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.

Just ten thousand gold coins were enough for someone to live comfortably for a lifetime. One million gold coins was a huge sum even for him.

Sebastian sneered. "If you're unwilling to pay one million, that's fine. I can just kill your daughter, and you won't have to pay for anything."

"Fine. I'll pay!" Martin gritted his teeth, feeling as if his heart was bleeding.

Due to the large amount of gold, Sebastian only asked for gold notes.

Not long after, Martin handed Sebastian ten notes, each worth 100 thousand gold coins.

Sebastian kept his word and left after receiving the notes.

He hadn't intended to kill Martin and Heather-not because he was merciful, but because he wanted to take his time to destroy them.

After leaving Knott Estate, Sebastian followed Hendrick to the Holton Chamber of Commerce.

like to ask you for a

to be so formal. Just tell

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

a debt that Hendrick considered a

a second grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to boot. Such a

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

Sebastian wasn't a professional artist, his drawing was remarkably

in

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

eyes. It was hard not to admire a man as exceptional as

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

the drawing

matching her own

explained the circumstances and

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

chamber, waiting for updates. He

arrange for some people to

assigned Brork to

first hand,

refusal. He was completely subdued, with no

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

can't swallow this humiliation!" HeatheChapter

"Are you willing

is an outstanding man. Of course I'm

the Stonebrook family to deal with that little bastard!" Martin said

and daughter then stepped out

in large numbers, bringing an abundance of betrothal

man, Denzel Stonebrook, the head of the Stonebrook family and one

26 years old. Though his appearance was average, he had an impressive presence; this

Camden, your arrival truly graces our humble Knott

"Mr. Knott, you're too kind.

come in." Martin led the father and son into the sitting room and

the point, saying, "I've long heard that your daughter is as beautiful as a goddess, and today I see the reputation

the more captivated Camden became; his eyes never left her, like they were practically

impolite to keep staring at Ms. Knott.

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

a bashful smile. She was not angry at all. In

was one of the southern region's four major families. If Heather could become the young mistress of the Stonebrook family,

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

a place among the four

Denzel smiled a

said, "My

once not

at first sight for

he lost his

his appetite and many.

of sleep over her. As his father, I became anxious, soove brought him

Cóntent

he clapped his hands, and the servants immediately opened the

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

pill box, though smaller, contained

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

the Stonebrook family had truly gone all out. The gold coins alone

consumption was not enough, making them extremely scarce in the market. When Martin and Heather heard about the Purification Pills, their eyes lit up with

physical constitution, extend life, and greatly enhance

significantly improved their constitution, accelerated their training speed, and even helped them

"Mr. Knott, are you satisfied

Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin

that mean you agree

Camden is a remarkable man. For him to be

but she was overjoyed inside. With the future title

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

we've recently provoked someone whose strength is formidable

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

a scoundrel named Sebastian Wilder. He's

commoner.

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

take off my clothes before he would treat me. At the time, I was powerless and had no way to refuse.

mind, we can call off the

about this incident too, but I

Heather. I don't mind. It

you for understanding," Heather forced out

clever strategy; many people already knew about Sebastian seeing her naked.

it up herself, she hoped to

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

he demanded that

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

table in front of him. "Heather, don't worry. Anyone who dares to bully my woman will die

Even my father couldn't defeat him,"

replied, "I heard he should be under 30 years old.

improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There are also herbs and pills that

like he's in his 20s,

That brat's cultivation is at least at the early pinnacle stage of diving grandmaster, strongerthan the eight great

real age is

an early-stage

Camden's

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

Knott Estate, it was still far from matching the

reflection, it didn't seem that odd. Although Heather's family background wasn't on par with the daughters of

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

with boundless potential and unimaginable

her beauty and talent compensated for her

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

those who secretly admired Heather,

the news, but he paid it no mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he wouldn't want

Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast amount of herbs

third stage of the cultivation technique- whether by stealth or

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

took breaks periodically to rest. One day,

tomorrow at Knott Estate. They've sent

One of them is for me, I assume?"

