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.

After all, the survivor would live with the guilt forever.

"Enough talk. I'm giving you one minute to decide. IfChapter 659

"Father." Heather's eyes were full of fear and helplessness.

Martin was at a loss for words. He didn't want to die, but he also couldn't bear to lose his daughter.

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

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

"What? One million gold coins? Why don't you just rob a bank?" Martin nearly jumped up in anger.

for someone to live comfortably for a lifetime. One million

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

his teeth, feeling as if his heart

of gold, Sebastian

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

word and left after receiving

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

leaving Knott Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick to the Holton

ask you for

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

only healed his wounds, which saved

that Hendrick considered a

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

Sebastian requested paper and a pen, then drew

a professional artist, his

woman in the picture your wife?" Abigail

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

It was hard not to admire a man as exceptional

but after seeing the

the

matching her

circumstances and timing of

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

stayed at the chamber, waiting

for some people to take care

to protect

Sebastian's terrifying power first

of refusal. He was completely subdued, with no thoughts

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

just can't swallow this humiliation!"

asked, "Are you willing to marry

hesitation, "Mr. Camden is an outstanding man. Of course I'm

today and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal with

daughter then stepped out

family had arrived in large numbers, bringing an abundance of

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

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

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

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

it's our honor. Please, come in." Martin led the father and son into the sitting room and had

is as beautiful as

compliment, Mr. Stonebrook." Heather appeared slightly shy. But the more reserved she acted, the more captivated

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

out of his daze and quickly stood up, saying, "I'm sorry, Ms. Knott,

bashful smile. She was not angry at all. In fact,

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

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

a place among the four great ladies in

Denzel smiled a

said, "My son

once not long ago, and

love at first

he lost

his appetite and many.

her. As his father, I became anxious, soove brought him here

Cóntent

he clapped his hands, and

boxes were filled with gleaming gold coins. They were followed by a box of jewelry, a box of gemstones, a box of medicinal. herbs, a box of antique paintings, a box of aged wine, and

though smaller,

betrothal gifts include 880 thousand gold coins, a box of top-grade gemstones, a box of premium medicinal herbs, some

to admit, the Stonebrook family had truly gone all out. The gold coins alone amounted to

was not enough, making them extremely scarce in the market.

improve physical constitution, extend

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

"Mr. Knott, are you satisfied with the Stonebrook

very satisfied. Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin quickly

mean you agree

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

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

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

recently provoked someone whose strength is formidable

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

a scoundrel named Sebastian

commoner.

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

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

mind, we can call off the

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

I don't mind. It

for understanding," Heather forced out a couple of

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

it up herself, she hoped

I agreed to marry him. But what I never expected was that the scoundrel was nothing but a beast. He's

got engaged, he demanded that

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

Camden was furious, smashing the table in front of him. "Heather, don't worry. Anyone who dares to bully my woman will die by my

is very strong. Even my father couldn't defeat

under 30 years

cultivators improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There are also

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

cultivation is at least at

real age is definitely

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

Camden's

family, one of the four major families of the southern region, Camden would typically only marry into one of the other three

Estate, it was still far from matching the prestige

background wasn't on par with the daughters of the four great families, her looks

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

was a genius with boundless potential and unimaginable future

beauty and talent compensated for

even jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the Stonebrook family's daughter-in-law was like ascending to the heavens

especially those who secretly admired Heather,

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

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

third stage of the cultivation technique-

stockpile pills now to boost the cultivation of those around him once he

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

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

One of them is for me, I assume?" Sebastian

nodded. "Yes, you're

intentions-it was nothing more than an attempt

asked, "Mr. Wilder, are

go, wouldn't I be

Heather both hate you to the core and their invitation is definitely not sincere it's clear

"My father is right. You mustn't

right

petty clowns. There's nothing

careless. know you're strong, but the Stonebrook family has

Hendrick warned.

to .net

appreciate your concern, but those

They're

If they dare provoke me, I'll destroy

ie

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

please listen to us and

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

better to confront them sooner rather than later,Chapter

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

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

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

Sebastian nodded.

