Under the Veil I Rule

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."

of destroying a powerful sect as casually as if he were talking about

of confidence was this? How strong did one have to

heard him before, they would have dismissed it as bluster,

him severely injured Martin

have any last words before you die?"

"Sebastian, please don't kill me. For the sake of the one night we shared as husband

die."

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

and made a terrible mistake in a moment of weakness. I truly know I was wrong now. Please give me

those skills. Let's set the fact that you harmed me

and even tried to humiliate

was Sean acting

with me," Heather quickly tried to distance

can vouch for her. When it all happened, Heather was at the Netherworld Sect.

die, but I don't believe he acted alone. If it wasn't her, then it must've been you."

intent.

belongs to s

fear, Martin quickly denied, "It wasn't me! I had nothing to

Sebastian scoffed. "Well, it's definitely either one of you. So, you

you trying to turn us against each other? How vicious!" Martin

agreed, thinking that forcing them to choose

than simply

would live

one minute

Heather's eyes were full of fear and

want to die, but he also couldn't

Let us go, and just name your price-

moment and said, "Alright. I'll give

you just rob a

were enough for someone to live comfortably for a lifetime. One

one million, that's fine. I can just kill your daughter,

I'll pay!" Martin gritted his teeth, feeling as if his heart

amount of gold, Sebastian

after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth 100

and left after receiving

he was merciful, but because he wanted to

Knott Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick to the Holton

ask you for

to be so formal. Just tell me what you

healed his wounds, which saved his life, but also helped him break

debt that Hendrick

grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to boot. Such a person was worth cultivating a

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

a professional artist,

in the picture your

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

It was hard not to

confident in herself, but after seeing the portrait, her confidence

the drawing

her own

circumstances and timing

to find her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news

at the chamber, waiting for updates. He also

people to

Brork to protect her in

witnessed Sebastian's terrifying power first

word of refusal. He was completely

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

just can't swallow

looked at Heather and asked, "Are you

"Mr. Camden is an outstanding man. Of

marriage today and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal with that little bastard!" Martin said

then stepped

had arrived in large numbers, bringing

head of the Stonebrook family and one of the top powerhouses of the

man of about 26 years old. Though his appearance was average, he

your arrival truly graces our humble Knott Estate," Martin said

"Mr. Knott, you're too kind. Please forgive

come in." Martin led the

daughter is as beautiful as a goddess, and today I see the reputation is

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

"Camden, it's impolite to keep staring at Ms.

quickly stood up, saying, "I'm sorry,

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

region's four major families. If Heather could become the young mistress of the Stonebrook family, it would be like

resources, her strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds, making it only a

secure a place among the four great ladies in the

Denzel smiled a

said, "My son

not

first sight for him.

lost his

his appetite and many.

I

Cóntent

was done speaking, he clapped his hands, and the servants

with gleaming gold coins. They were followed by a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs,

smaller, contained

thousand gold coins, a box of

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

even internal consumption was not enough, making them extremely scarce in the market. When

the body, improve physical constitution, extend life, and greatly

warriors, these pills significantly improved their constitution, accelerated their training speed, and even helped

said proudly, "Mr. Knott, are you satisfied

very satisfied. Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin

mean you agree

For him to be interested in my daughter is an

future title of daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family,

wedding date, setting it for a year later.

is formidable and

cause trouble for

named Sebastian Wilder. He's just

commoner.

doctors, none could

would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had no

you mind, we can call off the

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

Heather. I don't

for understanding," Heather forced out a

Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the Stonebrook family's

bringing it up herself, she hoped to handle

to marry him. But what I never expected was that the

he demanded that I sleep

and naturally refused him. He then tried to force himself on me, but luckily, I

furious, smashing the table in front of him. "Heather, don't worry. Anyone who dares

strong. Even my father couldn't defeat him,"

years old. How could he be

skills, their lifespans increase. There

like he's in his 20s, but his

brat's cultivation is at least at the early

age is

he just an

Camden's engagement spread quickly,

major families of the southern region, Camden would typically only marry into one of

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

Heather's family background wasn't on par

her talents were remarkable. The Netherworld Bell test showed her potential at five rings, placing her

genius with boundless potential and

her beauty and talent compensated for her comparatively modest

even jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the

secretly admired Heather, were equally disheartened, with their

Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else;

a million gold coins from Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast amount

