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."

"Sean deserved to die, but I don't believe he acted alone. If it wasn't her, then it must've been you." Sebastian turned his gaze te Martin, his eyes full of killing

intent.

belongs to s

Feeling a wave of fear, Martin quickly denied, "It wasn't me! I had nothing to do with it."

"Hmph!" Sebastian scoffed. "Well, it's definitely either one of you. So, you can choose who will die."

"Are you trying to turn us against each other? How vicious!" Martin shouted angrily.

The onlookers silently agreed, thinking that forcing them to choose would be more

cruel than simply killing them both.

the survivor would

talk. I'm giving you one

eyes were full of

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

maybe we can negotiate. Let us go, and just name your price- anything you

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

you just rob a

for someone to live comfortably for a lifetime. One million gold coins

can

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

gold,

after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth 100

his word and left

Martin and Heather-not because he was merciful, but because he wanted to take his time to destroy

leaving Knott Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick

ask you for a

Wilder, there's no need to be so formal. Just tell me what you

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

a debt that Hendrick considered a

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

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

Sebastian wasn't a professional artist, his

woman in the picture your wife?"

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

was hard not to admire

in herself, but after seeing

the

matching her own

then explained the circumstances and timing of

immediately. I'm sure we'll have news

at the chamber, waiting for updates. He also

for some people to take care of

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 this humiliation!"

"Are you willing to marry the Stonebrook's

Camden is an outstanding

today and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal with

daughter then stepped out to greet their

had arrived in large numbers,

a dignified middle-aged man, Denzel Stonebrook, the head of the Stonebrook family and one of the

was average, he had an impressive presence; this

Camden, your arrival truly graces our humble Knott

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

in." Martin led the father and son into the

long heard that your daughter is as beautiful as a goddess,

appeared slightly shy. But the more reserved she acted, the more

impolite to keep staring at Ms. Knott. Apologize

quickly stood up, saying, "I'm sorry, Ms. Knott, I was

a bashful smile. She was not angry at all.

If Heather could become the young mistress of the Stonebrook family, it would be like a shortcut to

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

might even secure a place among the four great ladies

Denzel smiled a

"My son

not long ago,

first sight for him.

he lost

his appetite and many.

father, I became anxious,

Cóntent

he clapped his

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

box, though smaller, contained

a box of top-grade

all out. The gold coins

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

Pills could cleanse the body, improve physical constitution, extend life, and greatly

consumed by warriors, these pills significantly improved their constitution, accelerated their training

are you satisfied

satisfied. Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin

agree to their marriage?" Denzel

remarkable man. For him to be

the future title of

setting it for a year later. Martin then mentioned Sebastian

provoked someone whose strength is formidable and who

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

named Sebastian Wilder.

commoner.

disease once. Despite consulting many renowned doctors, none could help me. Later, when my

of the situation and insisted I take off my clothes before he would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had no way to refuse. I'm telling you this not just to reveal how despicable he is, but also to

we can call off

about this incident too, but I didn't know the full

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

Heather forced out

knew about Sebastian seeing her naked. Given the Stonebrook family's resources, they likely

she hoped to

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

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

not that kind of woman and naturally refused him. He then tried to force

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

is very strong. Even my

under 30 years old. How could he be stronger

skills, their lifespans increase. There

his 20s, but

agreement. "That's right. That brat's cultivation is at least at the early pinnacle stage of diving grandmaster, strongerthan the

is

an early-stage divine grandmaster? That's

Heather and Camden's

heir of the Stonebrook family, one of the four major families of the

status as the daughter of Holton's Knott Estate, it was

that odd. Although Heather's family background wasn't on par with the daughters of the four great families,

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

a genius with boundless potential

and talent compensated for her

After all, becoming the Stonebrook family's daughter-in-law was

admired Heather, were equally disheartened, with their

paid it no mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else;

obtaining a million gold coins from Martin, Sebastian invested in

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

now to boost the cultivation of those around him once he got

Sebastian took breaks periodically to rest. One day, after finishing his pill

Wilder, Heather and Camden are getting engaged tomorrow at Knott Estate. They've sent over an

them is for me, I

"Yes,

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

are you planning

don't go, wouldn't I be letting them down?"

to the core and

nodded in agreement. "My father is

walking right

a bunch of petty clowns. There's nothing to fear," Sebastian responded

so careless. know you're strong, but the Stonebrook family has many powerful figures.

