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.

"Mr. Watson, I'd like to ask you for a favor," Sebastian said.

Hendrick quickly replied, "Mr. Wilder, there's no need to be so formal. Just tell me what you need."

Hendrick's respect for Sebastian had grown even deeper. Sebastian not only healed his wounds, which saved his life, but also helped him break through his cultivation bottleneck.

It was a debt that Hendrick considered a second chance at life.

Moreover, Sebastian was at least a second grade alchemist, with immeasurable strength to boot. Such a person was worth cultivating a good relationship with.

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

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

"Mr. Wilder, is the woman in the picture your wife?" Abigail asked.

"Yes," Sebastian nodded.

A trace of disappointment flashed in Abigail's eyes. It was hard not to admire a man as exceptional as Sebastian.

Abigail had always been confident in herself, but after seeing the portrait, her confidence wavered-the

woman in the drawing g

easily matching her own beauty. s

Sebastian then explained the circumstances and timing of Fressia's disappearance.

"Don't worry, Mr. Wilder. I'll send people to find her immediately. I'm sure we'll have news soon," Hendrick assured him with conviction.

Then, Sebastian stayed at the chamber, waiting for updates. He also asked

Hendrick to arrange for some people to take care of Jenna.

Additionally, he assigned Brork to protect her in secret.

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

a single word of refusal. He was completely subdued, with no thoughts of escaping.

Meanwhile, at Knott Estate.

"Father, I just can't swallow this humiliation!" HeatheChapter 660

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

Heather replied without hesitation, "Mr. Camden is an outstanding man. Of course I'm willing."

"Alright then. We'll settle this marriage today and then ask the Stonebrook family to deal with that little bastard!" Martin said coldly.

The father and daughter then stepped out to greet their guests.

Meanwhile, the Stonebrook family had arrived in large numbers, bringing an abundance of betrothal gifts.

Leading them was a dignified middle-aged man, Denzel Stonebrook, the head of the Stonebrook family and one of the top powerhouses of the southern region.

Beside him was a young man of about 26 years old. Though his appearance was average, he had an impressive presence; this was Camden Stonebrook, the heir to the Stonebrook family.

"Mr. Denzel, Mr. Camden, your arrival truly graces our humble Knott Estate," Martin said with a flattering smile.

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

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

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

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

to keep staring

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

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

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

Stonebrook family's cultivation resources, her strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds, making it only a matter of time before

secure a place among the four great

Denzel smiled a

"My

not long ago,

first sight for him.

he lost

his appetite and many.

his father, I became anxious, soove brought

Cóntent

clapped his hands, and

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

pill box, though smaller, contained dozens

Stonebrook family's betrothal gifts include 880 thousand gold coins, a box

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

making them extremely scarce in the market. When Martin and Heather heard about the Purification Pills, their eyes lit

Pills could cleanse the body, improve physical constitution, extend life, and greatly enhance a warrior's

constitution, accelerated their training speed, and

Knott, are you satisfied with the Stonebrook family's

satisfied, actually,"

agree to

is a remarkable man. For him to be

the future title of daughter-in-law of the

it for a year later.

Stonebrook, we've recently provoked someone whose strength is formidable

aren't many people who could cause trouble for

interjected, "It's a scoundrel named Sebastian Wilder.

commoner.

fell ill with a strange disease once. Despite consulting many renowned doctors, none could help me. Later, when my illness

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

mind, we can call off the engagement, Mr.

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

don't

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

many people already knew about Sebastian seeing her

herself, she hoped to handle

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

as we got engaged, he

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

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

that scoundrel is very strong. Even my father couldn't defeat him," Heather

years old.

lifespans increase. There are also herbs and

he's in his 20s, but his

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

is

scoffed. "Isn't he just an early-stage divine

Camden's engagement

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

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

reflection, it didn't seem that odd. Although Heather's family background wasn't on

remarkable. The Netherworld Bell test showed her potential at five

with boundless potential and unimaginable

and talent compensated for her comparatively

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

who secretly admired Heather, were equally disheartened, with their hopes seemingly

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

coins from Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast amount

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

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

Sebastian took breaks periodically to rest.

getting engaged tomorrow at

is for me, I assume?" Sebastian

"Yes, you're

more than an attempt to use the Stonebrook family's influence

Wilder, are you planning to

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

said, "Mr. Wilder, I think it's best if you don't go. Martin and Heather both hate you to the core and their invitation is definitely

in agreement. "My father is

right into

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

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

Hendrick warned.

to .net

your concern,

clowns. They're

If they

ie

of the four major families in the southern region, even stronger

Wilder, please listen to us and don't

out for revenge, they'll cook up

confront them sooner rather

and his group approached the entrance of Knott Estate,

dressed in a colorful gown, with a veil partially hiding

there something you need from me?" Sebastian

Sebastian nodded.

plans to kill you at the banquet. Going there now is like walking into a

here just to tell me this?" Sebastian asked with

flatter yourself. I just happened to run into you and thought I'd give you a friendly warning," Kaitlyn

expect you to care so much about me. Could it be that you've fallen for me?"