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

to stockpile pills now to boost the cultivation

periodically to rest. One day, after finishing his pill refinement session, Hendrick came

getting engaged tomorrow at Knott Estate. They've sent

of them is

nodded. "Yes, you're

more than an attempt to use the Stonebrook family's influence to eliminate

asked, "Mr. Wilder, are

wouldn't I be

Martin and Heather both hate you to the core and their

is right. You mustn't go.

right

of petty clowns.

but the Stonebrook family has

Hendrick warned.

to .net

remained unmoved. "I appreciate your concern, but those people

They're not worth worrying

fine. If they

ie

the Stonebrook family is one of the four major families in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld

Wilder, please listen to us and

they're out for revenge, they'll cook up

to confront them

group approached the entrance of Knott Estate, a woman suddenly blocked

in a colorful gown, with a veil partially hiding her stunning beauty-it was Kaitlyn, the distinguished lady of the Netherworld

me?" Sebastian asked. "Are you

Sebastian nodded.

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

here just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with

to run into you and thought I'd give you

expect you to care so much about me. Could it be that you've fallen for

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and turned

says so, then it's surely true. Why don't

you're destined to become

made up. No

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

Knott Estate, the atmosphere was festive and filled with

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

was overjoyed. After all, by the end of today, she would be the future daughter-in-law of

and his face was beaming. To have Heather a woman both stunning and neredibly talented was something that would inspire envy in

a thorn in his side-Heather's body had already been seen and touched by Sebastian So the only way to remove that thorn

Sebastian.

been keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements, and his

at that moment, "Mr. Camden, Sebastian

enters. Make sure

is in place. He won't be able to

nodded in satisfaction. "By the way, has my father

likely won't make it today. But with the family's third elder and the seventh elder here, dealing with

again in

moment, Sebastian and his companions entered

he doing here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when he

warned Sebastian about the Stonebrook family's plan, yet he still showed up. Was he walking into his

gritting her teeth. "Sebastian, you bastard! You actually had the guts

lightly and said, "This place isn't exactly a dragon's lair. Why wouldn't I dare to

you've come today, don't expect

mocking smile. "Brat, today next year will be

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

party. I came here to congratulate you, so I'm your guest. Yet,

sneered. "I invited you here just to kill you. You're no

is such an idiot. He thinks that just because he came to congratulate

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

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 danger made her

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

want to live today,

Sebastian laughed and his smile

grew furious. "What are you laughing at, you

laughed and said, "Mr. Camden, I really don't get it. There are so many good women out there. Why on earth did you choose

dare you insult my woman? You've

This guy must be

have had a slim chance to live. But insulting Ms. Knott? Now he's probably wishing

Everyone nodded in agreement.

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

been practicing

cultivation technique, one that

energy to enhance

One day,

into her room, and tried

"Shut up!"

Sebastian while

just slandering Heather on purpose. You

responded, "Of course, I don't believe him. This guy has

do you have?" Camden

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

that I

her hand and said, "Don't worry. No matter what he says, I won't believe

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

angrily. "To slander my woman right in front of

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

all up! Even if an examination proves

quickly chimed in, "Camden, this guy has ulterior motives. Don't fall for

moment, and she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts

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

planned to verify everything as soon as the

releasing a powerful aura that felt as vast and overwhelming as the sea,

divine grandmaster? Just the aura alone is enough to make me

felt apprehensive. While they were also divine grandmasters, there were clear differences in

Septimus was a middle-stage divine grandmaster, significantly

no fear. He smirked mockingly and said, "Camden, I originally thought you had some sense in you, but you're a fool Youre allowing this malicious

you wish you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut

way, I left a few scratch marks on her chest because I got a bit

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

However, Heather's reaction

leaving everyone stunned.

tricked, Heather

swear I'll cut out your tongue and feed it to the

he was infuriated

one of the four major families of the

a middle-stage divine grandmaster.

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

But there was little they could do; they were

as lightning as his hand reached out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he would

resounding sound, Septimus'

pained scream and staggered back in

swift movement, Sebastian chased him down and grabbed Septimus by

"What?"

utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage divine

was

were the most shocked. Not long ago, Sebastian had

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

then erupted in fury. "I've really underestimated you. If you release Septimus now, I might

equally shocked and enraged, and she yelled, "Sebastian, he's from the Stonebrook family! If

Sebastian, his eyes

forward. "Mr. Camden, can you do me a favor? I'll have him release Septimus, and in return, you spare his

already noticed Kaitlyn from the start. Although her face was hidden, she had an undeniable allure that piqued his

distance, Camden found her even more enticing than he

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

eyes, and breaks both his

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

kind for offering this. This is my bottom line!" Camden declared

whispered, "Didn't I warn you?