"Yes,

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

asked, "Mr. Wilder, are

sent me an invitation, so if I don't go, wouldn't I be letting them

both hate you to the core and their invitation is definitely not sincere it's clear they want to use the Stonebrook

is right. You mustn't

right into

clowns. There's nothing to

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

Hendrick warned.

to .net

remained unmoved. "I appreciate your concern, but

just clowns. They're not worth

they leave me alone, fine. If they dare

ie

the southern region, even stronger than the

Wilder, please listen to us and

out for revenge, they'll cook up something else next

confront them sooner

group approached the entrance of Knott Estate, a

with a veil partially hiding her stunning beauty-it was

from me?" Sebastian

Sebastian nodded.

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

just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with

you and thought I'd give

expect you to care so much about me. Could

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and turned to

Ms. Gardner says so,

destined to become a peerless force in the future. Just bide your time,"

made up. No

was marching to his doom. All they could probably do now was retrieve his body

Estate, the atmosphere was

great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to personally attend and

main figures of the day, Heather was overjoyed. After all, by the end of

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

already been seen and touched

Sebastian.

tabs on Sebastian's movements, and

just at that moment, "Mr. Camden, Sebastian

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

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

in satisfaction. "By the way, has my

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

again

that moment, Sebastian and his companions entered

exclaimed in surprise

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

the guts to come. I can't decide if I

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

coldly. "Stop playing dumb. Since you've

smile. "Brat, today next year

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

to your engagement party. I came here to congratulate you, so I'm your guest. Yet, here you are, shouting threats. Is this how

mind?" Camden sneered. "I invited you here just

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

live. I can't tell if this guy is naive

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

engagement party. Killing someone might bring bad

things. If you want

and his smile was full of

"What are

many good women out there. Why on earth did you choose someone as despicable

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

This

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Trey Stonebrrok, and seventh elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up.

angry just yet. Hear me out.

been practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

male energy to

One day, shevited me

me into her

"Shut up!"

interrupted Sebastian while

just slandering Heather on purpose. You

believe him. This guy has

do you have?"

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

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

her hand and said, "Don't worry. No matter

didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone marrow. Afterward, she threw me off a cliff. If I hadn't been

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

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

Even if an

"Camden, this guy has ulterior

and she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his mind as

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

to verify everything as

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

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

Korbin and Hendrick felt apprehensive. While they were also divine grandmasters, there were

were at the early stage, whereas Septimus was a middle-stage divine grandmaster, significantly

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

to shut up, but I'll still keep

marks on her chest

and instinctively covered her chest with her hand. In truth, Sebastian

However, Heather's reaction

stunned. Upon

Heather

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

a fool, and he was infuriated by the Chapter

Stonebrook family was one of the four major families of the southern region,

particular, was a middle-stage divine grandmaster.

his released aura alone made it hard for

on with faces 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

Just as it seemed he would succeed,

sound, Septimus' arm shattered

Septimus let out a pained scream and

him down and

"What?"

chaos. Everyone was utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage divine grandmaster like Septimus had been defeated in a single move by

was

Not long ago, Sebastian had participated in the Netherworld

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

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

"Sebastian, he's from the Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill

Sebastian, his eyes filled with murderous

do me a favor? I'll have him release Septimus, and in return,

the start. Although her face was hidden, she had an undeniable allure

more enticing than he had imagined. He nodded and said, "I'll

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

out his own eyes, and breaks both his

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

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

whispered, "Didn't I warn you? Why did you

isn't some death trap. Why shouldn't I come?" Sebastian

your strength was so formidable, but you still can't

Stonebrook family

and breaking your hands is the best outcome

smiled lightly and replied, "Ms. Gardner,

in the habit of

hard to accept,

miserably than to die.

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

eyes and hands was a fate worse than death. Rather than

at least Sebastian could

"Septimus!"

Stonebrook family erupted

as he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder, how

Septimus? I won't be satisfied

his cultivation

order. He was

his presence intensified. Every footfall left a deep imprint on

truly unfathomable. He's

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

struck so quickly before; this is definitely

Everyone nodded in agreement.

catch the sword!" Camden shouted, tossing a

drew it from its sheath. A sharp,

resonated through the air, unleashing

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

this be the Godslayer

stated, "That's right. This is our Stonebrook family's Godslayer Blade. Our ancestors once roamed the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal. As long as one wields the Godslayer Blade, their combat strength instantly rises a whole

Camden to carry

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

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

was Sebastian, empty-handed-what

eyes, unable

who had taken her virginity, but after calming down and

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

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

far surpassed

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

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

miles surged violently, creating an oppressive atmosphere that

with weaker cultivation slumped to the

Sebastian alive, so his

as the blade was about to strike, Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching out to grab the Godslayer

try and stop the Godslayer Blade technique with one's bare hand

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

"How is this possible?"

