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."

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."

mention our one night together? You drugged me, used wicked means to steal my

I was wrong now. Please give me a chance to change. I'll devote

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

had her beaten severely, and even tried to humiliate my wife. Such malice-how could I ever forgive

doing! It was

lust. It had nothing to do with me," Heather quickly

her. When it all happened, Heather was at the

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

intent.

belongs to s

"It wasn't

one of you. So,

to turn us against each other?

forcing them to choose would be

than simply

the survivor would live with the guilt

talk. I'm giving you one minute to decide.

Heather's eyes were full of fear and

at a loss for words. He didn't want to die, but he also couldn't bear

go, and

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

just rob a bank?" Martin nearly jumped up

comfortably for a lifetime. One million gold coins was a huge sum even

unwilling to pay one million, that's fine. I can just kill your daughter, and you won't have to pay for

Martin gritted his teeth, feeling

gold,

Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth

word and left

kill Martin and Heather-not because he was merciful, but because he wanted

Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick to the Holton

I'd like to ask you for a favor,"

"Mr. Wilder, there's no need to be so formal.

not only healed his wounds, which saved his life, but also helped him break through

was a debt that Hendrick considered a second

second grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to boot.

find someone." Sebastian requested paper and a

Sebastian wasn't a professional artist, his

the woman in the picture your

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

eyes. It was hard not to

but after seeing the portrait, her confidence

in the

her own

explained the circumstances and timing

find her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news soon," Hendrick assured him with

stayed at the chamber, waiting for

some people

he assigned Brork to protect her in

Sebastian's terrifying power first hand,

refusal. He was completely subdued, with no

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

I just can't swallow

and asked, "Are

hesitation, "Mr. Camden is an

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

father and daughter then stepped out to greet

Stonebrook family had arrived in large numbers, bringing an

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

his appearance was average, he had an impressive presence; this was Camden Stonebrook, the

Camden, your arrival truly graces our

"Mr. Knott, you're

Please, come in." Martin led the father and son

that your daughter is as beautiful

the compliment, Mr. Stonebrook." Heather appeared slightly shy. But the more reserved she acted, the more captivated Camden became; his eyes

it's impolite to keep staring at Ms. Knott.

and quickly stood up, saying,

was not angry at

southern region's four major families. If Heather could become the young mistress of the

would surely advance by leaps and bounds, making it only a matter

among the four great

Denzel smiled a

"My son

not long ago, and

love at first sight for him.

lost his

his appetite and many.

I became anxious, soove

Cóntent

his hands, and the servants immediately opened

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

pill box, though smaller, contained

880 thousand gold coins, a box of top-grade gemstones, a

all out. The gold

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

could cleanse the body, improve physical constitution, extend

accelerated their training speed, and even

Knott, are you satisfied

very satisfied. Extremely satisfied, actually,"

you agree

"Of course. Mr. Camden is a remarkable man. For him to be interested in my

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

on the wedding date, setting it for a year later. Martin then mentioned Sebastian to

recently provoked someone whose strength is formidable and who is

could cause trouble for you. Who might this person

a scoundrel named

commoner.

disease once. Despite consulting many renowned doctors, none

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

you mind, we can call

of cold light crossed Camden's eyes. "I heard about this incident too, but

Heather. I don't mind. It wasn't your

you for understanding," Heather forced out a couple

was part of her clever strategy; many people already knew about Sebastian seeing

up herself, she hoped to

"To protect my reputation, I agreed to marry him. But what I never expected

soon as we got engaged, he demanded that I sleep with

He then tried to

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

strong. Even my father

should be under 30 years old.

increase. There are also herbs and pills

in his 20s, but his real age could

at least at the early pinnacle stage of diving grandmaster, strongerthan the

age is

an early-stage divine grandmaster?

of Heather and Camden's

of the southern region, Camden

Estate,

background wasn't on par

five rings, placing her on

with boundless

compensated for her

news of their engagement, many women felt envious and even jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the Stonebrook family's

secretly admired Heather, were equally disheartened, with their

the news, but he paid it no mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he wouldn't want her even if she was offered without

from Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast

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

to boost the cultivation of those around him once

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

Heather and Camden are getting engaged tomorrow at Knott Estate. They've sent

them is for me, I assume?"