death trap. Why

strength was so formidable, but you still

The Stonebrook family

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

replied, "Ms.

the

hard

five miserably than to

Kaitlyn wanted to say something, but in the

both eyes and hands was a fate worse than death. Rather than living worse than a dog, it was better to fight to the

at least Sebastian could

"Septimus!"

the Stonebrook family erupted

he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder, how dare

be satisfied

his cultivation for

Trey didn't need Camden's order. He was already walking toward Sebastian, his aura

intensified. Every footfall left a deep imprint on

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

said that Trey

struck so quickly before; this is definitely going

Everyone nodded in agreement.

the sword!" Camden shouted, tossing a

drew it from its sheath. A sharp,

air, unleashing a wave of

everyone feeling as though they

be the Godslayer Blade of the Stonebrook

the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal. As long as one wields the Godslayer Blade, their combat

was stunned. They hadn't expected Camden

now. With the added power of the Godslayer Blade, not even late-stage divine grandmasters could stand against Trey Defeating Sebastian

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

Sebastian,

closed her eyes, unable

resented the man who had taken her virginity, but after calming down

preferring it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and handsome, and he had acted to

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

that Sebastian's strength far

to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook family. Not even her entire Netherworld Sect would

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

within a few miles surged violently, creating an oppressive atmosphere that weighed down on

cultivation slumped

aimed to capture Sebastian alive, so

was about to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching out to

death!" Trey sneered, his expression filled with cruelty. To try and stop the Godslayer Blade technique with one's

However, instead of the expected sight of blood and mangled flesh, the sword stopped dead in its tracks as it was

"How is this possible?"

shock and disbelief. Everyone present was equally stunned as they were unable to believe what

his bare hand! This is insane!" "What level is this guy?

Blade out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength, but it didn't budge an

slight exertion of his spiritual energy, Trey instantly let go of the s go of the sword

was

examined the Godslayer Blade while nodding in satisfaction. "This sword is not

anger and panic, clenching his fists and

trembled as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually

kill or be killed. If you think you can kill

I'm the heir to the Stonebrook family. Do you dare to kill

can imagine. They are filled with masters of unparalleled skill. My future father-in-law is one of the top experts in

really are made

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

to shout

plan to kill

to kill me, our family will never let you go. Not just you, but everyone you care about will

others, but not me. You're nothing more than clowns. If you send one person to me, I'll kill that person. If you send

the end, his

stunned into silence. No one could believe how brazen Sebastian was, declaring his

everyone would have looked down on him and thought that he was lying. However, after witnessing Sebastian's

furious. He remarked, "You truly are full of yourself! Our family has stood strong for

come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then, we might let you live. Otherwise, I guarantee

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

dare!"

him. He gathered all the experts from the Stonebrook

Sebastian looked at him with disdain. He took a step forward, releasing an overwhelming

everyone present.

the grandmasters struggled to remain standing, their legs

him!"

had no choice but to obey Camden. Gritting

fray. Instead, he used the

wave of his hand, a tremendous energy burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed out blood as they were sent flying. Before they even hit the ground, they

was very shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had been wiped out in a single move To

The sheer ease

was terrifying.

collapsed to the ground, and her face

rushed toward Heather. He

the air, attempting to

nervous clerk and decided to let the

his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of judgment

so hard the tight bun at

did Elodie finally breathe. Relief spread through her limbs like warm water, leaving her almost

else's whim. Grateful, she offered

stepped between danger and the child,

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

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

I should be the one thanking

hand into the miniature pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte card. Holding it up, he added,

clap of thunder. Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and the boutique fell

knew each ensemble Ivy had chosen started at well over ten thousand, yet this child intended to buy the

around the card, uncertainty flickering across her eyes as she sought Nathaniel's

required his

understand why Jonathan wanted an entire rack of adult clothing,

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

garments from velvet

the other employees watched, envy shining

this large could cover the down payment on a

more.

was buying, no one

guided

packed but it really is a

over eight million." s

Ivy would never have taken a

necessary," Jonathan said, firm as bedrock.