Everyone present was equally stunned as they were unable to believe

Godslayer Blade with his bare hand! This is insane!" "What level is

his energy, trying to pull the Godslayer Blade out of Sebastian's

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

if he was jolted by

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

anger and panic, clenching his fists and throwing a punch at Sebastian.Chapter

shocked. His finger trembled as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill

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

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

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

a pair of idiots. You two really are made for each

idiot! Your

sneered. "You're about to die, yet you still dare to shout at me. If that's

to kill us?"

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

more than clowns. If you send one person to me, I'll kill that person. If you send two, I'll kill both of

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

could believe how brazen Sebastian was, declaring his intent to

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

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

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

in

you dare!"

already afraid of him. He gathered all the experts from the Stonebrook family

with disdain. He took a step forward, releasing

instant, the oppressive force weighed down on everyone present. Those below grandmaster level collapsed to the ground,

struggled to remain standing, their legs quivering

Kill him!"

had no

didn't join the fray. Instead, he used the chaos to

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

from the Stonebrook family had been wiped out in a

The sheer ease

was terrifying.

to the ground, and her face became pale

toward Heather. He grabbed her by the

into the air, attempting to

nervous clerk and decided

like this will ever happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of judgment through

nodding so hard the tight bun at the back

spread through her limbs

her fate had dangled on someone else's whim. Grateful, she offered a quick, thankful glance first to Jonathan and then

child, the day would have ended in chaos

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

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

thanking you," he replied, voice

a sleek matte card. Holding it up,

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

over ten thousand, yet this child intended to buy the

around the card, uncertainty flickering across

scale required his

why Jonathan wanted an entire

expression. "Of course,"

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

watched, envy

the down payment on a new car,

more.

nearby and everyone understanding precisely why Jonathan was buying, no one dared steal

Ivy guided

but it really is a mountain of clothes. Should we put one or two pieces back? Together

over eight million." s

have taken

firm as bedrock. "I'm buying

Nathaniel. When he offered no objection, she

at the numbers in disbelief. The wealthy,

presented the card with both

"Ms. Ivy, I truly appreciate everything

clerk finally set the receipt

worthy of a stage magician, he indicated a

on to whatever gentleman keeps

head sent her ponytail swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too expensive,"

apairof

Jon today. Compared with that, a jacket is

moments earlier, while paying the bill, Jonathan had delivered a lightning-fast briefing about the ruckus that

them like silent shadows, arms loaded with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and ribbon-tied shopping

his thigh, and asked, "What business did you have in a

beat. “Oh. Ms. Kennedy wanted me to pop in and pick out a few outfits for Uncle Zachary. This is just a quick errand on her

and Mom's best friend would never

expression unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy certainly

remembers to buy clothes for

like

hooked his tiny pinkie around Nathaniel's larger finger, and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually asked

fib, it was only because

like an adult compared to

never delegate adult shopping to a

figured

blinked, performing innocent

it comes to social-grade lying, you're still rough around the

fast, and the realization sent a tremor of startled admiration through

lashes lifting so

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

That proves she doesn't

shut.Am I showing

exactly where did you pick

printed across your face, Dad.” Jon shrugged as if stating simple

comment landed like a weight on his chest. If even a child could read him, how had Cecilia

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

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

she almost collided with

trailing behind them, arms loaded with shopping bags

been? And

inspecting the loot,

smoothly. "Holiday tokens,

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

nice. I was starting to

Jonathan gaped, utterly bewildered. When have I

Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding flashed

the constipation story

been skimping on

Cecilia understood what was happening, concern flooded her eyes. She slipped an arm around Jonathan's small

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

aloud, Cecilia's chest pinched. Only a woman who has carried a child, nursed him through colic and