"Yes,

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

asked, "Mr. Wilder, are you planning to

an invitation, so if I don't go, wouldn't I be letting them down?" Sebastian

it's best if you don't go. Martin and Heather both hate you to the core and their invitation is definitely not sincere

agreement. "My father is

right into

bunch of petty clowns. There's

you shouldn't be so careless. know you're strong, but the Stonebrook family has many powerful figures. If you go you're bound to be

Hendrick warned.

to .net

unmoved. "I appreciate your concern, but those

just clowns. They're not worth

alone, fine. If they dare

ie

in the southern

"Mr. Wilder, please listen to us and

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

confront them sooner rather than

and his group approached the entrance of Knott Estate,

was dressed in a colorful gown, with a veil partially hiding her stunning beauty-it

Gardner, is there something you need from me?" Sebastian asked.

Sebastian nodded.

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

to tell me

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

much about me. Could it be that you've

scoffed and

Wilder, if Ms. Gardner says so, then it's surely true.

you're alive. With your talent, you're destined to become a peerless force in the future. Just

mind is made up. No

sighed and shook their heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his

the atmosphere was festive and

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

end of today, she would be the future daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family-who would dare to

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

his side-Heather's body had already been seen and touched by Sebastian So

Sebastian.

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

report just at that moment,

down all the exits once he enters. Make sure he doesn't escape," Camden ordered with a vicious

won't be able to get

"By the way,

into some issues and likely won't make it today. But with the family's third elder and the

nodded again in

and his companions entered Knott

doing here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when he spotted

also taken aback. She had already warned Sebastian about the Stonebrook family's plan, yet he still showed up.

the guts to come. I can't decide if I should praise your bravery

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

snorted coldly. "Stop playing dumb. Since you've come today, don't expect to leave

smile. "Brat, today next year will be

right after. "Don't say I didn't give you a chance. If you kneel down, admit your mistakes, gouge out your own eyes, and break

I came here to congratulate you, so I'm your

your mind?" Camden sneered. "I invited you here just to kill

because he came to congratulate the couple, Mr.

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

crowd was quick 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,

"Today is your engagement party. Killing someone might bring bad luck, don't

don't care about such things. If you want to live today, the only way is to do as

laughed and his

"What are you

so many good women

my woman? You've got some nerve!" Camden

it. This guy must

to live. But insulting Ms. Knott? Now he's

Everyone nodded in agreement.

elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to strike Sebastian down at

Hear me out. I was simply speaking

practicing

cultivation technique, one that

male energy to enhance

day, shevited me

Estate, lured me into her room,

"Shut up!"

quickly interrupted Sebastian while snapping, "Stop spouting

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

him. This guy has

do you

energy through a sinister technique and tried to seduce me, but I

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

No

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,

woman right in front of me... you've got some

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

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

"Camden, this guy has ulterior motives.

stared at Heather for a long moment, and she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his mind

stop standing around and cripple him!" Camden ordered coldly. Whether Sebastian was telling the truth or not,

verify everything as soon as the engagement banquet

releasing a powerful aura that felt as vast and overwhelming as the sea, making it hard for everyone

this is the power of a divine grandmaster? Just the aura alone is enough to make me almost suffocate. This is

Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they were also divine grandmasters,

was a middle-stage

originally thought you had some sense in you,

or I'll make sure you wish you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking. Heather is nothing more than a worn-out shoe

and by the way, I left a few scratch marks on

her chest with her hand. In truth, Sebastian was just

However, Heather's reaction

leaving everyone stunned. Upon realizing

Heather

I swear I'll cut out

a fool, and he was infuriated

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

a middle-stage divine grandmaster. His

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

even Kaitlyn's eyes flashed with worry. But there was little they could do; they were powerless to

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

sound, Septimus' arm shattered

pained scream

Sebastian chased him down and

"What?"