Kaitlyn scoffed and

"Mr. Wilder, if Ms. Gardner says so, then

your talent, you're destined to become a peerless force

mind is made up. No more

thinking Sebastian was marching to his doom. All they could probably do now was

Knott Estate, the atmosphere was festive

local powerhouse, the Netherworld Sect had shown great respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to personally

the end of today, she would be

his face was beaming. To have Heather a woman both stunning and neredibly

already been seen and touched by Sebastian So the only way to remove that thorn was

Sebastian.

been keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements,

moment, "Mr.

down all the exits once he enters. Make

is in place. He won't be able to get away, even if he sprouts wings," the subordinate

the way,

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

nodded again in

that moment, Sebastian and

here?" Korbin exclaimed

Sebastian about the Stonebrook family's plan,

bastard! You actually had the guts to come. I can't decide if I should praise your bravery or call

exactly a dragon's lair. Why

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

a mocking smile. "Brat, today next

chance. If you kneel down, admit your mistakes, gouge out your own

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

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

because he came to congratulate the couple,

let him live. I can't

present, aside from Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed worried about Sebastian. Despite everything Sebastian had done

your engagement party. Killing

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

and his smile

are you laughing

it. There are so many good women out there. Why on earth did you choose someone as despicable as Heather

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

lost it. This guy

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

third elder, Trey Stonebrrok, and seventh elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking

remained calm and unbothered. "Mr. Camden, don't get angry just yet. Hear me out. I was simply speaking the truth. You

been practicing

cultivation technique, one that

energy

day,

her room, and tried to

"Shut up!"

pale and quickly interrupted Sebastian while snapping,

slandering Heather on purpose.

This guy has slandered

evidence do you have?"

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

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

worry. No matter what he says, I won't

day, I couldn't resist and ended up sleeping with her. But what I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone marrow. Afterward, she threw me off a cliff. If I

laughed angrily. "To slander my woman right in

me. If you don't believe me, you can have her checked.

making it all up! Even if an examination proves

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

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

Whether Sebastian was telling the truth or not, he had to

to verify everything as

as vast and overwhelming as the sea, making it

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

they were also divine grandmasters,

whereas Septimus was a

said, "Camden, I originally thought you had some sense in

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

scratch marks on her chest because I got

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

However, Heather's reaction

leaving everyone stunned. Upon realizing she

Heather

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

fool, and he was

major families of the southern

was a middle-stage divine grandmaster.

his released aura alone made it hard

full of concern, and even Kaitlyn's eyes flashed with worry. But there was little they could do; they

his hand reached out to grasp Sebastian's neck. Just as it seemed he

sound, Septimus'

Septimus let out a pained scream

Sebastian chased him down and grabbed Septimus by the

"What?"

erupted into chaos. Everyone was utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage

was beyond

shocked. Not long ago, Sebastian had participated in the Netherworld Sect's

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

in fury. "I've really underestimated you. If you release Septimus

was equally shocked and enraged, and she yelled, "Sebastian, he's from the Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill him, you won't even have a grave to

Sebastian, his eyes filled with

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

face was hidden,

than he had imagined. He nodded and

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

gouges out his own eyes, and breaks both his hands, I'll spare

gouging out his eyes and breaking his hands

I consider myself rather kind for offering this. This is my bottom line!" Camden declared in

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

some death trap. Why

your strength was so formidable, but

Stonebrook

out your eyes and breaking your

smiled lightly and replied, "Ms.

in the

hard to

to five miserably than to die. IfChapter

wanted to say something, but in

fate worse than death. Rather than living worse than a

slim, at least Sebastian could die

"Septimus!"

members of the Stonebrook family

he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder, how dare

I won't be satisfied

cripple his

order. He was already walking toward Sebastian, his aura

intensified. Every footfall left a deep

be truly unfathomable. He's probably

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

cultivation is? He struck so quickly before; this is definitely going

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Camden shouted, tossing a

the sword and immediately drew it from its

resonated through the air, unleashing a wave of

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

be the Godslayer Blade of the Stonebrook

the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal. As long as one wields

Camden to carry the Godslayer Blade

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

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

here was Sebastian,

unable to bear watching Sebastian's

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

him. This was why she would always instinctively step in

Sebastian's strength far surpassed hers, and he didn't need

to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook family. Not even her entire

of divine grandmaster Trey wielded the Godslayer Blade. As he swung his sword, a blinding white blade aura

instant, the energy within a few miles surged violently, creating an oppressive

cultivation slumped to the ground

aimed to capture Sebastian alive, so his sword's target

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

try and stop the Godslayer Blade

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

"How is this possible?"

