scale required his guardian's word. Nathaniel
did not understand why Jonathan wanted an entire
in Ivy's expression. "Of course," she said, nearly breathless
the garments from velvet hangers into satin-lined
the showroom, the other employees watched, envy shining through their fixed
cover the down payment
more.
understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying,
guided Nathaniel
really is a mountain of clothes. Should we put one or two pieces back? Together
over eight million." s
never have taken
said, firm
Nathaniel. When he offered no objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's
numbers in disbelief. The wealthy, it seemed,
for choosing us." Ivy presented the card with both hands, as
accepted it with matching courtesy. "Ms. Ivy,
set
a slate-gray wool blazer on the mannequin. "Consider this my gift, he said, oice
on to whatever
eyes widened, first in wonder, then alarm. A quick shake of her head sent her ponytail swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no,
apairof
silence until now, spoke in his low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is nothing. If
Jonathan had delivered a lightning-fast briefing about the ruckus
with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and ribbon-tied shopping
Jonathan, who still wasn't tall enough to reach his thigh, and asked, "What business did you have in a men's
me to pop in and pick out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary. This is just a quick
knows Ms. Kennedy, and
Ms. Kennedy certainly
inside his chest. Vivian remembers to buy
darkened like a sky before
Nathaniel's larger finger, and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually asked me to purchase a suit a
believed the first fib, it was only because Vivian's eccentricity made anything
more like an adult compared
delegate adult shopping
"You've figured something out, haven't
Jonathan blinked, performing
let out a quiet breath. “When it comes to social-grade lying, you're still
to be exposed so fast, and the realization sent a
theatrical sigh. “Are you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could study every flicker on
"Why would I be?" he countered,
but none for you. She skipped you completely. That proves she doesn't
opened, then snapped shut.Am I
“And exactly where did you pick up
face, Dad.” Jon shrugged as if stating simple
even a child could read him, how had Cecilia never noticed? She
door stayed
hard, she went searching
belongs to s
she almost
also noticed the bodyguard trailing behind them, arms loaded
been? And what on earth
inspecting the
gifts,” he said smoothly. "Holiday tokens, nothing
painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching the hole
have been nice. I was starting to wonder why you'd
gaped, utterly bewildered. When have I ever
shot Jonathan
to carrying the
I've been skimping
happening, concern flooded her eyes. She slipped an arm around Jonathan's
take you to a doctor, all right? You're far too little to struggle with something like
word confirmed aloud, Cecilia's chest pinched. Only a woman who has carried a child, nursed him through colic and fevers, knows how a single twitch of discomfort in
without warning, felt heat rush to his cheeks until his whole face burned as
imagining the confession would buy him this
been ages since Cecilia had
be fine if I drink more water. It isn't that bad, please don't
always been the model child, obedient,
"That won't do. Maybe we should buy medicine. Constipation sometimes needs glycerin
said it with earnest gravity, the
into silent misery. Great, sc*mbag daddy. Of all lies you could invent, you picked constipation. Now Mom
but honestly, Mommy, I don't need them,” he whispered, the words
with pity for the boy and a glimmer
lightning speed, and ordered suppositories plus half a pharmacy's worth of gentle
a
don't be embarrassed. If you're not sure how to
suppositories, despair dropping
he let Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He shook his head so hard his hair whipped across his
Mommy. I can manage
hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made
endure the stubborn ache of constipation.
she said, voice low
"Okay."
contraband and bolted down the hallway toward the
watched his brother's retreating and, though he didn't quite know why, felt
really constipated? He sure doesn't look it,"
stare. "Don't tease your brother. He's having a hard enough
to calm the little jolt of surprise inside.