stage divine grandmaster

was

long ago, Sebastian had participated in the

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

was initially stunned, then erupted in fury. "I've really underestimated you. If you release Septimus now, I might leave your

family! If you dare to kill him, you

approached Sebastian, his eyes filled with murderous

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

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

he had imagined. He

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

breaks

out his eyes and breaking

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

I warn you? Why did

death trap. Why shouldn't

frustrated, Kaitlyn said, "I didn't realize your strength was so formidable,

The Stonebrook

and breaking your hands is the best outcome

lightly and replied, "Ms. Gardner, I appreciate your kindness,

the

know it's hard to accept,

miserably than to die. IfChapter

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

hands was a fate worse than death. Rather than living worse than a dog, it was

were slim, at least Sebastian could die fighting

"Septimus!"

members of the Stonebrook

with rage as he shouted,

satisfied until I torture you for

his cultivation for

He was already walking toward Sebastian, his aura growing increasingly

each step forward, his presence intensified. Every footfall left a deep imprint on the hard diamond-stone

must be truly

at the middle pinnacle stage of divine grandmaster, but it's said that Trey has the ability to

He struck so quickly

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Camden shouted, tossing

immediately drew it from its sheath.

air, unleashing a wave of terrifying killing

the surrounding temperature seemed to plummet, leaving everyone feeling as though they had fallen into an icy abyss. Their hearts were quickly filled with

be the Godslayer Blade of

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

They hadn't expected Camden

added power of the Godslayer Blade, not even late-stage divine

agreement. The Godslayer Blade was a renowned magical artifact, said to be a top-tier weapon that could slice through iron like it

was Sebastian,

closed her eyes, unable to bear watching

she deeply resented the man who had taken her virginity, but after calming down and reflecting, her hatred had

be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and handsome, and he

Sebastian a bit more, she even started to develop some feelings for him. This was why she would

had come to realize that Sebastian's strength far surpassed hers, and he didn't

completely powerless. The ones trying to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook family. Not even her entire Netherworld Sect would dare provoke

swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous power.

instant, the energy within a few miles surged violently,

slumped to

to capture Sebastian alive, so his sword's

Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching out to grab the Godslayer

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

made contact with Sebastian's palm. However, instead of the expected sight of

"How is this possible?"

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

god! He caught the Godslayer Blade with his bare hand! This

out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all

over," Sebastian said calmly. With a slight exertion of his

he was jolted

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

back!" Trey shouted in a mix of anger and

"You actually dared to kill two of our family's elders! Do you have a death

kill or be killed. If you think you can kill me, I can also kill you.

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

quickly said, "Sebastian, don't get too cocky! The Stonebrook family's power is beyond anything you can imagine. They are filled with masters of unparalleled skill.

two really are made for

idiot! Your whole family is!" Heather shouted angrily at

"You're about to die, yet you still dare to shout at me. If that's not foolishness,

to kill us?" Heather

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

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

he spoke. By the end, his voice

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

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

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

to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps

chuckled coldly. "Whether or not I end up in a

dare!" Camden

afraid of him. He gathered all the experts from the Stonebrook family around him as they were ready to flee

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

everyone present. Those below grandmaster level collapsed to

to remain standing, their legs quivering with

him!" Camden commanded

were filled with terror, they had no choice

the fray. Instead, he used the chaos

a tremendous energy burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters coughed

very shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had been

cake. The

was terrifying.

the ground, and her face became pale

rushed toward Heather. He grabbed her by

air, attempting

took in the way little Jonathan stepped forward to shield the nervous clerk and decided

like this will ever happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice

hard the tight bun at the

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

ago, her fate had dangled on someone else's whim. Grateful, she offered a quick, thankful glance

and the child, the

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

almost grown-up,

thanking you," he replied,

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

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

ensemble Ivy had chosen started at well over ten thousand,

hovered around the card, uncertainty flickering across her eyes

scale required his guardian's word. Nathaniel gave a single, calm

wanted an entire rack of adult clothing, yet he

flared in Ivy's expression. "Of course,"

hurried off, sweeping the garments from velvet hangers into

employees watched, envy shining through their fixed

commission this large could cover the down payment

more.

understanding precisely why Jonathan was

guided Nathaniel

az whisper “Everything's packed but it really is a mountain of clothes. Should we put one or two pieces back?