When he offered no objection,

in disbelief. The wealthy, it seemed, spent money

set. Thank you for choosing us." Ivy presented the card with both hands, as

Ivy, I

set the

Ivy. With a flourish worthy of a stage magician, he indicated a slate-gray wool blazer on the mannequin. "Consider this my gift, he said, oice

to whatever gentleman keeps you

shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too

apairof

silence until now, spoke in his low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today.

paying the bill, Jonathan had delivered a

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

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

wanted me to pop in and pick out

and Mom's best friend would never check up on this, so the story is

unreadable. "Your Ms.

buy clothes

darkened like a

around Nathaniel's larger finger, and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually asked me to purchase a suit

the first fib, it was only because Vivian's eccentricity

Nathaniel, Jonathan appeared more like an adult compared

She would never delegate adult shopping to a

sharpened. "You've figured something out, haven't

blinked,

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

fast, and the realization

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

rolled his shoulders back and forced a civil smile. "Why would I be?" he countered, voice

She skipped you completely. That proves she doesn't value you," Jon announced, brutally direct in the way only

opened, then snapped shut.Am I showing it that

where

across your face, Dad.” Jon shrugged

a weight on his chest. If even a child could read him, how had Cecilia never noticed? She really doesn't care,

the restroom door stayed shut

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

corridor, she almost collided with Jonathan

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

been? And

intent on inspecting the loot, but

he said smoothly. "Holiday tokens,

excuse had been painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was

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

bewildered. When

cleared his throat and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding

to carrying the constipation story on

been skimping on water

what was happening, concern flooded her eyes. She slipped an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a full- bodied embrace that smelled of warm vanilla

all right? You're far too little to struggle

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

his cheeks until his whole face burned as brightly as

had merely confessed the problem, never imagining the confession would

since Cecilia had hugged

be fine if I drink more water. It isn't that bad,

the model child, obedient, courteous, eager to spare

unwilling to yield. "That won't do. Maybe we should

it with earnest gravity, the way surgeons announce a

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

need them,” he whispered, the words nearly swallowed by the flush covering

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

tapped at lightning speed, and

the gate like a summoned genie, parcel in hand. Cecilia placed the small box into Jonathan's

If you're not sure how to use them,

me? Jonathan stared at the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair

way on earth would he let Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He shook his head so hard his hair whipped across

I can manage on

She ruffled his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made the

couldn't help pitying him. So young, already forced to endure the stubborn ache of constipation.

she said, voice low and gentle, as

"Okay."

the box like contraband and bolted down the hallway

plate of sliced fruit. He watched his brother's retreating and, though he

really constipated? He sure doesn't look it," Elliot

warning stare. "Don't tease your brother. He's having

surprise inside. "Jon is really kind

Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on," she said, "let's

have to take tons

layers. One by one, she handed them to

the little photoshoot ended, she pinged

and Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in place,

to take root, she sent them daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the boys chasing sunlight across the rug, photos of uneaten cookies, and funny anecdotes

often to check

little, life seemed to find its rhythm

to come back for a visit?" Bethany

Cecilia now belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were

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

Your grandpa and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany replied, her delight practically

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

outfit change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed onto their beds,

fell into a rare hush, holding only Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags

drooping, intent on stealing five minutes of calm

"Ceci."

jerked in surprise. "What

doing today?"

you mean?"

Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing," he

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

her earlier cheer. "What's the matter? Who

the scent of cedar from his

could speak

arms swept

possessive motion,

chest, as though staking

really have

gravel, every syllable vibrating through the scant inches

face. Her blush deepened as she tried to

If Elliot

atop her hair as if the conversation were

holding each other? They're not babies anymore. They

babies? They're only six-maybe

Nathaniel replied, the words

genuine amazement slipping past her irritation. "You left

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

Besides, Elliot's just regained his health,

།

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

of his finger brushing her burning cheek. “You're being terribly

"Hmm?"

He paused, drawing a steadying breath. "Remember, it's you and me for the rest of our lives. Sometimes I feel like I'm

Her proud, composed husband was jealous of his own

before she could suppress it. "Of course, the kids outrank

darkened, a storm gathering

arms and bolted down the hallway, bare feet whispering across

it, then sprang up and covered the distance in long,

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

pushing harder on the door. "There are plenty of spare rooms in this house. Pick any

gentle shove, he slipped inside,

clicked, the deadbolt turned,

hissed against the windows, but inside, heat pooled

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

less than an inch away. She could count the fine stubble dusting his

curiosity made her trace a finger over that faint

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

open, hazy with

he murmured, drawing her even

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

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

friends a full day of window-shopping

and mumbled, "Give

realize how clingy he could be, warmth and

this attached? I never noticed

at his mouth. "I was younger. Didn't

his hair, dark strands springing up

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

hit the mall with your

her head.

buying?” he asked, still

clothes for Mom, and

carried a note of suspicion wrapped in

"Nope."

interestin which dress of coat she bought yet this morning he

darkened by the heartbeat. He gently pried her fingers

when I leave too quickly. With that familiar assumption, she let the moment

staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep had

quiet hallways, and stepped onto

1.