the subject with an exaggerated burst of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on," she said, "let's
to take
in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed them to the excited boy and
photoshoot ended, she pinged the
fixed in place, but
life, including short clips of the boys chasing sunlight across the rug, photos of uneaten cookies, and funny anecdotes typed at
video-called often to
life seemed to
and the children be able to come back for a
her priorities were pulled toward her husband's
decided. We'll come right after the New Year to visit you
Your grandpa and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany replied, her delight practically shimmering through
while longer,
and Elliot collapsed onto their beds, fast asleep within
living room fell into a rare hush, holding only Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the distant tick of a wall
drooping, intent on
"Ceci."
surprise. "What
this all we're doing today?" His
follow. What do you mean?" Confusion knitted her
Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing," he
Cecilia finally read the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming, evident from the faint tension
lifted her face to his, worry eclipsing her earlier cheer. "What's the matter?
took a single step closer, the scent of cedar from his freshly pressed shirt drawing her
could speak
arms swept
possessive
against his chest, as though staking a claim no one
really have
came out rough, velvet-edged with gravel, every
face. Her blush
If Elliot or Jonathan walks out and sees this,
her hair as if the conversation
holding each other? They're not babies
"Not babies? They're only six-maybe
Nathaniel replied, the words low, laced with a faint, almost childish
brows arched, genuine amazement slipping past her irritation.
shouldn't coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend time abroad to build some resilience. It'll give us more space for, well,
hesitated, heart squeezing. "They're too little, Nathaniel. Besides, Elliot's just regained
།
assign a full team to watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him stay with Old Mr.
hand, the pad of his finger brushing her burning cheek. “You're
"Hmm?"
leaving me on the sidelines.” He paused, drawing a steadying breath. "Remember, it's you and me for the rest
did it click. Her proud, composed husband was jealous of his
suppress it. "Of course, the kids outrank you. I risked my life to bring them
eyes darkened, a storm gathering behind the calm
free of Nathaniel's arms and bolted down the hallway, bare
dare make a break for it, then sprang up
the bedroom and tried to swing the door shut, Nathaniel planted one hand against the panel, his voice low and teasing. "Why lock me out? Are you
the door. "There are plenty of spare rooms in this house. Pick any one
shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again, and kicked the
the deadbolt turned, and darkness
against the windows, but inside,
light, snow glare slicing through the curtains and
her eyes to find Nathaniel's face less than an inch away. She could count the
curiosity made her trace a finger over that faint roughness, then lower to the soft
Nathaniel's brows twitched.
eyes fluttered open, hazy with
even closer until her breath mingled with
breathe.” Her voice came out in
his hold by a fraction, closed his eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer." "It's already nine. We really have
a full
only tightened his arms and mumbled, "Give me a
realize how clingy he could be,
you this attached?
his mouth. "I was
and ruffled his hair, dark strands springing up
moving. I have a busy day ahead," she said, trying to slip from
caught her hand again. "Ceci, after you hit the mall with your friends, that's all, right?
shook her head. "That's
are you buying?” he asked, still
clothes for Mom, and something nice
His tone carried a note
"Nope."
which dress of coat she bought yet this morning he fussed
He gently pried her fingers loose, voice low
cause. He just hates it when I leave too quickly. With that familiar assumption, she
her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep
quiet hallways, and
1.
had spirited Jon and Elliot off to RaiChapter
of being human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with rage. "If you had even a sliver of sense, you'd know how foolish
truly believed that only a complete fool like Alex could think the Wolfsbane family had any chance of
called. "Conrad here just called you an idiot with half a brain for daring to ask
face went pale, then burned red. He spun toward the
Wolfsbane's hands trembled on the table. Her face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband, Conrad and then
it was Alex-the outcast, the family
gaze shifted to Sofina. She'd never liked the girl. But seeing Sofina step forward with quiet resolve, something in the
this
cowards! Every last one of you! From this moment on,
The room fell silent.