over eight million." s

her, Ivy would never have taken a job at a

firm as bedrock. "I'm buying

objection, she finally

chimed, she stared at the numbers in disbelief. The wealthy, it seemed, spent money

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

matching courtesy. "Ms. Ivy, I

finally set the

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

it on to

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

apairof

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

had delivered a lightning-fast

with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and

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

Kennedy wanted me to pop in and pick out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary.

the privacy of his own mind. Dad hardly knows Ms. Kennedy, and

nodded once, expression unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy certainly

to buy clothes for Zachary, but Ceci never thinks

darkened like a sky before

reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually asked me to

first fib, it was only because Vivian's eccentricity made anything

like an

delegate adult

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

Jonathan blinked,

comes to social-grade lying,

fast, and the realization sent a tremor of startled

asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could study every

rolled his shoulders back and forced a civil smile. "Why

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

opened, then snapped shut.Am I showing

“And exactly where did you pick

Dad.” Jon shrugged as if stating simple

even a child could read him,

door stayed shut far too

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

she almost collided with Jonathan

trailing behind them, arms loaded with shopping bags

two been? And what on

inspecting the

he said smoothly. "Holiday tokens, nothing

earlier excuse had been painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching the hole

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

bewildered. When have I

shot Jonathan a pointed

himself to carrying the constipation

been skimping

Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a full- bodied embrace

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

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

felt heat rush to his cheeks until his whole face burned as brightly as

problem, never imagining the confession would buy

since Cecilia

fine if I drink more

the model child, obedient, courteous, eager to spare

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

earnest gravity, the way surgeons announce a

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

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

pity for the boy and a glimmer of amused apology

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

time they reached home, a courier stood at the gate like a summoned genie, parcel in hand. Cecilia placed the small

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

Jonathan stared at the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair

this particular battlefield. He

I can manage on my

can. You can handle anything." She ruffled his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made the boy's ears

already forced to endure the stubborn ache of constipation.

to the bathroom with you," she said, voice low and gentle, as though sending him

"Okay."

and bolted down

He watched his brother's retreating and, though he didn't

sure doesn't look it," Elliot muttered around

beside him, fixed him with a mild but warning stare.

the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really kind of pitiful," he breathed, each syllable drifting like a

an exaggerated burst of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on," she said, "let's try the outfits

have to take

One by one, she handed them to the excited

photoshoot ended,

Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in place, but Cecilia saw the sorrow hovering behind

daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the boys

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

by little, life seemed

able to come back for a visit?" Bethany asked,

now belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were pulled toward her husband's side of

have decided. We'll come right after the New Year to visit you

as you can. Your grandpa and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany replied,

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

change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed onto

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

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

"Ceci."

surprise. "What is

all we're doing today?" His question

don't follow. What do you mean?" Confusion

clouded Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing," he

plainly on his face. Cecilia finally read the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming, evident from the faint tension at his

his, worry eclipsing her earlier cheer.

of cedar

she could

long arms swept out

possessive

though

have to

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

flared across Cecilia's face. Her blush

let me go! If Elliot or Jonathan walks

her hair as if the

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

eyes, she muttered, "Not babies? They're

was seven when I moved overseas on my own," Nathaniel replied, the words low, laced with a faint, almost

amazement slipping past her irritation. "You left the country that

then an idea lit behind his eyes. "Ceci, we shouldn't coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend time abroad to build some resilience. It'll

little, Nathaniel. Besides, Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan still

།

assign a full team to watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him stay with Old Mr.

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

"Hmm?"

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

composed husband was jealous of his

kids outrank you. I risked my life to bring them

a storm

down the hallway, bare

for it, then sprang up

hand against the panel, his voice low and teasing. "Why lock

on the door. "There are plenty of

strength. With a gentle shove, he slipped inside, scooped her

latch clicked, the deadbolt turned, and

hissed against the windows, but inside, heat pooled between their

glare slicing through

Nathaniel's face less than an

faint roughness, then lower to the soft curve

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

eyes fluttered open, hazy with

even closer until her breath

breathe.” Her voice came out

closed his eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer." "It's already

a full day

mumbled, "Give

be, warmth and weight wrapped around

this attached? I

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

laughed and ruffled his hair, dark strands springing

have a busy day ahead," she said,

her hand again. "Ceci, after you hit the mall with

her head. "That's

he asked, still

for Mom, and something nice for Grandpa and

a note of

"Nope."

of coat she bought yet this morning he fussed over every hanger she touched, as if color and cut were matters

her fingers loose, voice low and

just hates it when I leave too quickly. With that

until the silence felt

padded through quiet hallways, and

1.

and

Conrad shouted, his voice cracking

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

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

pale, then burned red. He spun toward the Baroness.

