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."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

wasn't her, then it must've been you." Sebastian turned his gaze

intent.

belongs to s

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

either one of you. So, you

you trying to turn us against each other?

that forcing them to choose would be

than simply

survivor would live with the guilt

talk. I'm giving you one minute to

full

didn't want to die, but he also couldn't bear to lose

Let us go, and just name

said, "Alright. I'll give you a chance. I

don't you just rob a bank?" Martin nearly

to live comfortably for a

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

pay!" Martin gritted his teeth,

gold, Sebastian only asked

long after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth 100 thousand gold

his word and left after

was merciful, but because he wanted to take his time to destroy

Sebastian followed Hendrick to the Holton Chamber

ask you for a favor," Sebastian

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

for Sebastian had grown even deeper. Sebastian not only healed his wounds, which saved his life, but also helped him break through

that Hendrick considered a second

at least a second grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to boot. Such a person was

need your help to find someone." Sebastian requested paper and a pen,

artist, his drawing was remarkably

woman in

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

was hard not to admire a man

confident in herself, but

the drawing

her own

the circumstances and timing

her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news soon," Hendrick

the chamber, waiting for

to arrange for some people to

he assigned Brork to

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

of refusal. He was completely subdued, with no thoughts of

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

swallow

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

Camden is an outstanding

and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal with that

father and daughter then stepped

in large numbers, bringing an abundance of

the Stonebrook family and one of

him was a young man of about 26 years old. Though his appearance was average,

Camden, your arrival truly graces our humble Knott Estate,"

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

for that; it's our honor. Please, come in." Martin led

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

appeared slightly shy. But the more reserved she acted, the more captivated Camden became; his eyes

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

stood up, saying, "I'm

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

become the young mistress of the Stonebrook family, it would be like a shortcut to soar to

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

secure a place among the four great ladies

Denzel smiled a

said, "My

Knott once not long ago, and

at first sight

he lost

his appetite and many.

I became anxious,

Cóntent

he clapped his hands, and the servants

by a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs, a box of antique paintings, a box of aged wine, and a

though smaller,

gold coins, a box of top-grade gemstones, a box of premium medicinal herbs, some

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

internal consumption was not enough, making them extremely scarce in the market. When Martin and Heather heard

body, improve physical constitution, extend life, and greatly enhance a warrior's

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

said proudly, "Mr. Knott, are you satisfied with

satisfied,

mean you agree to their

course. Mr. Camden is a remarkable man. For him to be interested in my daughter is an honor for us. How could we

overjoyed inside. With the future title of daughter-in-law of

wedding date, setting it for

whose strength is formidable and

southern region, there aren't many people who could cause trouble for you. Who might

named Sebastian Wilder.

commoner.

consulting many renowned doctors, none could

would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had

you mind, we can call off the engagement, Mr.

eyes. "I heard about this incident too, but I didn't know the full

Heather. I don't mind.

thank you for understanding," Heather forced out a couple of

already knew about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given

up herself, she

what I never expected was that the scoundrel was nothing but a

got engaged, he demanded that

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

in front of him. "Heather, don't worry. Anyone

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

should be under 30 years old. How could he be stronger

their lifespans increase. There

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

least at the early pinnacle stage of diving grandmaster,

real age is definitely well over

"Isn't he just an early-stage divine grandmaster?

and Camden's engagement spread quickly, surprising

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

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

Heather's family background wasn't on par with the daughters

Bell test showed her potential at five rings, placing her

a genius with boundless

and talent compensated for her

women felt envious and even jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the

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

no mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he wouldn't want her even if she

gold coins from Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast amount of herbs for pill

of the cultivation

wanted to stockpile pills now to boost the cultivation of those

took breaks periodically to rest. One

at Knott Estate. They've sent over

One of them is for

"Yes,

immediately saw through Martin's intentions-it was nothing more than an

asked, "Mr. Wilder, are

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

both hate you to the core and their invitation is definitely not sincere

is right.