Grandma," she said. "I'll
his arms, flashing Beatrix a smug grin that made her blood
through her nose, lips curling into a sneer. "Go on, Sofina -try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll drag the rest of us
Sofina's worth a thousand of you. She's fighting to lift this family up, while you
turned crimson. "You're the half-slave here, Alex -the real embarrassment of this family! You think
said. "I think the Wolfsbane family is great enough that even the Eden Group will want that collaboration. I believe in the Baroness's dream—and I believe in my wife's
you..." he turned toward Beatrix, eyes narrowing, "you just sit here sneering. Tell me, 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
and waved her hands fast. "No! That's not what I meant! I just think it's
being realistic-you're being a coward. You've already surrendered before the fight even started. That's not realism, Beatrix-that's disappointment dressed up as wisdom. And you know
a fool if
sound that filled the room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if she does succeed? Want to make
crossed her arms. "Fine. You think I'm scared?
gave you that manor outside the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off, that place is ours foever. You move into our home,
"But if Sofina fails, I want both
half-smile. "Then let's see who ends
too! If I win, I want Nikolaus's car
raising a brow. "Alright.
her arms, chin lifted. "I won't lose.
"Since you love calling me a half-slave, how about this—if you lose,
You're really digging your
in too," Felicia said. "If you lose, I want you to divorce
didn't flinch. "Fine," he said calmly. "But if I win, you'll accept our marriage- no more insults, no more
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
he said. "I
even glance at them. She couldn't care less about their
Wolfsbane family could actually secure that collaboration with the Eden
roared. "Sofina, you have three days to negotiate and close the deal. That's all.
glancing out the window. "You really think Grandma trusts me
"Trust?
shot him a look. "That's supposed to make
talk to someone who hasn't met this family." Sofina rolled
"Hey, at least I bet on your victory. Isn't
a brow. "You really think this bet will prove
said. "It'll show who's got guts
crossed her arms. "And what if you
fit right in with this family-bad decisions and
proposals she'd spent the entire night refining. Her eyes were tired, but her
drove the sleek black luxury car they'd won from Nikolaus-a machine so rare
across the car's polished hood, “we should return this car. It's too extravagant for us. Everyone's going to
casually resting on the wheel. "Maybe it's too fancy for a gardener like me,"
perfect. Your grandmother and mother wouldn't dare buy
can."
glancing at him. "You really
the road. "More than okay. It's a sign, Sofina. We're on our way up. And when this is over, maybe we'll have a new mansion to park it
half amused. "I wish I had
his grin widening. "You've got me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you'll land among
Group's towering headquarters, its glass walls
luck," Sofina whispered as the
"With me here, your luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener of the Eden
QUMS
but laugh. For a moment, her nerves eased. She wished she could carry that
of the two-hundred-story tower and felt something empty out inside her-like a room with
sky like a polished god. The idea that
Eden to partner with them was like a beggar
grandmother. She'd accepted the challenge in
felt like a courtroom-every seat occupied by nobles from Winchester: barons, viscounts, and counts, all dressed in tailored suits and
in quiet conversations, their voices low but tense, each waiting for their turn
The sight
all every one
of them was hono
the same thing: a coffaboration with
you doing
turned and found Heinrich standing
Katarina's lips tightened the
sentence.
this sort of woman away from my sight. How could you let her walk in here?" Heinrich bowed 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 up. I'll make her leave." He pushed forward and grabbed Sofina's wrist in a rough. "You're
his tone thick with mockery. "You? Who the hell are you trying to fool?
up his Eden Group gardener uniform when a security drone glided into the room, humming
monitor was just shoved by a guest-he forced her out into the entrance area.