Hendrick warned.

to .net

your

They're not worth worrying

me alone, fine. If they

ie

four major families in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld Sect. They

listen to us

avoided. If they're out for revenge, they'll cook up something else next time even if I skip this

them sooner rather than later,Chapter

group approached the entrance of Knott Estate,

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

from me?" Sebastian asked. "Are

Sebastian nodded.

you at the banquet. Going there now is like

waiting here just to tell me this?" Sebastian

yourself. I just happened to run into you and thought I'd give you a friendly

about me.

scoffed and turned to

if Ms. Gardner says so,

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

made up. No more advice, please,"

marching to his doom. All

atmosphere was festive and

had shown great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter

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

face was beaming. To have Heather a woman both

seen and touched by Sebastian So the only

Sebastian.

keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements, and

that moment, "Mr. Camden, Sebastian has

Lock down all the exits once he enters. Make sure he doesn't escape," Camden

Mr. Camden. Everything is in place. He won't be able to get

in satisfaction. "By the

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

again in

Sebastian and his

here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when

already warned Sebastian about the Stonebrook family's plan, yet he still showed

You actually had the guts to come.

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

Since you've come today, don't expect to leave here

smile. "Brat, today

chimed in right after. "Don't say I didn't give you a chance. If you kneel down, admit your mistakes, gouge out

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

mind?" Camden sneered. "I invited you here

just because he came to congratulate

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

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

said, "Today is your engagement party. Killing someone

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

laughed and his smile was full

are you

laughed and said, "Mr. Camden, I really don't get it. There are so many good women out there.

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

lost it. This guy must

asked, he might have had a slim chance to live. But insulting Ms. Knott? Now he's probably wishing for death to be an easy

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to

get angry just yet. Hear me out. I was

been practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

male energy to

day, shevited

Estate, lured me into her room, and tried to seduce

"Shut up!"

interrupted Sebastian while snapping, "Stop

Heather on purpose. You can't believe a word

don't believe him. This guy has slandered my

evidence do you

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

spouting nonsense!" Heather quickly turned to Camden and said, "Camden, he's lying! He's just upset that

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

expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone marrow. Afterward, she threw

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

can have her checked. If I'm lying, you

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

guy has ulterior motives.

his gaze. Doubts

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

Heather, Camden planned to verify everything as

felt as vast and overwhelming as the

make me almost suffocate. This

they were also divine grandmasters, there were clear

early stage, whereas Septimus was

and said, "Camden, I originally thought you had some sense in you, but you're a fool Youre allowing this malicious

taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking. Heather is nothing more than a worn-out shoe I've already

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

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

However, Heather's reaction

everyone stunned. Upon realizing

tricked, Heather

lies! I swear I'll cut out your tongue and feed it

he was infuriated by

four major families of the southern

in particular, was a middle-stage divine

move, the pressure from his released

with worry. But there was little they could do; they were powerless to stop the Stonebrook family from killing

out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it

a resounding sound, Septimus' arm shattered

let out a pained scream and staggered back in

with a swift movement, Sebastian chased him down and grabbed Septimus by

"What?"

stage divine grandmaster like Septimus had been defeated

was

Not long ago,

warrior. After all, if he were a grandmaster or divine grandmaster, why would he bother

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

Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill him, you won't even have a grave to

his eyes filled with

favor? I'll have him release Septimus, and in return, you spare his

Although her face was hidden, she had an undeniable allure that piqued

than he had imagined. He nodded

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

breaks

his eyes and breaking his hands a bit too

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

turned to Sebastian and whispered, "Didn't I warn you?

isn't some death trap.

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

The Stonebrook

breaking your hands

and replied, "Ms. Gardner, I

not in the habit of

hard to accept, but

five miserably than to die. IfChapter

to say something, but in the end, she only gave a

both eyes and hands was a fate worse than death.

chances were slim, at least

"Septimus!"