right into

petty clowns. There's nothing to

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

Hendrick warned.

to .net

"I appreciate your concern, but those people

just clowns. They're not

If they dare

ie

family is one of the four major families in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld Sect. They shouldn't be underestimated Hendrick

please listen to

for revenge, they'll cook up something else next time even if I

better to confront them

group approached the entrance of Knott

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

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

Sebastian nodded.

you at the banquet. Going there now is like walking into a trap,"

to tell me this?"

yourself. I just happened to run into you and thought

about me. Could it be that you've fallen

scoffed and

says so,

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

up. No more advice, please," Sebastian

to his doom. All they could probably do

the atmosphere was festive and filled with

great respect by sending

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

was equally pleased, and his face was beaming. To have Heather a woman both stunning and

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

Sebastian.

had been keeping tabs on Sebastian's

at that moment, "Mr.

once he enters. Make sure

in place. He won't be able to get

"By the way, has my

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

nodded again

and his companions entered Knott

he doing here?" Korbin exclaimed in

family's plan, yet he still showed up. Was he walking into

actually had the guts to come. I can't

said, "This place isn't exactly

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

today

down, admit your mistakes, gouge out your own eyes, and break your own hands,

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

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

thinks that just because he came to congratulate the

him live. I can't tell

insults. Among all the people present, aside from Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried about Sebastian. Despite everything Sebastian had

looked at Camden and said, "Today is your engagement party.

scoffed. "We cultivators don't care about such things. If you want to live today, the only way is to

his smile

furious. "What are you

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

woman? You've got some nerve!"

This guy must

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

stood up. They were looking ready to strike Sebastian down

unbothered. "Mr. Camden, don't get angry just yet. Hear me out. I was simply speaking the truth. You don't know how despicable Heather

practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

energy

One day,

me into her room, and

"Shut up!"

while snapping, "Stop

slandering Heather on

I don't believe him. This guy has slandered my woman-this is

you have?" Camden

male energy through a sinister technique and tried to seduce

just upset that I

"Don't worry. No matter what he says, I

an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone marrow. Afterward, she threw me off a

"To slander my woman right

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

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

this guy has ulterior motives. Don't fall for his

long moment, and she began to feel uneasy under his

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

Heather, Camden planned to verify everything as soon as

vast and overwhelming as the sea, making it hard for

the power of a divine grandmaster? Just the aura alone is enough to make me almost suffocate. This is truly impressive,"

like Korbin and Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they were also divine grandmasters, there were clear differences in

Septimus was a middle-stage divine grandmaster, significantly

however, showed no fear. He smirked mockingly and said, "Camden, I originally thought you had some sense in you, but you're

make sure you wish you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking.

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

In truth, Sebastian was just bluffing; those marks would have healed by now,

However, Heather's reaction

everyone stunned.

tricked, Heather

Even now, you're spouting lies! I swear I'll cut out your tongue

a fool, and he was

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

middle-stage divine grandmaster. His

his released

But there was little they could do; they were

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

a resounding sound, Septimus'

Septimus let out a pained scream and staggered back

chased him

"What?"

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

was beyond

Kaitlyn were the most shocked. Not long ago,

just an ordinary person, perhaps at most a warrior. After all,

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

Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill him, you won't

his eyes filled

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

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

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

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

breaks both his hands, I'll

isn't gouging out his eyes and

rather kind for offering this. This is my

whispered, "Didn't I warn

some death trap. Why

realize your strength was

The Stonebrook family

your eyes and breaking your

lightly and replied, "Ms.

the habit of

know it's hard to accept, but

five miserably than to

say something, but in the end, she only

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

at

"Septimus!"