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

here just to tell

you and thought I'd give you a friendly

you to care so much about me. Could it be that

scoffed and turned

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

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

is made up. No

to

was festive and filled with

the Netherworld Sect had shown great respect by sending Korbin and

was overjoyed. After all, by the end of today,

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

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

Sebastian.

on

moment, "Mr. Camden,

Make sure he doesn't escape," Camden ordered with a vicious

be able to get away, even if he sprouts wings,"

the

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

nodded again in

moment, Sebastian and

doing here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when he

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

had the guts to come.

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

Since you've come today,

today next year will be your death

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

his hand and said, "You invited me to your engagement party. I came here to congratulate you, so I'm your guest. Yet, here you are, shouting threats. Is

invited you here

an idiot. He thinks that just because he came to congratulate the couple, Mr. Camden

him live. I can't tell if

people present, aside from Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried about Sebastian. Despite everything Sebastian had done to her, seeing him

"Today is your engagement party. Killing someone might

you want to live today, the only way is to do as

laughed and his

"What are

Camden, I really don't get it. There are so many good women out

woman? You've got some nerve!" Camden fumed with

it. This guy must

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

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

me out. I was simply speaking the truth. You don't know

practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

male energy

One day, shevited me

me into her room, and

"Shut up!"

Sebastian while

on

This guy has slandered my woman-this is

evidence do you have?" Camden

me finish what I was saying earlier? Heather wanted to absorb male energy through a sinister technique and tried to seduce

Camden and said, "Camden, he's lying! He's just upset that I broke off the engagement with

"Don't worry. No matter what he

with her. But what I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone marrow. Afterward, she threw me off

right in

only telling the truth. Her first time was with me. If you don't believe me, you can have

listen to him! He's making it all up! Even if an examination proves my innocence, it'll still

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

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

standing around and cripple him!" Camden ordered coldly. Whether Sebastian was telling the truth

verify everything as soon as the engagement

vast and overwhelming as the sea,

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

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

whereas Septimus was

you had some sense

snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking. Heather is nothing more

on her chest because I

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

However, Heather's reaction

leaving everyone stunned. Upon realizing

tricked, Heather

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

and he was infuriated

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

divine grandmaster. His

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

full of concern, and even Kaitlyn's eyes flashed with worry. But there was little they could do; they were powerless to stop the Stonebrook family from

as quickly as lightning as his hand reached out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he would succeed, Sebastian suddenly countered, reacting faster and landing a punch directly into

sound, Septimus' arm

let out a pained scream and staggered back

a swift movement, Sebastian chased him down and

"What?"

middle- stage divine grandmaster like Septimus had

strength was beyond

Kaitlyn were the most shocked. Not long ago, Sebastian

a warrior. After all,

"I've really underestimated you. If you release Septimus now, I might leave your corpse

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

also approached Sebastian, his eyes filled with murderous

you do me a favor? I'll

the start. Although her face

than he had imagined. He nodded and said, "I'll grant you

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

gouges out his own eyes, and breaks both his

gouging out his eyes and breaking

Gardner, I consider myself rather kind for offering this. This is my bottom line!" Camden declared in a tone that left no

I warn

isn't some death trap.

didn't realize your strength was

The Stonebrook

eyes and breaking your hands is the best outcome

and replied, "Ms.

not in the habit

hard to accept,

than to

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

understood that for a strong person, losing both eyes and hands was a fate worse than death. Rather than living worse than a dog, it was better to fight to

slim, at least

"Septimus!"

members of the Stonebrook family erupted

rage as he shouted,

I won't be satisfied

cripple his cultivation

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

presence intensified. Every footfall left a deep imprint on

must be truly unfathomable. He's probably at the

that Trey has the ability to fight

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

sword!" Camden shouted, tossing a long

immediately drew it from

the blade resonated through the air,

everyone feeling as though they had

Godslayer Blade of the Stonebrook

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

hadn't expected Camden to carry

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

magical artifact, said to

Sebastian, empty-handed-what chancChapter

her eyes, unable to

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

that old scoundrel instead, so she found herself preferring it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and handsome, and he had acted to save her. That all

Sebastian a bit more, she even started to develop some feelings for him. This was why she would always instinctively step in whenever he

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

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

his sword, a blinding white blade aura was charged with thunderous power. It seemed as though

that instant, the energy within a few miles surged violently,

weaker cultivation slumped

so his sword's target was

about to strike, Sebastian suddenly

with cruelty. To try and stop the

instead of the expected sight of blood

"How is this possible?"