Stonebrook family erupted in

with rage as he

Septimus? I won't be satisfied

his cultivation for

truth, Trey didn't need Camden's order. He was

presence intensified. Every footfall left a

cultivation must be truly

grandmaster, but it's said that Trey has the ability

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

shouted, tossing a long

drew it from its sheath. A sharp, clear

through the air, unleashing a wave of

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

be the Godslayer Blade

"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 an equal. As long as one wields the Godslayer Blade, their combat strength

was stunned. They hadn't expected Camden to

added power of the Godslayer Blade, not even late-stage divine grandmasters could stand against Trey

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

was Sebastian, empty-handed-what

her eyes, unable to bear watching Sebastian's

had taken her virginity, but after calming down and reflecting, her hatred had

Sebastian, 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

develop some feelings for him. This was why she

Sebastian's strength far surpassed hers,

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

blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous power. It seemed as though it would split

energy within a few miles surged violently,

slumped to

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

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

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

of blood and mangled flesh, the sword stopped dead in its tracks as it was caught

"How is this possible?"

present was equally stunned as

my god! He caught the Godslayer Blade with his bare hand! This is insane!" "What level is this guy? How can he be this

pull the Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength, but

calmly. With a slight exertion of his spiritual energy, Trey

was jolted by

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

and panic,

actually dared to kill two of our family's elders! Do you

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

I'm the heir to

The Stonebrook family's power is beyond anything you can imagine. They are filled with masters of unparalleled skill. My future father-in-law is one of the top experts in the Southern Regions, so killing you would be a

pair of idiots. You two really are made

idiots? You're the idiot! Your whole family

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

You really plan to kill us?"

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

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

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

believe how brazen Sebastian was,

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

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

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 have

end up in a grave,

dare!"

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

He took a step forward, releasing

everyone present. Those

remain standing,

him!"

the Stonebrook family were filled with terror, they had no choice but to obey

join the fray. Instead, he

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

grandmasters from the Stonebrook family had been wiped out in a single

The

was terrifying.

to the ground, and her face

toward Heather.

air, attempting

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

Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of judgment through the

hard the tight bun at the back of

once Nathaniel turned away did Elodie finally breathe. Relief spread through her limbs like

Grateful, she offered a

the child,

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

practiced smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly

thanking you," he replied, voice clear as a

the miniature pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte card. Holding

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

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

hovered around the card, uncertainty flickering across her

scale required

Jonathan wanted an entire rack

course," she said,

the garments from velvet

other employees watched, envy

commission this large could cover the down

more.

Nathaniel standing nearby and everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying, no

guided

but it really is a mountain of clothes. Should we

over eight million." s

Ivy would never have taken a

Jonathan said, firm as bedrock. "I'm

to Nathaniel. When he offered no objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's

at the numbers in disbelief. The wealthy,

us." Ivy presented the card with

Ivy, I truly appreciate everything you

clerk finally set the

stage magician, he indicated a

it on to whatever gentleman keeps

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

apairof

his low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is nothing. If you ever hit a rough patch, come to

had delivered a lightning-fast briefing about

them like silent shadows, arms loaded with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and ribbon-tied shopping bags that bumped against their

thigh, and

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

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

expression unreadable. "Your Ms.

buy clothes for Zachary, but Ceci never thinks of

mood darkened like a

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

had believed the first fib, it

appeared more like an adult compared to

She would never delegate adult

figured something out,

blinked,

“When it comes

so fast, and the realization sent a tremor

he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could

civil smile. "Why would I be?" he countered, voice calm

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

shut.Am I showing it that

where did you pick up on

face, Dad.” Jon shrugged as

like a weight on his chest. If even a child could read him, how had Cecilia never

restroom door stayed shut far too long. Taking Elliot by

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

corridor, she almost

bodyguard trailing behind them, arms loaded

have you two been? And

intent on inspecting the loot, but

gifts,” he said smoothly. "Holiday tokens, nothing

painfully clumsy, so Nathaniel was patching the hole as fast as he

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

bewildered. When have I ever

shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding

the constipation

I've been skimping on

slipped an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a

right? You're

a woman who has carried a child, nursed him through colic and fevers, knows how a single twitch of discomfort in that tiny body can split a

rush to his cheeks until his whole face burned as brightly

merely confessed the problem, never imagining the confession would

ages since Cecilia had

I drink more water.