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

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

been ages since Cecilia

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

child, obedient, courteous, eager to spare

Maybe we should

with earnest gravity, the

twisted into silent misery. Great, sc*mbag daddy. Of all lies you could invent, you picked

whispered,

with pity for the boy and a glimmer

and ordered suppositories plus half a pharmacy's worth of gentle digestive

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

embarrassed. If you're not sure

Jonathan stared at the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair

he let Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He

I can manage

his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made the boy's

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

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

"Okay."

clutched the box like contraband and

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

constipated? He sure doesn't look it," Elliot muttered around a

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

small hand against his chest, trying to calm the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really kind of pitiful," he breathed, each syllable

subject with an exaggerated burst of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come

take tons of super-cool photos of

cascading layers. One by one, she handed them to the excited boy and stepped back while he struck every pose his imagination supplied.

the little photoshoot ended, she pinged

fixed in place,

her life, including short clips of the boys

return, video-called often to check on

by little, life seemed to find

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

belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were pulled

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

I will prepare every one

good while longer, then finally

final outfit change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed onto their beds,

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

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

"Ceci."

jerked in surprise. "What is

doing today?" His

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

eyes. "Nothing," he

his head, letting the full weight of his displeasure sit plainly on his face. Cecilia finally read the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming, evident

face to his, worry eclipsing her earlier cheer.

step closer, the scent of cedar from his

she could

long arms swept

possessive motion,

his chest, as though

really have

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

across Cecilia's face. Her blush deepened as she tried to twist

it, let me go! If Elliot or Jonathan walks out

his embrace, chin settling atop her hair as if the conversation

could be awkward about two married people holding each other? They're not babies anymore. They should

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

my own," Nathaniel replied, the words low, laced with a

arched, genuine amazement slipping past her irritation. "You left the country

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

little, Nathaniel. Besides, Elliot's just regained his health, and Jonathan still keeps Old Mr. Sinclair

།

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

lifted a hand, the pad of his finger brushing her

"Hmm?"

paused, drawing a steadying breath. "Remember, it's you and me for the

composed husband was jealous of his

"Of course, the kids outrank

a storm gathering behind

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

would dare make a break for it, then sprang up and covered the distance in

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

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

match for his effortless strength. With a gentle shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again, and

turned, and darkness

wind hissed against the windows, but inside,

glare slicing through the

face less than an inch away. She could

a finger over that faint

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

fluttered open, hazy with

even closer until her breath mingled

breathe.” Her voice came out in a whisper,

"Stay. Just a little longer." "It's already nine.

friends a full day of

only tightened his arms and mumbled, "Give me a few more

be, warmth and weight

you this attached? I never noticed

at his mouth. "I

ruffled his hair, dark strands springing up

I have a busy day

you hit the mall with

her head. "That's it.

are you buying?” he asked, still unwilling

New clothes for Mom, and something nice for Grandpa and

note of suspicion

"Nope."

which dress of coat she bought yet this morning he fussed over every hanger she touched,

He gently pried her fingers loose, voice low and flat.

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

behind her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep had scattered, and there was no coaxing

through quiet hallways, and stepped onto

1.

Jon and Elliot off

human!" Conrad shouted, his

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

just called you an idiot with half

burned red. He spun toward the Baroness. “I—I didn't mean

with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and

people, it was Alex-the outcast,

She'd never liked the girl. But seeing Sofina

this one

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

The room fell silent.

she said.

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

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

thousand of you. She's fighting to lift this family

of this family! You think

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

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

That's not what I meant! I just think it's impossible for Sofina

before the fight even started. That's not realism, Beatrix-that's disappointment dressed up as wisdom. And you know

"You're a fool if you think any of this will

deep, mocking sound that filled the room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if

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

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

clenched teeth. "But if Sofina fails, I want

with a half-smile. "Then let's

in too! If I win, I want

raising a brow. "Alright. But

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

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,

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

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

really think you can win this? I've already recorded the bet

said. "I like it when everyone plays

glance at them. She couldn't care less

one thing-whether the Wolfsbane family could actually secure that

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

glancing out the window. "You really think Grandma trusts me with

smirked. "Trust? No.