Everyone present was equally

This is insane!"

pull the Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's grip. He exerted all his strength, but it didn't

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

if he was

"This sword

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

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

killed. If you think you can kill me, I can also kill you. It's

the heir to the Stonebrook family.

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

idiots. You two really are

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

to die, yet you still dare to shout at me. If

plan to kill us?"

afraid as he said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will

family might seem powerful to others, but not me. You're nothing more than clowns. If you send one person to me, I'll kill that person. If you send two, I'll kill both of them. If you send a

spoke. By the end, his voice was thunderous,

into silence. No one could believe how brazen Sebastian

he had said this before, everyone would have looked down on him and thought that

furious. He remarked, "You truly are full of yourself! Our family has stood strong for over a thousand years, with countless divine grandmasters and

can fight us alone? Hand over the Godslayer Blade technique and come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then, we might let you live. Otherwise, I guarantee

coldly. "Whether or not I end up in a grave, you won't be around

dare!" Camden

He gathered all the experts from the Stonebrook

at him with disdain. He took

weighed down on everyone present. Those below grandmaster level collapsed to the ground, trembling

the grandmasters struggled to remain standing, their legs quivering with

him!"

family were filled with terror, they had no

Instead, he used the chaos

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

from the Stonebrook family had been wiped out in a

of cake. The sheer

was terrifying.

the ground, and her face became pale with

Martin rushed toward Heather. He grabbed her by

air, attempting to

Jonathan stepped forward to shield the nervous clerk and decided to

said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of

Elodie blurted, nodding so hard the tight bun at the back

Relief spread through her limbs like warm water, leaving her almost

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

stepped between danger and the child, the day would have ended

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

almost grown-up, impossibly composed for a

be the one thanking you," he replied, voice clear as

drew out a sleek matte card. Holding

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

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

hovered around the card, uncertainty flickering

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

still did not understand why Jonathan wanted an entire rack of

expression. "Of course," she said,

from velvet hangers into satin-lined bags with practiced

the showroom, the other employees watched,

could cover the down payment

more.

and everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was

Ivy guided

she leaned down, voice barely above az whisper “Everything's packed but it really is a mountain of clothes.

over eight million." s

have

firm as

offered no objection, she finally swiped Jonathan's card through the polished

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

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

"Ms. Ivy, I truly

clerk finally set

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

it on to whatever gentleman keeps you company."

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

apairof

had listened in silence until now, spoke in his low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is nothing. If you ever hit a

earlier, while paying the bill, Jonathan had delivered a

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

to reach his thigh, and asked,

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

added, in the privacy of his own mind. Dad hardly knows Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would never check up on this, so the

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

curled inside his chest. Vivian remembers to buy clothes for Zachary, but Ceci never thinks of

mood darkened like a

reached out, hooked his tiny pinkie around Nathaniel's larger finger, and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad,

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

appeared more like an adult

delegate adult

"You've figured something out, haven't

blinked, performing innocent

quiet breath. “When it comes to social-grade

the realization sent a tremor

dark lashes

a civil smile. "Why

but none for you. She skipped you completely. That proves she

opened, then snapped shut.Am I showing

exactly where did you

face, Dad.” Jon shrugged

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

restroom door stayed shut far too long.

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

in the corridor, she almost collided with Jonathan

them, arms loaded with shopping bags bulging with

have you two been? And what

stepped forward, intent on inspecting the

smoothly. "Holiday

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

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

When have I ever been

Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding

carrying the constipation story

been skimping on water

happening, concern flooded her eyes. She slipped an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and drew

me take you to a doctor, all right? You're far too little to struggle with something like

child, nursed him through colic and fevers, knows how a single twitch of discomfort in that tiny body can split a mother's heart wide

without warning, felt heat rush to his cheeks until his whole face

imagining the confession would

had been ages since Cecilia had hugged him like

if I drink more water. It

model child, obedient, courteous, eager

do. Maybe we should buy medicine. Constipation sometimes

gravity, the way surgeons announce a lifesaving

Of all lies you could invent, you picked constipation. Now Mom believes it

them,” he whispered,

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

another word, Cecilia opened her phone, tapped at lightning speed, and ordered

like a summoned genie, parcel

not sure how to use them, I will help

plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping

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

can

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

the stubborn ache of

the bathroom with you," she said, voice

"Okay."