Jon and

brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with rage. "If you had even a sliver of

could think the Wolfsbane family

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

then burned red. He spun toward the

and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband,

people, it was Alex-the outcast, the family fool-who stood up for

liked the girl. But seeing Sofina step forward with quiet resolve, something in the

this one had

of you! From this moment on, Sofina will

The room fell silent.

worry, Grandma," she said. "I'll do my

Beatrix a smug grin that

on, Sofina -try all you want. When you

She's fighting to lift this family up, while

"You're the half-slave here, Alex -the real embarrassment of this family! You think Sofina's some kind of miracle worker? That she's going to

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

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 a brain? That

I meant! I just think it's impossible for Sofina to make that

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

flashed. "Me? Envious?" she snapped. "You're a fool if you think any of this will

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

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

the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off, that place is

if Sofina fails, I want both of you

a half-smile. "Then let's see who

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

turned his gaze on her, raising a

lifted. "I won't lose. But

calling me a half-slave, how about this—if you lose,

laughing. "Ha! You're really digging

you

I win, you'll accept our marriage- no more insults, no

you can win this? I've already recorded the bet and sent the document

said. "I like it when everyone

She couldn't care less about their

Wolfsbane family could

three days to negotiate and close the deal. That's

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

smirked. "Trust? No.

a look. "That's supposed to

to someone who

bet on your victory. Isn't that

really think this bet

course," Alex said. "It'll show who's got guts and

arms. "And what if you

"Then I'll finally fit right

clutching a thick file of proposals she'd spent the entire night refining. Her eyes were tired, but her mind was sharp. Today would decide

Nikolaus-a machine so rare in Winchester

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

casually resting on the wheel. "Maybe it's too fancy for a gardener

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

can."

"You really

smiled without looking away from the road. "More than okay. It's a sign, Sofina. We're on our way up. And when this is over,

anxious, half amused. "I wish I had

me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you'll land among

Eden Group's towering headquarters, its glass walls gleaming in the morning

whispered as the car

said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener of the Eden Group.

QUMS

couldn't help but laugh. For a moment, her nerves eased. She wished she could carry that same unshakable

felt something empty out inside

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

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

in

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

quiet conversations, their voices low but tense, each

The sight said

all every one

of them was hono

a

earth are you doing here?"

turned and found Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim, both

Katarina's lips tightened the way

sentence.

his head like a man forced to swallow bile. "I'm sorry, Katarina. I tried. I truly did. I don't understand how she keeps turning up. I'll make her leave." He pushed forward and grabbed Sofina's wrist in a rough. "You're here to attract attention," he hissed. "I told you I won't give you any. Leave this place." "Heinrich,” she said calmly. "I'm not here for you. I'm here

are you trying to fool?

gardener uniform when a security drone glided into the room, humming softly

shoved by a guest-he forced her out into the entrance area. Do you want us

the

around Sofina's arm, dragging

straightened his collar, pulled on his gloves,

a

said quietly, helping her pick them

matter what I say, he just slips back into his arrogant little

hurt you?" Alex asked, gently lifting

nothing serious,"

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

smiled faintly. "Maybe. But I like the feel of paper.

his chest. "The same way

"You really are

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

as they walked back through the

voice cracked the

hell are you doing here? I told you to stay away from me. I don't

The color

it-the invisible chain that still tied her to

Her body tensed, eyes flickering, as

placing himself between Sofina

said. "You're a guest. You have no authority to

"A gardener telling me how to behave? I'm a guest here-l expect to be treated like a king. Where's your manager? I want to speak with

Alex let out a low, sharp laugh. "Keep dreaming. You're not a king- you're just another arrogant fool. A pathetic worm in a

face went hard." The chairman of Eden Group personally sent me an invitation—said I should run this place. You're a gardener. When I'm

He brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes found a

"Mr. Schiller. What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We'd be delighted

yes. But somebody in your place

falter; his tone tightened with professional courtesy. "Sir, no one here would deliberately offend you.

man. Your gardener. He insulted me and tried to throw

uniform. His brow furrowed. "I've never

smiled faintly. "Eden Group has over a thousand workers in this two-hundred-floor building. You don't know all of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here. And if I wasnt officially registered, the security androids wouldn't

closer. "You seem to forget

you anytime I want. Now,

and beg

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

you have any idea who Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of the brightest minds in Winchester-soon to

he's not joining?" Alex asked

doesn't, he deserves your respect. You're nothing compared to him! Now kneel before I make

Alex said calmly, shaking his

if you don't!" Dietrich

Just kneel and bow three times,

"How about this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows, then maybe

to gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter

"A gardener trying to stand up to Heinrich? The man really doesn't know who he's

got a name.