me the footage," Alex
recording. Heinrich's hand clamped around Sofina's arm, dragging her down the hallway
collar, pulled on his gloves,
floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers. He knelt beside
helping her pick them up. "What
what I
Alex asked, gently lifting
serious," she
don't need to print everything. The digital
But I like the feel of paper. I like touching something
chest. "The same way I
"You really
taught me that," she said softly. "You cooked for me, you looked at me like I was more than data in a file. You made me feel alive
other as they walked back through the glass corridor of Eden's
voice cracked
here? I told you to stay away
The color drained from
it-the invisible chain that still
body tensed, eyes flickering, as if waiting for his approval... or his
forward, placing himself
said. "You're a guest. You have no authority
to be treated like
Alex let out a low, sharp laugh. "Keep dreaming. You're not a king- you're
invitation—said I should run this place. You're a gardener. When I'm finished, you'll be out of a job.” "You
him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes found a nearby
resources, hurried over and forced a smile while extending a hand. "Mr. Schiller. What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We'd
a derisive snort. "I came here to join, yes. But somebody in your place had the nerve to try
deliberately offend you. If someone attempted to remove you, tell me their name and
"That's the man. Your gardener. He insulted me and
"I've never seen you before. Are you pretending to be one
them—same as↑ don't know everyone
closer. "You seem to forget your place. I'm
fire you anytime I want. Now, you've offended
and beg for his
should I? He's the one who tried to throw out another guest, and he doesn't even belong to Eden
who Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of the brightest minds
if he's not joining?" Alex
he deserves your respect. You're nothing compared
calmly, shaking
if you don't!" Dietrich
each other a long time. Just kneel and bow three times, and maybe I'll let
"How about this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows, then maybe I'll let
to gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter rippled through
gardener trying to stand up to
got a
"Who?" someone asked.
"Alex-the dunce himself."
chuckled. "Oh hell, that Alex? The walking mistake of Winchester? No wonder he's
smirked and turned
been desperate for my attention, haven't you? Well,
Your husband's a fool who doesn't know his place.
bows, and I might forgive
around Alex's
sure everyone in Winchester hears about this. You
I'll have
on you-even the Wolfsbane name you'll be nothing outcasts. And you know I
s
grabbed him tighter and shook
but steady. "Let me
hesitated, searching her face. She met his eyes. "Trust
stepped forward alone.Chapter
red as a boil. "You hit
curse.
do you think you're doing, bitch!" Dietrich
strike Mister Heinrich inside Eden Group! Security robot - fetch her, give her twenty lashes,
Heinrich upright, supporting him with a hand
won't be
said, every syllable a
cancel that
one who'll get hurt is
"Security — attend.
head.
began to
she hit Heinrich,"
Heinrich's
her!" another voice
its routine: ID scan, threat assessment, authorization
flagged a threat to
a node nobody in the room expected-Eve, the household
her into his network bridge so she could talk to
Any device that touched Sofina reported to Eve first-she was Sofina's guardian in the
the network. "Override the previous command. Secure Dietrich and give him
optical sensors swung
into Dietrich's chest. The shock hit him like a thrown rope; he folded
robot drew an electric whip from a holster and began
dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop! Not me
noise tilting from triumph to alarm. "Is the Eden security unit
the most advanced," someone muttered, half in
confusion moved through
robot didn't stop until Dietrich
kicked him out, shoving him past
her mind struggling to catch
clutching his bleeding nose. He wiped the blood
voice low and venomous. "I'll teach you
her, his
had struck Sofina before-over and
not because she was weak, but because she'd once mistaken her submission for
and seized his arm. "Find someone your own size," he said, low
— let go
temper under a hard lid. The government cameras watched from every
his grip until Heinrich screamed like an animal, pain folding him in on
his knees, clutching at a hand that felt as if bone
dare you let me go!" Heinrich gasped, tears wet on his cheeks
out of the Eden Group meeting room like a storm breaking loose. Her heels struck the marble floor with sharp precision, aides trailing behind
-
finished presenting their offer - a bid to replace the Krugers, who'd been kicked out of Eden's
to become the next family tied to its vast
were desperater
she'd promised Eden that Heinrich would cooperate if the
into the main hall, the polished calm of her diplomacy shattered.
Heinrich down, and Heinrich bled and
She stormed over and
instant. How dare
Heinrich's arm. "Calling the police won't help you," he said coolly. "I
that true?"