Stonebrook family erupted

rage as he shouted,

I won't be satisfied until

cripple his cultivation

order. He was

footfall

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

of divine grandmaster, but it's said that Trey has the ability to fight beyond his level, comparable to a late-stage

so quickly before;

Everyone nodded in agreement.

shouted, tossing a long sword to

immediately drew it from its

the blade resonated through the air, unleashing a wave of terrifying killing

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

this be the Godslayer

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

was stunned. They hadn't expected Camden to carry the Godslayer Blade

power of the Godslayer Blade, not even late-stage divine grandmasters could stand against Trey Defeating Sebastian will be, piece

agreement. The Godslayer Blade was a renowned magical artifact, said to be a top-tier weapon that

here was Sebastian,

closed her eyes, unable to bear

had taken her virginity,

she would have been defiled by that old scoundrel instead, so she found herself preferring it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and handsome, and

started to develop some feelings for him. This was why she would always

to realize that Sebastian's strength far surpassed hers, and he didn't need her protection at

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

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

violently, creating an oppressive atmosphere that weighed down on everyone

cultivation slumped

so his sword's target was

about to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching

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

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

"How is this possible?"

equally stunned as they were unable to believe what

bare hand! This is insane!" "What level

trying to pull the Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his

Just hand it over," Sebastian said calmly. With a slight exertion of his spiritual energy,

if he was jolted by

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

back!" Trey shouted in a mix of anger and panic, clenching his fists

actually dared to kill two of

can kill me, I can

was both afraid and angry. "Sebastian, I'm warning you. I'm the

Stonebrook family's power is beyond anything you can imagine. They are filled with masters of unparalleled skill. My future father-in-law is

a pair of idiots. You two really

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

about to die, yet you still dare to shout at

kill

me, our family will

If you send one person to me, I'll kill that person. If you send two, I'll kill both of them. If you send a whole army, I'll wipe them out. If your entire family comes at me, I'll exterminate every last one of

voice grew louder as he spoke. By the end, his voice was thunderous, sending

one could believe how brazen Sebastian was, declaring his intent to annihilate the

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

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

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

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

you dare!"

He gathered all the experts from the Stonebrook family around him as they were ready to

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

on everyone present. Those below grandmaster level

grandmasters struggled to remain standing,

Kill him!" Camden

were filled with terror, they had no

fray. Instead, he used the

With a wave of his hand, a tremendous energy burst forth. There was a deafening boom, and the grandmasters

the Stonebrook family had been wiped out in a

The sheer

was terrifying.

the ground, and her face

Heather. He grabbed her by

the air, attempting

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

nothing like this will ever happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet

blurted, nodding so hard the tight

Relief spread through her limbs

fate had dangled on someone else's whim. Grateful, she

stepped between danger and the child,

you," she murmured, sincerity softening every line of

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

the one thanking you," he

of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte

thunder. Jaws dropped, eyes

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

flickering across her eyes as she sought Nathaniel's

purchase of this scale required his guardian's word. Nathaniel gave a single, calm nod. "Wrap

understand why Jonathan wanted an entire rack of adult clothing, yet he trusted

expression. "Of course," she

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

employees watched, envy shining through their fixed

the down

more.

why Jonathan was buying, no one dared steal

guided

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

over eight million." s

hadn't asked her, Ivy would never have

said, firm

objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's card through the polished

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

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

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

set

of a stage magician, he indicated a slate-gray wool blazer on the mannequin. "Consider this my

"Pass it on to whatever

quick shake of her head sent her ponytail swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too expensive," she blurted, hands rising like

apairof

today. Compared with that, a jacket is nothing. If you ever hit a rough patch, come

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

trailed them like silent shadows, arms loaded with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and

reach his thigh, and asked, "What business did

didn't miss a beat. “Oh. Ms. Kennedy wanted me to pop in and pick out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary. This is just

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

"Your Ms. Kennedy certainly trusts you," he

small, sour note curled inside his chest. Vivian remembers to buy

mood darkened like

finger, and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad,

it was only because Vivian's

more like an

delegate adult shopping to a

"You've figured something out,

Jonathan blinked, performing

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

expected to be exposed so fast, and the

feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could study every flicker on Nathaniel's