and bolted down the hallway toward the

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

constipated? He sure doesn't

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

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

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

Mommy, you have to take tons

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

ended, she

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

clips of

often to check on the children

seemed to find its

the children be able to come back

knew Cecilia now belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were

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

will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany

while longer,

change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed onto their beds, fast asleep within

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

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

"Ceci."

surprise. "What

all we're doing today?"

follow. What do you mean?"

clouded Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing," he

the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming,

earlier cheer. "What's

single step closer, the scent of cedar from his freshly

she could speak

arms

swift, possessive

against his chest, as though staking a claim no one could

have to

gravel, every syllable

Cecilia's face. Her blush deepened as she tried to twist free, finding his hold

me go! If Elliot

only tightened his embrace, chin settling atop her hair as if the

awkward about two married people holding each other?

babies? They're only six-maybe seven- years

on my own," Nathaniel replied, the words

amazement slipping past her irritation. "You

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

hesitated, heart squeezing. "They're too little, Nathaniel. Besides, Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan

།

team to watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him stay with Old Mr. Sinclair for now.

his finger

"Hmm?"

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

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

kids outrank you. I risked my life to bring

storm

Nathaniel's arms and bolted down the hallway, bare

would dare make a break for it,

tried to swing the door shut, Nathaniel planted one hand against the panel, his voice low and teasing. "Why

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

a gentle shove, he slipped inside, scooped her

clicked, the deadbolt turned, and darkness enveloped the

winter wind hissed against the windows, but inside, heat pooled

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

face less than an inch away. She could count the fine

that faint roughness, then lower to the soft curve

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

eyes fluttered open, hazy

he murmured, drawing her even

Nathaniel. I can't breathe.” Her voice came out in

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

promised her best friends a full day of

tightened his arms and mumbled, "Give me a few

now did Cecilia realize how clingy he could be, warmth and

this

tugged at his mouth. "I was younger. Didn't know any

ruffled his hair, dark strands springing

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

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

head. "That's it.

are you buying?” he asked, still unwilling

for Mom, and

carried a note

"Nope."

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

darkened by the heartbeat. He gently pried her fingers loose, voice

it when I leave too quickly. With that familiar assumption,

clicked shut behind her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep had scattered, and

quiet hallways, and stepped

1.

spirited Jon and Elliot off to

that crap because you're an idiot-half a brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted,

truly believed that only a complete fool like Alex could think the Wolfsbane

an idiot with half

burned red. He spun toward the Baroness.

darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband, Conrad and then Annabella, her so-called pride, had done nothing

people, it was Alex-the outcast, the

But seeing Sofina step forward

this one

of you!" she thundered. "You're cowards! Every last one of you!

The room fell silent.

she said. "I'll do my

flashing Beatrix a smug grin that made

on, Sofina -try all you want. When you fail-and you will-you'll drag the rest of us down

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

here, Alex -the real embarrassment of this

Alex said. "I think the Wolfsbane family is great enough that even the Eden Group will want that

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

and waved her hands fast. "No! That's not what I meant! I just think it's impossible for Sofina to

You've already surrendered before the fight even started. That's not realism,

snapped. "You're a fool if

make

You think I'm scared?

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

twitched, "Deal," she said through clenched teeth. "But if Sofina fails, I want both of you out of

said, leaning back with a half-smile. "Then

me in too!

a brow. "Alright. But what

lose. But fine-I'll

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

burst out laughing. "Ha! You're really digging your own grave,

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

if I win, you'll accept our marriage- no

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

"I like it when everyone

Wolfsbane didn't even glance at them. She

her was one thing-whether the Wolfsbane family could actually secure

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

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

smirked. "Trust?