child, obedient, courteous, eager to spare adults

unwilling to yield. "That won't do. Maybe we should buy medicine. Constipation sometimes needs

said it with earnest gravity, the way surgeons announce a lifesaving

all lies you could invent, you

them,” he whispered, the words nearly swallowed by

pity for the boy and a glimmer of amused apology

tapped at lightning speed, and ordered suppositories plus half a

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

sure how to use

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

particular battlefield. He

can manage

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

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

she said, voice low and gentle, as though sending him

"Okay."

contraband and bolted down the hallway toward

sliced fruit. He watched his brother's retreating

doesn't look it," Elliot muttered

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

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

“Come on," she said,

to take

bedroom, arms gathering the new clothes in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed them to the excited boy and

photoshoot ended, she pinged

Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in place,

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

in return, video-called often to check

life seemed to find its

and the children be able to come back for a visit?"

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

"Nathaniel and I have decided. We'll come

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

good while

and Elliot collapsed onto their beds,

holding only Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered

against the couch, eyelids drooping, intent on

"Ceci."

surprise. "What is

doing today?" His question

you mean?"

eyes.

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

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

of

she could speak

long arms

swift, possessive

his chest, as though staking a claim

really have

velvet-edged with gravel, every syllable vibrating through the scant inches

Her blush deepened as she tried to twist free, finding his hold

it, let me go! If Elliot or

settling atop her hair as if the conversation were

other? They're not babies anymore. They should

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

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

slipping past her irritation. "You left

an affirmative, then an idea lit behind his eyes. "Ceci, we shouldn't coddle them. Let's arrange for Elliot and

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

།

Jonathan, let him stay with Old Mr. Sinclair for now. OnceChapter

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

"Hmm?"

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

proud, composed husband was jealous of his

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

darkened, a storm gathering behind

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

stunned that she would dare make a break for it, then sprang up and covered the

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

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

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

deadbolt turned, and darkness

hissed against the windows, but inside, heat pooled between

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

her eyes to find Nathaniel's face less than an inch away. She could count the

a finger over that faint roughness, then lower to the

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

eyes fluttered open, hazy

drawing her even closer until her

voice came out in a

his hold by a fraction, closed his eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a

promised her best friends a full day of window-shopping

tightened his arms and mumbled, "Give

now did Cecilia realize how clingy he could be, warmth and weight wrapped around her like an

you this attached?

tugged at his mouth.

laughed and ruffled his hair, dark strands springing up beneath her

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

hit the mall

her head. "That's

asked, still unwilling

for Mom, and something nice for Grandpa

carried a note of suspicion

"Nope."

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

heartbeat. He gently pried her fingers loose,

under the words but misread the cause. He just hates it when I leave too quickly. With

her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep had

rose, padded through quiet

1.

spirited Jon and Elliot off to RaiChapter

idiot-half a brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with

Alex could think the Wolfsbane family had any chance of

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

face went pale, then burned red. He spun toward the

with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had

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

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

this

you! From

The room fell silent.

she said. "I'll do

crossed his arms, flashing Beatrix a smug grin that made her

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

hardened. "Beatrix, Sofina's worth a thousand of you. She's fighting to lift this family up, while you bury it in arrogance and

of this family! You think Sofina's some kind of

the Wolfsbane family is great enough that even the Eden Group will want that collaboration. I believe in the Baroness's dream—and I believe in my wife's intelligence and

sit here sneering. Tell me, Beatrix-what's your real problem? Do you not believe in your grandmother, or are you just like your husband-thinking your own grandmother's got half a brain? That

what I meant! I just think it's impossible for

before the fight even started. That's not realism, Beatrix-that's disappointment dressed up as wisdom. And you know what they say: hell's full of the

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

let's make this interesting. What if

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

the Baroness gave you that manor outside the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off, that place is ours foever. You move

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

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

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

a

arms, chin lifted. "I won't lose.

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

"Ha! You're really digging your own grave, loser! Fine-I'll take

in too," Felicia said. "If you lose, I

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

I've already recorded the bet and sent the document to the government registry. It's official now. You'll have to honor

smirked. "Perfect," he said. "I

them. She couldn't care less about

Wolfsbane family could actually secure that collaboration with the

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

the way home, Sofina frowned, glancing out the window. "You really think

"Trust?