Sofina. She hit my
held herself steady. "So what? You're not a noble. You're a coward wearing someone else's name. Sue a noble if you want-try to prove you're better. Go on. I
real power. The law bent for
struck a noble, the punishment could be
noble, the penalties were severe and swift. More often than not, the blame settled
law protected rank,
struck a commoner, most people just accepted it. That was the
Prussia — power didn't need to explain
her sharp eyes to
attention. Well,
won't divorce her. Go
don't have to
this for you and for your Sant Claire
stared at her, disbelief hardening his face. "Do you really think the
to you? That everyone just
blessing that I'm even willing to marry you. How dare you disobey me! I command you divorce that woman and come back to
patience with her was long gone. Just the sound of her
away from me!" Katarina shouted. "Kneel! Now!" Katarina's voice cracked with fury and desperation. She had
something she
him.
- the nights Alex cooked for her, the
was cold and transactionaChapter
this moment. He didn't want to
trying to put distance between them, but before he could take another step, her
and found her staring at him, fierce and cold, while his
you to stop, Alex," Katarina said, every
"Remember when I made you kneel in the rain for three days and nights? You think I won't
don't owe you a damn thing.
whipped across his face. The slap cracked through
tears she fought to hide, gripping him with a desperation that made her
I command you
bitch!"
of Alex without hesitation. Her eyes were quiet, but they held frost. "I pity you," she
hand tightened on Alex. Sofina caught it in one swift move and
ordered. "You're his ex- don't touch
treated like
heard the
title was bought
that they earned their barony by stabbing their own marquis,
their so-called empire was built on treachery, that beneath their silks and titles they were nothing more than well-fed servants gnawing
fury. "She's spitting on my family name! Slap her-make her remember who
few barons who bent to Katarina's will and some Rosenheim retainers shuffled forward, eager to prove their
anyone could raise a hand, a silver Eden security robot glided between them, its mechanical voice cutting through the
on Eden Group property," it announced
arms rose and a pair of tasers snapped out. Electricity flashed. The would-be attackers jerked, their muscles seized, and they dropped
security unit repeated. "Please
red-faced and unmoored robbed, for the moment, of the power
Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.
get out of here," she said,
voice cracked like a whip. "You always talked about love! You said you loved me! You swore you'd do anything for
promised to obey me, to give me your body, to destroy
rot and fade, it hides behind forced gestures-empty rituals,
could answer, another android
for the collaboration. Please proceed to Meeting Room 01. I
hand. “Go,” he said quietly. "This is
she
can access it. These people won't be able to
corridor. The robot stopped at a glass door and bowed slightly. "Please wait here. The person in charge will arrive shortly." It turned and glided away, leaving her alone in the
and a poised woman in a tailored suit stepped in. "Miss Sofina?"
Please follow me. Miss Von Adler would like to
blinked. "Miss Von Adler? The
She's
followed the woman through the
Eden Group headquarters.
most powerful woman in Eden-want
hadn't even submitted her proposal yet, the one about working with the Wolfsbane family. She wasn't supposed to meet the chairman,
It didn't make sense.
She followed the assistant through the long corridor, her heels echoing off the marble floor, until
opened it and gestured her in. Inside, Marlena Von Adler-the legendary chairwoman of Eden Group-rose gracefully from behind her desk.
hand. "I'm Marlena Von Adler, chairman of Eden Group. It's a pleasure to meet
felt her pulse race. She was standing before the most powerful businesswoman in Winchester-someone people usually met only in
voice trembled slightly as she answered, but she kept her
met
taking the time to see me," she said. "I came to discuss the collaboration proposal. I know the Wolfsbane Group
but we work
never disappoint."
to .net
Marlena a neat folder. "This is the
take a look."
smile and took
a few pages, then closed
soft but sure, "I've already reviewed your documents. I believe you're the perfect
"Really? You mean...
out.
too quick-too easy. She had spent weeks rehearsing
a long negotiation. And yet
in seconds.