"That's supposed to make

"If you want comfort, talk to someone

least I bet

arched a brow. "You really think this bet will

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

"And what

chuckled. "Then I'll finally fit right in with

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

luxury car they'd won from Nikolaus-a machine so rare

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

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

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

can."

at him. "You really

on our way up. And when this is over, maybe we'll have a new mansion

anxious, half amused. "I wish I had your

said, his grin widening. "You've got me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot for the moon; even if you

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

whispered as

walked around to open her door. "With me here, your luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the gardener of the Eden Group. That means

QUMS

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

façade rose into the sky like a polished god. The idea that the Wolfsbane family—old, fractured, scandal-scarred—could sit at that table

like a

promised her grandmother. She'd accepted the challenge in front of

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

voices low but tense, each waiting for their

The sight

all every one

of them was hono

thing: a coffaboration

are you doing here?"

found Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim,

hawks. Katarina's lips tightened the way

sentence.

"I told you a thousand times-get 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? Who the hell are you trying to fool? Even your

when a security drone

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

the footage,"

recording. Heinrich's hand clamped around Sofina's arm, dragging her down the hallway

on his gloves, and

on the floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers.

he said quietly, helping her pick them up.

I say, he just

hurt you?" Alex asked, gently lifting her chin,

nothing serious," she

know, you don't need to print everything.

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

brushed his chest. "The same way I like

chuckled. "You really

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

they walked back through the glass corridor of Eden's

voice cracked the

the hell are you doing here? I told you

froze. The color

chain that still tied her

eyes flickering, as if waiting

forward, placing himself between Sofina

"You're a guest. You have no authority to order people

gardener telling me how to behave? I'm a guest here-l expect to

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

I'm Heinrich Schiller." Heinrich's face went hard." The chairman of Eden Group personally sent me an invitation—said

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

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

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

would deliberately offend you. If

Your gardener. He insulted me and tried

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

smiled faintly. "Eden Group has over a thousand workers in this two-hundred-floor building. You don't know all of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here.

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

can fire you

Kneel and beg for

"Why should I? He's the one who tried to throw out another guest, and he doesn't even belong

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

not joining?" Alex

compared to him!

said calmly, shaking his head. "I

fired if you

on, Alex. We've known each other a long time. Just kneel and bow three times, and

kneel to

gather, drawn by the rising

to stand up to Heinrich? The man

joined in. "That gardener's got a name. You know

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

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

smirked and turned to

my attention, haven't you? Well, now

fool who doesn't know

Three bows, and

tightened around Alex's arm, her

I'll make sure everyone in

I'll have the whole

Wolfsbane name you'll be nothing outcasts. And you

s

forward, but Sofina grabbed him tighter and

steady.

her face. She met his eyes. "Trust

stepped

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

curse.

in God's name do you

you strike Mister Heinrich inside Eden Group! Security robot -

him with a hand

Mister Heinrich. I've called security. Twenty lashes. She won't be standing

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

better cancel that

who'll get hurt is

"Security — attend. Punish this

tilted his head.

crowd began to close

dare she hit Heinrich,"

you know Heinrich's the man

another

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

a threat to her, an alert raced through

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

wired her into his network bridge so she could talk

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

the network. "Override the previous command.

security robot optical

it into Dietrich's chest. The shock hit

an electric whip from a holster

opened, and dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air.

from triumph to alarm. "Is the

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

confusion

robot didn't stop until Dietrich

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

mind struggling to catch up with the

bleeding nose. He wiped the blood away with the back of his wrist,

voice low and

toward her, his hand swinging through the

Heinrich had struck Sofina before-over and

was weak, but

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

slave — let go of

his temper under a hard lid. The government cameras watched from

until Heinrich screamed like an animal, pain folding him in

his knees, clutching at a hand that felt as if bone

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

loose. Her heels struck the marble floor with sharp precision, aides trailing behind her in

-

bid

become the

were desperater

she'd promised Eden that Heinrich would cooperate if the contract went to

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

holding Heinrich down, and Heinrich bled and

over and

instant. How dare you strike him until he bleeds-I'll call the police and

police won't help you," he said

true?" Katarina

was Sofina. She hit my

what? You're not a noble. You're a coward wearing someone else's name. Sue a noble if you want-try to

carried real power. The law bent for

the punishment could be death. If a

and swift. More often than not,

law protected rank,

most people just accepted it. That

the Prussia — power didn't need to

turned her sharp eyes

why you married Sofina — to make me jealous, to get my attention. Well, you've got it. I think that's enough.