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 Annabella, her so-called pride, had done nothing

of all people, it was Alex-the

But seeing Sofina step forward with quiet resolve, something in the old woman's heart

this one had

she thundered. "You're cowards! Every last one of you! From this moment on, Sofina will handle the Eden

The room fell silent.

she said. "I'll do

arms, flashing Beatrix a smug

her nose, lips curling into a sneer. "Go on, Sofina -try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll

a thousand of you. She's fighting to lift this family up, while you bury it in arrogance and shame. You're nothing but

turned crimson. "You're the half-slave here, Alex -the real embarrassment of this family! You think Sofina's some kind of

"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

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

I just think it's impossible for Sofina to make that deal, that's

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

she snapped. "You're a fool if you think

that filled the room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if she

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

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

through clenched teeth. "But if Sofina fails, I

leaning back with a half-smile. "Then let's

suddenly chimed in, "Count me in too!

raising a brow. "Alright. But what

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

me a half-slave, how about this—if you lose, you kneel ten times and admit

really digging

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

said calmly. "But if I win, you'll accept our marriage-

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

he said. "I like it when

them. She couldn't care

family could actually secure that collaboration with the Eden

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

the window. "You really think Grandma trusts me with the Eden

"Trust? No. Desperation?

a look. "That's supposed to make me feel

want comfort, talk to someone

I bet

brow. "You really think this bet will prove

Alex said. "It'll show who's got

her arms. "And what

"Then I'll finally fit right in

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

drove the sleek black luxury car they'd won from Nikolaus-a machine so

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

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

Your grandmother and mother

can."

him. "You really think

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, maybe we'll have a new

shook her head, half anxious, 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

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

Sofina whispered as the car touched

doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener of the Eden Group. That

QUMS

couldn't help but laugh. For a moment, her nerves eased. She wished she

something empty out inside

rose into the sky like a polished god. The idea that the Wolfsbane family—old, fractured,

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

accepted the challenge in front of the whole

like a courtroom-every seat occupied by nobles from Winchester: barons,

in quiet conversations, their voices low but tense, each waiting for their turn

The sight said

all every one

of them was hono

same thing: a coffaboration with power.

earth are you doing

turned and found Heinrich standing with

hawks. Katarina's lips tightened the

sentence.

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.

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

was still buttoning up his Eden Group gardener uniform when a security drone glided into the room, humming

asked us to monitor was just shoved by a guest-he forced her out into the entrance area. Do

the footage,"

Heinrich's hand clamped around Sofina's arm, dragging her down the hallway while papers

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

a pile of scattered papers. He knelt

he said quietly, helping her pick them

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

asked, gently lifting her chin,

serious," she

handed her the last sheet. "You know, you don't need to print everything. The digital files

faintly. "Maybe. But I like the

chest. "The same way I

"You really

me, you looked at me like I was more than data in a file. You made me feel alive again. Sometimes

other as they walked back

a voice cracked

told

color drained from her

saw it-the invisible chain that

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

placing himself between Sofina

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

lips curled. "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 your

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

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

Don't give him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes

a hand. "Mr. Schiller. What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We'd be delighted if you joined our efforts-Winchester's

out a derisive snort. "I came here to join, yes. But somebody in your place

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

"That's the man. Your gardener. He insulted me and tried to throw

"I've never seen you before. Are you pretending to be

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,

forget your place. I'm

Resources. I can fire you anytime

and beg for his

who tried to throw out another

arrogant gardener," Dietrich snapped. "Do you have any idea who Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of the brightest minds in Winchester-soon to join

he's not

your respect. You're nothing compared to him! Now kneel before I make sure

shaking his

be fired if

Alex. We've known each other a long time. Just kneel and bow three times, and maybe I'll let you

and dangerous. "How about this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows, then maybe I'll let you stay

gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter rippled

someone jeered. "A gardener trying to stand up to

"That gardener's got a name.