leaned back, her expression
be honest," she said, "the Wolfsbane Group doesn't fully meet our usual standards. But our founder hold's your
"Your founder?" she asked, her voice barely above
know who
a faint smile. “Our founder," she said softly, "is the
unsure
chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll understand when
in you. And that's why he's giving you
weight. Alex had instructed her not to reveal his identity, and she obeyed
calm. "Now, Miss Scheinwald, according to your proposal, your initial quotation
said, her voice small. "Is... is that
her head. "Oh no," she said easily. "In fact, it's less than what we
"What do you
to increase the
it set at one hundred
eyes widened, her breath catching. "One... hundred
repeated, barely believing it.
contract, and slid
agreement-one hundred million dollars in total.
document in disbelief. Her
corporations in Winchester-had not
hard on Finnian's back. "I forbid you from
again and again, each crack 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 white shirt was already stained with blood, making Lisa, who stood
shouting, "I'll beat you to death!" and from the look in
Everly's arm, her voice soft but steady.
and gasping for breath, his shoulders heaving
expression calm. "You should go. I'll talk to Grandpa," she said
her a long, searching look, then turned and walked
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 being with that actress, as if he's completely lost his senses.
he squeezed her
he was determined to be with Liliana. Thinking back on the words he'd spoken to her
head, her voice clear. "Grandpa, there's something I've never
"What is it?"
Qu
you've always hoped Finnian and I would end up together. You wanted that because you thought Finnian cared about me, but the truth is our relationship has never been good. Finnian rarely shows me
utterly exhausted,
for not
l.ne
how could she possibly like him? For years, it had been Mr. Everly Finself, swallowing his pride and pushing for them
tired. I need to lie down for a
well, Grandpa. I'll see myself
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 with Finman acting the way he
longer wanting to dwell on it, and finally
He'd changed his shirt, and his wounds looked hastily
Chapter 365
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looking away, steeling herself
Finnian spoke up. "Let me give
"That's not necessary-"
you," he
things to rest between them. She nodded, walked out to his
be real," she
had dreamed of a
come with such generosity. Now they
had been given
she looked
and awe.
she whispered. "Thank you so
a performance. He was arrogant, restless, and
Predictable in the best way - a man who didn't need to be
losing that warmth felt
fool can face a crisis, she thought bitterly.
silence at dinner, the ache of
out of
voice cracked as she screamed, desperate and trembling, "Alex, I'm
widened, vile and confident. "You're lucky to have my attention Start kneeling, sweetheart. Maybe I'let your husband keep his job. And if
a moment, everything went
smiled. Not
her fist shot forward and cracked across
on his nose with a sickening
splattered. Heinrich stumbled back, clutching his face, howling in
the crowd gasped.
u are."
both know why you're here. You
of Katarina's sight you're
like a man hauling out a
here
over."
the ground, landing on her backside as the folder
just make sure you
finally pull herself out of the pain Dorian had caused her and start living for herself again. That, above all else,
days later, Liliana set the internet
of herself and Finnian, standing side by side in front of a house.
was the CEO-no, now the Chairman of the Everly
was captioned: "So grateful to have you." It looked almost exactly like a
did it feel so
their relationship, speculation they'd get married someday. But the Everly Group had never acknowledged anything publicly, and there'd never been concrete evidence they
though the Everly Group didn't issue a statement, they didn't try to take down Liliana's post either. Their silence was approval enough-everyone understood now that Liliana and Finnian were truly a
went viral in minutes, and Liliana was suddenly flooded with messages, all wishing her and Mr. Everly a lifetime
the film set. The moment she walked on, people flocked around her, eager to curry favor. Some even joked about
of attention like this. Maintaining her graceful smile, Liliana answered their questions one by one, poised and
?