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

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

then snapped shut.Am I showing

his throat. “And exactly where

Dad.” Jon shrugged as

even a child could read him, how had

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

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

corridor, she almost collided with Jonathan and

arms loaded with shopping bags bulging

And what on earth

inspecting the loot, but Nathaniel

smoothly. "Holiday tokens,

been painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching

well, a heads-up would have been nice. I was

When have I ever been

throat and shot Jonathan a pointed

himself to carrying the constipation story on

been skimping on water

arm around Jonathan's small shoulders

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

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

scooped up without warning, felt heat rush to his cheeks until his whole face burned as brightly as a stovetop

merely confessed the problem, never imagining the confession would buy him

had been ages since Cecilia had hugged him like

I drink more water. It isn't that

the model child, obedient, courteous,

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

said it with earnest gravity, the way surgeons

misery. Great, sc*mbag daddy. Of all lies you could invent, you

whispered, the

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

Cecilia opened her phone, tapped at lightning speed, and ordered suppositories

gate like a summoned genie,

embarrassed. If you're not sure how to use them,

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

battlefield. He shook his head

can manage on my

every gesture brimming with

to endure the stubborn ache of constipation. If it lasted, a doctor's visit would be

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

"Okay."

clutched the box like contraband and bolted down

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

doesn't

him with a mild but warning stare. "Don't tease your brother. He's

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

subject with an exaggerated burst of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on," she said,

have to take tons of super-cool photos

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

ended, she pinged the piChapter

fixed in place, but Cecilia saw the sorrow hovering

daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the boys chasing sunlight across the rug, photos of uneaten cookies, and

often to

life seemed to find its

and the children be able to come back

the Rainsworths, so her priorities

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

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

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

Elliot

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

drooping, intent on stealing five minutes of calm

"Ceci."

surprise.

doing today?" His question hovered,

do you mean?" Confusion

clouded Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing," he

his displeasure sit plainly on his face. Cecilia finally read the room. Something

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

scent of cedar from his

she could speak

arms swept

possessive

as though staking a

have

with gravel, every syllable vibrating

cheek. Color flared across Cecilia's face. Her

let me go! If Elliot or Jonathan walks out and sees

settling atop her hair as if the conversation were already

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

"Not babies? They're

when I moved overseas on my own," Nathaniel replied, the words

past her irritation.

we shouldn't coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and Jonathan to spend time abroad to build some resilience. It'll give us more

just regained his health, and Jonathan still

།

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

a hand, the pad of his finger brushing her

"Hmm?"

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

did it click. Her proud, composed husband was jealous of his own

laugh slipped out before she could suppress it. "Of course, the kids outrank you. I risked my life to bring

a storm

Nathaniel's arms and bolted down the hallway, bare feet whispering

a break for it,

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

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

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

latch clicked, the deadbolt turned, and darkness

against the windows, but inside, heat

came in a burst of white light, snow glare slicing through the curtains

less than an inch

her trace a finger over that faint roughness,

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

fluttered open, hazy with

even

came out in a whisper,

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

promised her best friends a full

mumbled, "Give me

clingy he could be, warmth

were you this attached? I

mouth. "I was younger.

ruffled his hair, dark strands springing up

I have a busy day ahead," she said, trying to slip from

after you hit the mall with your friends,

head.

asked, still unwilling to release

clothes for Mom, and something nice for

a note of suspicion wrapped in playful

"Nope."

of her head. He had never shown the slightest interestin which dress of coat she bought

by the heartbeat. He gently pried her

misread the cause. He just hates it when I leave

clicked shut behind her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt

quiet hallways, and stepped

1.

spirited Jon and Elliot off to RaiChapter

human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with rage. "If you had even a sliver of sense, you'd

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

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

He

table. Her face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband, Conrad

Alex-the outcast, the family fool-who

gaze shifted to Sofina. She'd never liked the girl. But seeing Sofina step

least this one

Every last one of you!