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

chuckled. "If you want comfort, talk to someone who

"Hey, at least I bet on your victory. Isn't

brow. "You really

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

arms. "And

I'll finally fit right

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

Nikolaus-a machine

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

the wheel. "Maybe it's too

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

can."

him. "You really think this is

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

shook her head, half anxious, half

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

Group's towering headquarters, its glass walls gleaming in

luck," Sofina whispered as the car

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

QUMS

moment, her nerves eased. She wished she could

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

polished god. The idea that the Wolfsbane family—old, fractured, scandal-scarred—could sit at that table felt

a beggar asking a banker

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

like a courtroom-every seat occupied by nobles

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

Group. The

all every one

of them was hono

the same thing: a coffaboration with power.

earth are you doing

Heinrich standing with

lips tightened the way a judge's did before

sentence.

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

mockery. "You? Who the hell are you trying to fool? Even your grandmother couldn't

security drone glided into the room, humming

us to monitor was just shoved by a guest-he forced

me the footage," Alex

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

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

floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers. He

her pick them up.

Heinrich. No matter what I say, he

asked, gently

serious," she

you don't

the feel of paper. I like touching something

hand brushed his chest. "The same

chuckled. "You really are

me, you looked at me like I was more than data in a file. You made me feel alive again. Sometimes I think it'd be better to live

each other as they walked back through the glass

voice cracked the

forward. "What the hell are you doing here? I told you to stay away from

color drained from

chain that

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

stepped forward, placing himself

Alex said. "You're a guest. You

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

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

am? I'm Heinrich Schiller." Heinrich's face went hard." The chairman of Eden Group personally sent me an invitation—said I should run this place. You're a gardener. When I'm finished, you'll be out

arm. "Let's go. Don't give him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes found a nearby

hand. "Mr. Schiller. What an honor

came here to join, yes. But somebody in your place had the

one here would deliberately offend you. If someone attempted to remove you,

"That's the man. Your gardener. He

and spotted Alex in his Eden Group gardener uniform. His brow furrowed. "I've never seen you before. Are you pretending to be one of our employees

know all of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here. And if I

"You seem to forget your place.

I can fire you anytime I want. Now, you've

and beg

the one who tried to throw out another guest, and he doesn't even belong to

idea who Heinrich Schiller is? He's

if he's not joining?" Alex asked

your respect. You're nothing compared to him! Now

shaking his

if you don't!"

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

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

gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter rippled

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

"That gardener's got a name. You know who he

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

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

and turned to

for my attention,

a fool who doesn't know his place. How about

instead? Three bows, and I might

around Alex's arm, her knuckles

make sure everyone in Winchester hears about

I'll have the whole

nothing outcasts. And you know I can make

s

Sofina grabbed him tighter and shook her

was soft but steady. "Let

She met his eyes. "Trust

Sofina stepped forward

hit me, bitch-" He spat the

curse.

God's name do you think

dare you strike Mister Heinrich inside Eden Group! Security robot

hustled Heinrich upright, supporting him with a hand

won't be standing after that her flesh

every syllable a command. "Give her

stood toe-to-toe with Dietrich. "You'd better cancel that order," he said. "Someone's going to get

sneered. "The one who'll get

"Security

his head. "I warned

crowd began to close

she hit Heinrich," someone

know Heinrich's the

another voice

glided forward and ran its routine: ID scan, threat assessment,

flagged a threat to her, an alert

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

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

Any device that touched Sofina reported to Eve first-she was Sofina's guardian in

the previous

robot optical

chest. The shock hit

it, security robot drew an electric whip

cracked and seared; the skin opened, and dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop! Not me

alarm. "Is the Eden security unit

the most

confusion

robot didn't stop until Dietrich had

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

catch up with the chaos

wiped the blood away with the back of his wrist,

he hissed, voice low and venomous.

his hand swinging through

the first time. Heinrich had struck Sofina before-over and over

had endured it, not because she was weak, but because she'd once mistaken her

closed on Heinrich and seized his arm. "Find someone

go of me!" Heinrich

lid. The government cameras watched from every

grip until Heinrich screamed like an animal, pain

hand that felt as if bone and pride

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

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

-

Rosenheim family had just finished presenting their offer - a bid

Eden's favor, to become the next

were

same breath she'd promised Eden that Heinrich would

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

down, and Heinrich bled

with fury. She stormed over

Heinrich? Let him go this instant. How dare you strike

her eyes and released Heinrich's arm. "Calling the police won't help you," he said

true?" Katarina asked

hit my nose." Heinrich

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

still carried real power. The law

punishment could be

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

protected rank, not

most people just

Prussia — power didn't need to

sharp eyes

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

divorce her. Go

have

soft. "I'm doing at this for you and for your Sant Claire family.