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
But so what?
just fine now. Someday, she'd be the only woman in Finnian's life. When that day came, these same people would
before Hogan appeared. “Hey, I heard you had a rough time a
days recovering at home. Now
Things were tough for a while, but it's
well and get my strength back," Hogan
they'd even had dinner together a few times He'd always genuinely approved of
had been the only member of theChapter
awkward or not, no one could tell-she was a master at hiding her emotions. Even if she was
a few meaningless exchanges, he cut the conversation
paused for a moment. This was the first time Hogan hadn't called her "sis- in-law." She couldn't tell if he'd done it on purpose or
home and get some
then left her dressing room, his brow furrowed,
spotted Amara coming down the
since he'd seen Amara's real face, but every time he ran into her unexpectedly, her beauty still took
collected himself and strode over to her, blurting out, "You know Finnian and
he'd suddenly brought this up.
but Amara cut him off. "Does it even matter? Did you need
He frowned, frustrated.
never actually been a couple. All that intimacy had been just an
Finnian knew-there shouldn't be anything left between them He'd wanted to
a child anymore, suggested things had changed between
asked what he actually wanted
reason
looked puzzled. "Why would I
moved on from Finnian, and yes, the news had stung at first. But she'd already worked through those
her face carefully. She didn't look like she was lying. His frown deepened. "You really
answered without
her fists, her eyes darkening with a
weeks, and the set was a whirlwind of activity. Everyone's workload had doubled or even tripled, but
working overtime, revising scripts late into the night. This
called, barely glancing up. Keith strolled in like he owned the place, flopping onto the couch and pouring himself a glass of water
leisurely sip before saying, "Have you noticed? Lately, Finnian and
paused, then resumed typing, her eyes on the screen. "Weren't they
shaking his head. “It's just..... Finnian's gone the extra mile for Liliana these past few days. You
I take care of you?" Amara recalled, her chest tightening for a split
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
offhand. "If you want, after
was mid-sip
her keyboard,
the keys
down? How are you ever going to find a wife if you
to marry you,
and drawled, "Who says
being single, but if I
rolled her
talking nonsense-he was probably just worried about the stigma of being a
him on
she said, her voice light, "but there's really no need. I've got looks, I've got money, and honestly, raising my kid on my own
for her-Elysia with her warm, attentive gestures, Keith with his gruff but steadfast support. The difference, Amara figured, came down to
had completely blindsided her, she could still sense his good intentions and, in a way, found
still utterly clueless. He sighed, clearly giving up hope that she'd catch on to what he meant anytime
lightly against her forehead. "Alright, alright, have it your way. My offer still stands-if you ever change your mind, just let
your job already." Amara gave him a shove toward
working overtime that night. It was nearly ten, but there was still one more scene to shoot-an important one,
laptop and went outside to watch from behind the camera. Keith and Liliana were already in position, standing in front of the lens while Cedric, the director, walked them
apart, and Cedric moved behind the camera to adjust
was about to call "action," Keith suddenly raised his hand to
Cedric
we
fell
kiss with clever camera work was pretty standard, but usually it was the actress who requested it. Having the
to filming kiss scenes, and in the past, she'd always been the one to request the camera trick. This
something-otherwise it would only look worse. She curved her lips into a teasing smile. "What's up with
her mouth as she laughed. "You two really are close,
brow furrowed immediately, her expression turning
last thing she wanted was for people to get the
the awkwardness, a crew member-someone who'd been fawning over Liliana ever since her relationship with Finnian went public-stepped forward
over.
when he first started out. He didn't seem to care much about that sort of thing at the time.
let out a breath she hadn't realized
no intention of letting the matter drop. With a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, he shot back,
silence that followed
of chess, this was Keith upending the board in front of everyone. His
matter how composed she tried to appear, Liliana's hands balled into fists at her
played it safe-after all, today's golden child could be tomorrow's nobody, and
of dignity. Was he really trying
shot Keith a cool glance
instant. "Of course, Ama. Whatever you
spoke to Amara
little after
for someone but the place was deserted. He quickly masked
fleeting glance. Who
smile. "Finn, something happened on set today. We were supposed to
instead And
obvious-he
comment. Sensing she'd said enough, Liliana deftly steered the conversation elsewhere, though she was certain her
at the door and was just
expected to run into Finnian here. Instinctively, she glanced his way, then quickly
called out
in
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
over.