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

walking mistake of Winchester? No wonder

smirked and

been desperate for my

who doesn't know his

instead? Three bows, and I might forgive

tightened around Alex's arm,

tone darkened. "If you don't, I'll make sure everyone in Winchester hears about this. You have offended

I'll have the whole

Wolfsbane name you'll be nothing outcasts. And you know I can make that

s

grabbed him tighter and shook her

soft but steady.

face. She met his eyes. "Trust

Sofina stepped forward alone.Chapter

as a boil. "You hit me,

curse.

in God's name do you think you're doing, bitch!" Dietrich

Eden Group! Security robot - fetch her,

upright, supporting him with a

She won't be

Heinrich said, every syllable a command. "Give

"You'd better cancel that order,"

one who'll get

jabbed his communication bracelet. "Security —

head. "I

crowd began

dare she hit Heinrich,"

know Heinrich's

her!" another

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

flagged a threat to her, an

expected-Eve, the household robot Sofina had

a home machine. Alex had wired her into his network bridge

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

network. "Override the previous command. Secure Dietrich and give him twenty

security robot optical sensors swung toward

taser and slammed it into Dietrich's chest. The shock hit him like a

an

Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop! Not

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

way. Eden Group tech is already the most advanced," someone muttered, half in awe,

of confusion moved

robot didn't stop until Dietrich

hauled him to his feet and kicked him out, shoving him past the main

frozen, her mind struggling to catch up with the

blood away with the back of his wrist, his

hissed, voice low and venomous.

her, his hand swinging through the

time. Heinrich had

it, not because she was weak, but

seized his arm. "Find someone your own size," he said, low

slave — let go of

temper under a hard lid. The government cameras watched

his grip until Heinrich screamed like an

hand that felt

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

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

-

their offer - a bid to replace the Krugers, who'd been

Eden's favor, to become the

were desperater

she'd promised Eden that Heinrich would cooperate if the

into the main hall, the polished calm of her diplomacy shattered. What she saw made her

holding Heinrich down, and Heinrich

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

you're doing to my Heinrich? Let him go this instant. How dare you strike

"Calling the police won't help you," he said coolly.

that true?" Katarina

She hit my nose."

steady. "So what? You're not a noble. You're a coward wearing someone else's name. Sue

nobles still carried real

the punishment could be

often than

protected rank, not

a commoner, most people just accepted it. That was

the Prussia — power

turned her sharp eyes

why you married Sofina — to make me jealous, to get my attention. Well, you've

I won't divorce her. Go ahead

don't have to be

for you and for your Sant Claire family. When im done with

disbelief hardening his face. "Do you really think the

That everyone just spins

marry you. How dare you disobey me! I command you divorce that woman and come back to me. You've

muttered. His patience with her was long gone. Just the sound of her voice

"Kneel! Now!" Katarina's voice cracked with fury and desperation. She had lost him once,

something she wouldn't admit — she

him.

though she despised him now, the memories still haunted her - the nights Alex cooked for her, the way he shielded

everything was cold

been dreading this moment. He didn't want to face Katarina—not here, not

he could take another step, her hand shot out and clamped around his

staring at him, fierce and cold, while his other arm still held

you to stop, Alex," Katarina said,

lose my temper." She stepped closer. "Remember when I made you kneel in the rain for three days and nights? You think I won't

and hard as steel. "You're not my wife anymore. I don't owe you a damn thing. I

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

something else trembled — a flash of tears she

command you

this bitch!"

eyes were

Sofina caught it

don't touch him

obedience. She had been treated like royalty, and she'd

the

Rosenheim title was

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

so-called empire was built on treachery, that beneath their silks and titles

voice shaking with fury. "She's spitting on my family name! Slap her-make her remember

some Rosenheim retainers shuffled forward, eager to prove their loyalty. They moved to

a silver Eden security robot glided between them, its

is permitted on Eden Group property," it announced firmly. "Cease all hostile

would-be attackers jerked, their muscles seized, and

unit repeated. "Please remain calm and await

unmoored robbed, for the moment, of the power

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.