"No. I won't divorce her. Go ahead and

have

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

at her, disbelief hardening his face. "Do you

That everyone just

to marry you. How dare

of her voice gave him a headache.

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

emptiness she'd discovered something she wouldn't admit — she

him.

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

was cold and

didn't want to face Katarina—not here,

between them, but before he could take another step, her hand shot out and clamped around his wrist

found her staring at him, fierce and cold,

to stop, Alex," Katarina said, every word

you kneel in the rain for

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

you're my husband, you're my dog for life," Katarina hissed, and her hand whipped across his face. The slap cracked through the hall like a gunshot. "Don't you dare

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

command you

bitch!"

in front of Alex without hesitation. Her eyes were quiet, but they held

caught it in one swift move and

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

was used to obedience. She had been treated like royalty,

heard the whispers

Rosenheim title was

earned their barony by stabbing their own marquis,

their so-called empire was built on treachery, that beneath their silks and titles they were nothing more than well-fed servants gnawing on

with fury. "She's spitting on my family name! Slap her-make her remember who she is! And who I

Katarina's will and some Rosenheim retainers shuffled forward, eager to prove their loyalty. They moved to strike

raise a hand, a silver Eden security robot glided

Eden Group property," it announced firmly. "Cease all hostile actions

a pair of tasers snapped out. Electricity flashed. The would-be attackers jerked, their muscles seized, and

violence," the security unit repeated.

red-faced and unmoored robbed, for the moment, of the power she'd always

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

out of here," she

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

give me your body, to destroy yourself for me! You

it hides behind forced gestures-empty rituals, hollow

answer, another android glided up

proceed to Meeting Room 01. I can escort you if you are unfamiliar

her hand. “Go,”

about you?" she asked, her voice

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

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

poised woman in

me.

Von Adler? The

She's expecting

followed

Eden Group

powerful woman in Eden-want to

proposal yet, the one about working with the Wolfsbane family. She wasn't supposed to

It didn't make sense.

come twice. She followed the assistant through the long corridor, her heels echoing off

it and gestured her in. Inside, Marlena Von Adler-the legendary chairwoman of Eden Group-rose gracefully

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

most powerful businesswoman in Winchester-someone people usually met only

she answered, but she kept her

met

to discuss the

but we work hard.

never disappoint."

to .net

neat folder. "This is the

take a look."

and took the file.

few pages, then closed it

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

"Really? You mean...

out.

easy. She had spent weeks rehearsing

long

in seconds.

back, her expression unreadable but

"the Wolfsbane Group doesn't fully meet our usual standards. But

she asked,

"May I know

faint smile. “Our founder," she said softly,

unsure if

chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll understand when the

in you. He believes in you. And that's

instructed her not to reveal his identity,

topic with a professional calm. "Now, Miss Scheinwald, according to your proposal, your initial quotation for the collaboration

right," she said,

her head. "Oh no," she said easily. "In

frowned slightly. "What do

to increase the contract value," Marlena said

it set at one hundred

her breath catching. "One... hundred million?"

repeated, barely believing it.

crisp contract, and slid it across the polished

million dollars in total. If you have no objections,

the document in disbelief. Her mind spun. Eden Group-one

powerful corporations in Winchester-had

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

and again, each crack of the cane echoing through the room. Despite his age, Mr. Everly's arm was still strong; after just a few blows, Finnian's crisp

wanted to intervene, but Mr. Everly wouldn't listen. He kept shouting, "I'll beat you

arm, her voice soft but steady.

at Finnian and gasping for breath, his shoulders heaving with

"You should go. I'll

searching look, then turned and walked

Everly's anger seemed to collapse into grief. He clutched Amara's hand, his voice breaking. "Ama, Finnian's out of his mind. Can't you see? He insists on being with that actress, as if he's

he squeezed her hand, his

unable to respond. She didn't even know what she felt anymore. Just yesterday, Finnian had confessed his feelings to her; today, he was determined to be with Liliana. Thinking back on the words

never told you, but I think you need to hear