the door, checked with Lisa about his condition, and only felt at ease when she learned the family doctor had already been by and there was nothing serious. She was on her way
that incident a few days ago—after Liliana's attempted suicide, when Finnian had told Amara he'd be staying by Liliana's side from now on-Amara had felt like she and Finnian had nothing more to do with each other. She pretended not to see him and
name, and she stopped. "Is something wrong with Mr. Everly?" she
maids nearby. They quietly filed out of
over to Amara. "What's going on between you and Keith?" he
are
which his family strongly opposes. That fells you a lot about how controlling his
belongs to s
out of the blue. She and
Finnian insisted on reading more into it. What on earth was
birthday party, Dorian had hosted the whole group, and Finnian had insisted that
more time:
assumptions," Amara said, enunciating
I did want to be with Keith,
don't need to
low, almost heavy. "You really can't tell how
closer, herding Amara back until
he moved even an inch nearer, he'd have her completely
hall lay deserted, nothing but the
polished wood. Amara felt a strange, unspoken threat coil between
hand over her arm, the goosebumps prickling her skin. "He's just a friend, nothing more. I don't know why you keep insisting he has feelings for me, Mr. Everly. He really
her to meet his
incredulous. She twisted her face from his grip, shaking his hand off with a mocking little
my friends. I don't know why you keep misreading things between us, but I'd appreciate
she pushed past him, her anger
her go, his eyes fixed on her
Hogan, who'd been hiding in the kitchen, quietly slip out. He replayed
he loved her then, when she was still hiding her scars, it had to be the real deal.
Finnian's feelings were genuine, Hogan was certain of that. But now Finnian was with Liliana. Was
ch
was it about the baby
never had?
s
grew tangled and troubled as he remembered that the baby had never existed, yet Finnian was still in the dark. The urge to
morning, Hogan made his
Liliana with a steady gaze. "You told me you wanted to explain
polite and charming, but his blunt words
Hogan inwardly, she forced herself to
I know I promised to tell Finn the truth, but I just couldn't go through with
if Finplan ever finds out
lately-maybe you haven't had
show wraps up in about two weeks, right? I need you to tell Finnian the truth before filming ends. If you don't, I'll tell him myself. I have things to do, so I'll get
the surface, but the threat behind them was
the lounge, Liliana was alone. Fury shook her whole body; she smashed several glasses in quick
was no way she would tell Finnian the truth. She wanted nothing
chance for a second try. She clenched her jaw so hard
for no good reason. She'd always been a consummate professional, so this behavior was completely out of character. Even Cedric, the director, noticed and pulled her aside for
was falling apart: Hogan's threats haunted her. Whenever she thought about what he'd said, the anxiety
had started visiting her again. Their relationship had been strained after Emma's miscarriage, but gradually Emma
help Liliana recover, hoping she'd get better soon and maybe even try
into the Everly family, Finnian might end up bringing Amara home as his wife—a possibility Emma couldn't accept
instead of leaving the studio, she changed course and headed straight for Amara's
she greeted her
then fixed her gaze
single word. Her silence was a clear attempt to
said coolly, "If you don't
the room and opened the door, motioning for Emma to
anyone but
with you
haven't even said a
already kicking me
Read Clinging to Devoted Fiancé, Heiress Slays the World! Chapter 493
Novel Clinging to Devoted Fiancé, Heiress Slays the World! has been updated Chapter 493 with many climactic developments What makes this series so special is the names of the characters ^^. If you are a fan of the author If bunny, you will love reading it! I'm sure you won't be disappointed when you read. Let's read the novel Clinging to Devoted Fiancé, Heiress Slays the World! Chapter 493 now HERE.
Reading Novel Clinging to Devoted Fiancé, Heiress Slays the World! Chapter 493
Chapter 493 novel Clinging to Devoted Fiancé, Heiress Slays the World!