The room fell silent.

stood. "Don't worry, Grandma," she said. "I'll

crossed his arms, flashing Beatrix a smug

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

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

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

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

toward Beatrix, eyes narrowing, "you just sit here sneering. Tell me, Beatrix-what's your real problem? Do you not believe in your grandmother, or are you just like your husband-thinking your own grandmother's

I meant! I just

surrendered before the fight even started. That's

a fool

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

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

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

if Sofina fails,

a half-smile. "Then

suddenly chimed in, "Count me in too! If

raising a brow. "Alright.

arms, 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 you're lower than that

laughing. "Ha! You're really digging your

you lose, I

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

win this? I've already recorded the bet and sent the document to the government registry. It's official

"I like it when everyone

She couldn't care less

family could actually secure that collaboration with the

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

frowned, glancing out the window.

"Trust? No.

look. "That's supposed to make me

someone who hasn't met this family."

least I bet on your victory. Isn't that

"You really

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

crossed her arms. "And

I'll finally fit right in

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

won from Nikolaus-a machine so rare in Winchester

across the car's polished hood, “we should return

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

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

can."

"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 mansion to park it

half amused. "I wish I had

Come on, Sofina. Shoot for

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

Sofina whispered

your luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener of the Eden Group. That means you've got

QUMS

eased. She wished she could carry that same unshakable optimism he

under the shadow of the two-hundred-story tower and felt something empty out

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

them was like a beggar asking a banker to lend him

her grandmother. She'd accepted the challenge in

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

but tense, each waiting

The sight said

all every one

of them was hono

the same thing: a coffaboration with

earth are you doing here?" a

found Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim, both

tightened the way a judge's did

sentence.

this sort of woman away from my sight. How could you let her walk in here?" Heinrich bowed his head like a man forced to swallow bile. "I'm sorry, Katarina. I tried. I truly did. I don't understand how she keeps turning up. I'll make her leave." He pushed

Who the hell are you trying to fool? Even your grandmother couldn't get a deal with Eden Group. You're not worthy-none of

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

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

the

around Sofina's arm, dragging her down

his gloves,

floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers. He knelt

her pick them up. "What

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

Alex asked, gently

nothing serious,"

"You know, you don't need

"Maybe. But I like the feel of paper.

chest. "The same

"You really

was more than data in

as they walked back through the glass corridor of

a voice cracked the

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

color drained from her

it-the invisible chain that

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

stepped forward, placing himself

Alex said. "You're a guest. You have

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

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

Do you know who I am? I'm Heinrich Schiller." Heinrich's face went hard." The chairman of Eden Group personally sent me an invitation—said I should run this place. You're a gardener.

give him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's

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

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

falter; his tone tightened with professional courtesy. "Sir, no one here would deliberately offend you. If someone attempted to remove you, tell me

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

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

in this two-hundred-floor building. You don't know all of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here. And if I wasnt officially registered, the

stepped closer. "You seem to forget your place. I'm Dietrich

fire you

Kneel and beg

tried to throw out another guest, and he doesn't

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

if he's not

You're nothing compared to

said calmly, shaking

if

each other a long time. Just kneel and bow three times, and maybe I'll let

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

drawn by the rising tension. Laughter rippled

someone jeered. "A gardener trying to stand up to Heinrich? The man really doesn't

in. "That gardener's got a name.

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

mistake of Winchester? No wonder he's mouthing off. He's

smirked and

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

who doesn't know his place. How about you kneel

and I might forgive

Alex's

I'll make sure everyone in Winchester

I'll have the whole

be nothing outcasts. And

s

forward, but Sofina grabbed him tighter and shook

soft but steady.

searching her face. She met

Sofina stepped forward alone.Chapter

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

curse.