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

Alex? The walking mistake of Winchester? No wonder he's mouthing

and turned to

you've been desperate for my attention, haven't you?

fool who doesn't know

and I might

around Alex's arm, her

darkened. "If you don't, I'll make sure everyone in Winchester hears about

have

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

s

him

but steady. "Let

She met his

Sofina stepped forward

boil. "You hit me, bitch-"

curse.

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

Eden Group! Security robot -

supporting him with a hand at

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

it," Heinrich said, every syllable a command. "Give her

cancel

sneered. "The one who'll

"Security —

tilted his head. "I warned

began

hit Heinrich," someone

you know Heinrich's the man

her!" another

forward and ran its routine: ID scan, threat

system flagged a threat to

node nobody in the room expected-Eve, the household robot Sofina had left at home,

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

linked node. Any device that touched Sofina

snapped into the network. "Override the previous command. Secure Dietrich and

robot optical sensors swung toward

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

an electric whip from a holster and began

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

to alarm. "Is the

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

ripple of confusion moved

until

feet and kicked

her mind struggling to catch up with the chaos

wiped the blood away with the back of his wrist, his face twisting with

low and

toward her, his hand swinging through

the first time. Heinrich had struck Sofina

was weak, but

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

go of me!"

lid.

screamed like an animal, pain

knees, clutching at a hand that felt as

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

breaking loose. Her heels struck the marble floor with sharp precision, aides trailing

-

- a bid to replace the Krugers, who'd been kicked out of Eden's

favor, to become the next family tied to its vast

they were desperater

promised Eden that Heinrich would

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

Heinrich down, and Heinrich bled

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

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

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

true?" Katarina asked

Sofina. She hit my nose."

You're a coward wearing someone else's name. Sue a noble if

still carried real

struck a noble, the punishment could be death. If

More often than not, the

law protected rank,

a noble struck a commoner, most people

the Prussia — power didn't need to

sharp eyes

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

"No. I won't divorce her. Go

don't have to

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

his face.

everyone just spins

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

patience with her was long gone. Just the sound of her voice gave him a headache. He took Sofina's hand and

"Kneel! Now!" Katarina's voice cracked with

something she wouldn't admit — she

him.

nights Alex cooked for her, the way he shielded her from

was

moment. He didn't want to face

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

found her staring at him, fierce and cold, while his other arm

you to stop, Alex,"

I made you kneel in the rain for three days and nights? You think I won't do it again? Don't test

and hard as steel. "You're not my wife anymore. I don't owe you a damn thing. I don't answer to your orders. We're strangers now-so let go

Katarina hissed, and her hand whipped across his face. The slap cracked through the hall like a gunshot. "Don't you dare defy me,

burned bright, but beneath it something else trembled — a flash of tears she fought to hide, gripping

I command you

this bitch!"

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

caught it in one swift move and snapped

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

obedience. She had been treated like royalty,

the

title was

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

on treachery, that beneath their silks and titles they were nothing more than well-fed

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

retainers shuffled forward, eager to prove their loyalty. They moved to strike to humiliate Sofina

anyone could raise a hand, a silver Eden security robot

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

attackers jerked, their muscles

No violence," the security unit repeated. "Please

unmoored robbed, for the moment,

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

of here,"

always talked about love! You said you loved me! You swore you'd

rage. “You promised to obey me, to give me your body, to destroy yourself for me! You liar! You damn

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

answer, another android

collaboration. Please proceed to Meeting Room 01. I can escort you

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

about you?" she asked, her

workers and authorized personnel can access it. These people won't be able to follow."

a glass door and bowed slightly. "Please wait here. The person in charge will arrive shortly." It turned and

door opened and a poised woman in a tailored suit stepped in. "Miss Sofina?" she

location. Please follow me. Miss Von

Von

She's

and followed the woman through the

Group headquarters. Her thoughts

Von Adler-the most powerful woman in Eden-want to meet

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

It didn't make sense.