hardening his face. "Do you really think the

to you? That everyone just spins around

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

the sound of her voice gave him

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

she'd discovered something she wouldn't

him.

the nights Alex cooked for her, the way he

Heinrich, everything was

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

could take another step, her hand shot out and clamped

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

stop, Alex," Katarina said, every

temper." She stepped closer. "Remember when I made you kneel in the rain for three

as steel. "You're not my wife anymore. I don't owe

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

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

I command you

this bitch!" Katarina

eyes were quiet,

hand tightened on Alex. Sofina caught it in one swift

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

She had been treated like royalty, and

the whispers for

title was bought

they earned their barony by stabbing their

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

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

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

Eden security robot glided between them, its mechanical voice

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

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

violence," the security unit repeated. "Please

robbed, for the

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

out of here," she

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

to give me your body, to destroy

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

Alex could answer, another

interview for the collaboration. Please proceed

froze in surprise. Alex squeezed her hand. “Go,” he

she asked,

Only workers and authorized personnel can access it. These people won't be able to follow." He smiled faintly,

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

poised woman in a tailored suit

been a change in location. Please follow me. Miss Von Adler would like

Von

ma'am. She's expecting

nodded, still dazed, and followed the woman through the long,

Group headquarters.

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

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

It didn't make sense.

long corridor, her heels echoing off

Adler-the legendary chairwoman of Eden Group-rose gracefully from behind

Marlena Von Adler, chairman of Eden Group. It's a pleasure to

She was standing before the most powerful businesswoman in Winchester-someone

she answered,

met

me," she said. "I came to discuss

we work hard.

never disappoint."

to .net

neat folder. "This is the Wolfsbane Group

take a look."

smile and took the file. She opened

few pages, then

said, her voice soft but sure, "I've already reviewed

"Really? You mean... it's approved?" Her words

out.

felt too quick-too easy. She

question, expecting a long negotiation. And yet here

in seconds.

back, her expression

standards. But our founder

she

I know who your founder

founder," she said softly, "is the

Sofina blinked, unsure if she'd

worry. You'll understand when the time comes.

he sees something in you. He believes in you. And that's why he's giving you

had instructed her not to reveal his identity, and she obeyed

shifted the topic with a professional calm. "Now, Miss Scheinwald, according to your proposal, your

nervous. "Yes, that's right," she said, her voice small. "Is... is that

no," she said easily. "In fact, it's less than what we

"What do

founder instructed me to increase the contract value," Marlena said

at one

her breath catching. "One... hundred

repeated, barely believing it.

contract, and slid it across the polished desk

said. "We've already drafted the agreement-one hundred million dollars in total. If you have

the document in disbelief. Her mind spun. Eden

corporations in Winchester-had not

on Finnian's back. "I forbid you from seeing her! If you dare bring

the room. Despite his age, Mr. Everly's arm was still strong; after just a few blows, Finnian's crisp white shirt was already stained

kept shouting, "I'll beat you to death!" and from the look in his

hurried forward and gently caught Mr. Everly's arm, her

glaring at Finnian and gasping

gaze, her expression calm. "You should go. I'll

shot her a long, searching look, then turned

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 completely lost his senses.

fall as he squeezed her hand, his heartbreak almost

felt anymore. Just yesterday, Finnian had confessed his feelings to her; today, he was determined to be with Liliana. Thinking back on the

clear. "Grandpa, there's something I've never told you, but I think you need

"What is it?"

Qu

you thought Finnian cared about me, but the truth is our relationship

nearly said outright that

Everly listened, utterly exhausted, guilt weighing on

for not

l.ne

grandson was at fault. After all the ways Finnian had treated her, how could she possibly like him? For years, it had been Mr. Everly Finself, swallowing

need

nodded. "Rest well, Grandpa. I'll

turning, unable to sleep. Was there truly no hope for Amara and Finnian? He really did care for her, and he'd always dreamed She'd stay with the