"That's supposed to make

want comfort, talk to someone who

grinned. "Hey, at least I bet on your victory.

really

who's got guts and

"And what if you

"Then I'll finally fit right in with this family-bad decisions

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

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

“we should return this car. It's too extravagant for us. Everyone's going to

one hand casually resting on the wheel. "Maybe it's too fancy for

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

can."

at him. "You really

It's a sign, Sofina. We're on our way up. And

her head, half anxious, half amused.

don't need it," Alex said, his grin widening. "You've got me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot for the moon; even if

descended toward the Eden Group's towering

me luck," Sofina whispered as the car

doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener

QUMS

help but laugh. For a moment, her nerves eased. She wished she could carry that same unshakable optimism

two-hundred-story tower and felt something empty out inside her-like a room with the

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

with them was like a beggar asking a

accepted the challenge in front

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

but tense, each waiting for their turn to be

The sight

all every one

of them was hono

same thing: a coffaboration with power.

you

and found Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim,

Katarina's lips tightened the

sentence.

this sort of woman away from my sight. How could you let her walk in here?" Heinrich bowed his head like a man forced to swallow bile. "I'm sorry, Katarina. I tried. I truly did. I don't understand how she keeps turning up. I'll make her leave." He pushed forward and grabbed Sofina's wrist in a rough. "You're here to attract attention," he hissed. "I told you I won't give you

thick with mockery. "You? Who the hell are you trying to fool? Even your grandmother couldn't get a deal with Eden Group. You're not

Eden Group gardener uniform when a security drone glided into the

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

me the footage," Alex

Sofina's arm, dragging her down

his gloves, and strode

floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers. He knelt beside

helping her pick them up.

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

asked, gently lifting her chin, checking for

nothing serious,"

"You know, you don't need

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

hand brushed his chest. "The same way I like

"You

said softly. "You cooked for me, you looked at me like I was more than data in a file. You made me feel alive again. Sometimes I think it'd be better to live without

each other as they walked back through

a voice cracked

here? I told you to stay away from me. I don't want you near me,

The color

it-the invisible chain that still tied

Her body tensed, eyes flickering, as if waiting for his approval... or his

forward, placing himself between

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

to be treated like a king. Where's your manager? I want to

sharp laugh. "Keep dreaming. You're not a king- you're just

you. 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

him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's

resources, hurried over and forced a smile while extending a hand. "Mr. Schiller. What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We'd be delighted if you

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

tightened with professional courtesy. "Sir, no one here would deliberately offend you. If someone attempted to

Your gardener. He

His brow furrowed. "I've never seen you before. Are

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

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

Human Resources. I can fire you anytime I

Kneel and beg for his

tried to throw out another guest, and

Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of the brightest

not joining?"

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

calmly, shaking his

if you don't!"

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

this, Heinrich-you kneel to

gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter

gardener trying to stand up to

"That gardener's got a

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

chuckled. "Oh hell, that Alex? The walking mistake of Winchester? No wonder he's mouthing off. He's

and turned to

been desperate for my attention, haven't you? Well, now

who doesn't know his place. How about you

bows, and I might

around Alex's arm,

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

I'll have the whole

back on you-even the Wolfsbane name you'll be nothing outcasts. And you know I can make that

s

forward, but Sofina grabbed him tighter and shook

was soft but steady. "Let me handle

hesitated, searching her face. She met his eyes.

stepped forward alone.Chapter

hit me,

curse.

you

Security robot -

hustled Heinrich upright, supporting him with a hand at the small of his

won't be standing after that

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

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

"The one who'll get hurt is

bracelet. "Security — attend. Punish

tilted his head.

began to close

she hit Heinrich,"

know Heinrich's the man everyone

another voice

routine: ID scan, threat

to her, an alert raced through the

pinged a node nobody in the room expected-Eve, the household robot Sofina

home machine. Alex had wired her into his network bridge so she could

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

previous command. Secure Dietrich

security robot optical sensors

The shock hit him like a thrown

robot drew an electric whip from a holster and

the skin opened, and dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop! Not me - her! You're whipping