you think you're doing, bitch!" Dietrich

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

a hand at the small of

security. Twenty lashes. She won't be standing after

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

"You'd better cancel that order," he said. "Someone's

who'll get hurt

his communication bracelet. "Security

tilted his head. "I warned

crowd began

dare she hit Heinrich,"

you know Heinrich's the

her!" another

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

system flagged a threat to her, an alert raced through the

node nobody in the room expected-Eve, the household

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

touched Sofina reported

previous command. Secure Dietrich and

robot optical sensors

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

could process it, security robot drew an electric whip

dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop! Not me -

recoiled, noise tilting from triumph to alarm. "Is the Eden

way. Eden Group tech is already the most advanced," someone

confusion moved through the

didn't stop until

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

stood frozen, her mind struggling to catch

wiped the blood

voice low and venomous. "I'll

toward her, his hand swinging

wasn't the first time. Heinrich had struck

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

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

let go of me!"

under a hard lid. The government cameras watched from

until Heinrich screamed like an animal, pain folding him

hand

you let me go!" Heinrich gasped,

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

-

finished presenting their offer - a bid

favor, to become the next family tied to its

were

promised Eden that Heinrich would cooperate if

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

down, and Heinrich bled

white with fury. She stormed over and slapped Alex hard. "You

Heinrich? Let him go this instant. How dare

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

that true?" Katarina

Sofina. She hit my nose." Heinrich

her arms and held herself steady. "So what? You're not a noble. You're a coward wearing someone else's name. Sue a noble if you want-try to prove you're better. Go

nobles still carried real

immigrant struck a noble, the punishment

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

protected

people

Prussia — power didn't need to explain

sharp eyes

my attention. Well, you've got

"No. I won't divorce her.

don't have

soft. "I'm doing at this for you and for your Sant Claire family. When im done with Heinrich, if you behave yourself, I'll

stared at her, disbelief hardening his face. "Do you

to you? That everyone just spins around

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

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

me!" Katarina shouted. "Kneel! Now!" Katarina's voice cracked with fury and desperation. She had lost

discovered something she wouldn't admit

him.

she despised him now, the memories still haunted her - the nights Alex cooked for her, the

was cold and transactionaChapter

dreading this moment. He didn't

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

and found her staring at him, fierce and cold, while

stop, Alex," Katarina said,

kneel in the rain for three days and nights? You

steel. "You're not my wife anymore. I don't owe you a damn thing. I don't answer to your orders. We're

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

it something else trembled — a flash of tears

I command you

this bitch!" Katarina

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

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

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

treated like royalty, and she'd made

the whispers for

title was

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

was built on treachery, that beneath their silks and titles they were nothing more than

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

forward, eager to prove their

anyone could raise a hand, a silver Eden security robot glided

Group property," it announced firmly.

attackers jerked, their muscles seized, and they dropped

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

there, red-faced and unmoored robbed, for the moment, of the power

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

out of here," she said, pulling him

a whip. "You always talked about love! You said you loved me! You

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

hides behind forced gestures-empty rituals, hollow vows, or even violence

Alex could answer, another android

smoothly, "this is your scheduled interview for the collaboration. Please proceed

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

about you?" she asked, her

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

"Please wait here. The person in charge will arrive shortly." It turned and glided away, leaving her

in a tailored suit

so sorry—there's been a change in location. Please follow me.

"Miss Von Adler?

ma'am. She's expecting

dazed, and followed

of Eden Group headquarters. Her

would Marlena Von Adler-the most powerful woman in

family. She wasn't supposed to meet the chairman, only the department manager

It didn't make sense.

long corridor, her heels echoing off the marble floor, until they stopped in front of a taff metal door engraved with the Eden Group

Inside, Marlena Von Adler-the legendary chairwoman of Eden Group-rose gracefully from behind

extending her hand. "I'm Marlena Von Adler, chairman of Eden Group. It's

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

answered, but she kept her tone

met

she said. "I came to discuss the collaboration proposal. I know the Wolfsbane Group isn't as

we

never disappoint."

to .net

"This is the Wolfsbane

take a look."

calm, knowing smile and took the

a few pages, then closed

Scheinwald," she said, her voice soft but sure, "I've already reviewed your documents. I believe

mean...

out.

easy. She had

question, expecting a long negotiation.

in seconds.