triumph to alarm. "Is the Eden

Group tech is already the most advanced," someone

confusion

stop until

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

stood frozen, her mind struggling to catch up

He wiped the blood away with the back

low and venomous. "I'll

toward her, his hand swinging through the

first time. Heinrich had struck Sofina

not because she was weak, but

"Find someone your

slave — let go

a hard lid. The government cameras watched from every

Heinrich screamed like an animal,

hand that felt as if

gasped, tears wet on his

storm breaking loose. Her heels struck the marble floor

-

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

the next family

were desperater

that Heinrich would cooperate if the contract went to

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

holding Heinrich down,

went white with fury. She stormed over and slapped

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

the police won't help

true?" Katarina asked

Sofina. She hit my nose." Heinrich

You're a coward wearing

carried real power. The law bent

noble, the punishment could be death. If a

were severe and swift. More often than not, the blame settled on the weaker

law protected rank,

noble struck a commoner, most people just accepted it.

the Prussia — power didn't

turned her sharp eyes

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

divorce her. Go ahead

have to be

this for you and for your Sant Claire family. When im done with Heinrich, if you behave yourself,

disbelief hardening his face. "Do you really think the

That everyone just spins around

like that, Alex!" Katarina snapped. "It's already a blessing that I'm even willing to marry you. How dare you disobey me!

long gone. Just the sound of

from me!" Katarina shouted. "Kneel! Now!" Katarina's voice cracked

she'd discovered something she wouldn't admit

him.

still haunted her - the nights Alex cooked for her, the way he shielded her from

Heinrich, everything was cold and transactionaChapter

had been dreading this moment. He didn't

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

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

you to stop, Alex," Katarina said, every

Before I lose my temper." She stepped closer. "Remember when I made you kneel in the rain for three days and nights? You think

owe you a

across his face. The slap cracked through the hall like a

tears she fought to

command you

this bitch!" Katarina

eyes were quiet, but they

Alex. Sofina caught it in one swift move

don't

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

the whispers

the Rosenheim title

earned their barony by stabbing their own marquis, the

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

spitting on my family name! Slap her-make her remember who

to prove

silver Eden security robot

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

attackers jerked, their muscles seized, and they dropped hard to the floor, wracked by

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

and unmoored robbed, for the moment, of the power

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

get out of here,"

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

your body, to destroy yourself for

hides behind forced gestures-empty rituals, hollow vows, or even violence and control-trying to

could answer, another android

smoothly, "this is your scheduled interview for the collaboration. Please proceed to Meeting Room 01. I

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

she asked,

workers and authorized personnel can access it. These people won't be

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

a poised woman in a tailored suit stepped in. "Miss Sofina?" she asked

a change in location. Please follow me.

Von Adler? The

ma'am. She's

followed the woman through

of Eden Group

Marlena Von Adler-the most powerful woman

about working with the Wolfsbane family. She wasn't supposed to

It didn't make sense.

didn't come twice. She followed the assistant through the long corridor, her heels echoing off the marble floor, until

legendary chairwoman of Eden Group-rose gracefully from behind

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

standing before the most powerful businesswoman

as she answered, but she kept

met

Miss Von Adler. Thank you for taking the time to see me," she said. "I came to discuss the collaboration proposal. I

we work

never disappoint."

to .net

Marlena a neat folder. "This is the Wolfsbane Group

take a look."

and took the file. She opened

few pages, then closed

she said, her voice soft but sure, "I've already reviewed your documents. I believe you're the perfect partner for

stunned. "Really? You mean... it's approved?"

out.

felt too quick-too easy. She had

a long negotiation. And

in seconds.

her expression unreadable

she said, "the Wolfsbane Group doesn't fully meet our usual standards. But our founder hold's your very nigh

"Your founder?" she asked,

I know

a faint smile. “Our founder," she said

me?" Sofina blinked, unsure if she'd heard

understand when the time comes.

in you.

carried weight. Alex had instructed her not to reveal his identity, and

a professional calm. "Now, Miss Scheinwald, according to your proposal, your initial quotation for the collaboration is fifty million dollars,

she said, her voice

said easily. "In fact, it's less than

"What do you

to increase the contract value," Marlena said

at

eyes widened, her breath

repeated, barely believing it.

folder, retrieved a crisp contract, and slid it across the polished

she said. "We've already drafted the agreement-one hundred million dollars in

stared at the document in disbelief.

most powerful corporations in Winchester-had not oChapter

"I forbid you from seeing her! If you dare bring that woman home as your