widened, filled with shock and disbelief. Everyone present was equally stunned as they were unable to

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

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

slight exertion of his spiritual

if he was

"This sword is not bad. From now

shouted in a mix of anger and panic, clenching his fists

trembled as he pointed at Sebastian. "You actually dared to kill two of

"Either kill or be killed. If you think you can kill me, I can also kill you. It's your turn

I'm warning you. I'm the heir to the Stonebrook family. Do you dare to kill

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

a pair of idiots. You two really are

idiot! Your whole family is!" Heather shouted angrily

you still dare to shout

plan to kill

was both angry and afraid as he said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will never let you go. Not just you, but everyone you

person. If you send two, I'll kill both of them.

the end, his

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

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

full of yourself! Our family has

come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then, we might let you live.

in a grave, you won't be

you dare!" Camden

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

disdain. He took a step forward, releasing an

on everyone present. Those

the grandmasters struggled to remain

Kill him!" Camden commanded

terror, they had no choice but to obey Camden. Gritting their teeth, they

fray. Instead, he used

boom, and the grandmasters coughed out blood as they were sent flying. Before they even hit the

Stonebrook family had been wiped out in

cake. The sheer

was terrifying.

to the ground, and her face became

Martin rushed toward Heather.

the air,

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

happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the weight of judgment through the boutique's high-ceilinged

the tight bun at the back of

away did Elodie finally breathe. Relief spread through her limbs like warm water, leaving her

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

Ivy hadn't stepped between danger and the child, the day would have ended in chaos or

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

small, practiced smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly

should be the one thanking you," he replied, voice

of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte card. Holding it up, he

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

all knew each ensemble Ivy had chosen started at well over

fingers hovered around the card, uncertainty flickering

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

understand why Jonathan wanted an entire rack of adult

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

off, sweeping the garments from velvet

other employees watched, envy

this large could cover the down payment

more.

why Jonathan was

guided

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

over eight million." s

would never have taken a job at a

firm as bedrock. "I'm buying

Nathaniel. When he offered no objection, she

at the numbers in disbelief.

us." Ivy presented the card with both hands, as though returning a crown

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

set the receipt

magician, he indicated a slate-gray wool blazer on the mannequin. "Consider this my gift, he said, oice

to whatever gentleman

her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't,

apairof

in his low, effortless baritone. “You protected Jon today. Compared with that, a

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

shadows, arms loaded with crisp shirts,

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

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

knows Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would never check up on this, so the

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

to buy clothes for

like a sky before

"Dad, Mom actually asked me to purchase a suit a while back. I'm pretty sure

fib, it was only because Vivian's

Nathaniel, Jonathan appeared more like an

delegate adult shopping to a

figured

blinked, performing innocent

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

expected to be exposed so fast, and the realization sent a

“Are you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could study

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

clothes for me and Elliot, but none for you. She skipped you completely. That proves she doesn't value you," Jon announced, brutally direct in the way only children

snapped shut.Am I showing it that

exactly where did you

printed across your face, Dad.” Jon

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

restroom door stayed shut

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

in the corridor, she almost collided with Jonathan and

noticed the bodyguard trailing behind them, arms loaded

two been? And what on

intent on inspecting the loot,

he said smoothly. "Holiday tokens, nothing

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

I was starting

Jonathan gaped, utterly bewildered. When have I ever been

and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding flashed

carrying the

I've been skimping on water

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

doctor, all right? You're far too little

carried a child, nursed him through colic and fevers, knows how a single twitch of discomfort in that

heat rush to his cheeks until his whole face burned as

merely confessed the problem, never imagining the confession would

been ages since Cecilia had

I drink

been the model child,

unwilling to yield. "That won't do. Maybe we

the way surgeons announce

daddy. Of all lies you could invent, you picked

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

boy and a glimmer of amused apology for the mess

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

they reached home, a courier stood at the gate like a summoned genie,

you're not sure how to

the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping

battlefield. He shook his head so hard his

I can manage on my

handle anything." She ruffled his hair, every gesture brimming with

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

to the bathroom with you," she said, voice low and

"Okay."

box like contraband and bolted down the hallway toward the

fruit. He watched his brother's retreating and, though he didn't quite know

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

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

pressed 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

exaggerated burst of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on," she said, "let's try the outfits we just bought today, shall

Mommy, you have to take tons of super-cool photos of

in bright cascading layers. One by one, she handed them to the excited

photoshoot ended, she pinged the piChapter

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

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

often to check on the children

by little, life seemed to

children be able to come back for

her priorities were pulled

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

can. Your grandpa and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany replied, her delight practically shimmering through

while longer, then

Elliot collapsed onto their beds, fast asleep within

only Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the distant tick

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

"Ceci."

in surprise. "What

we're doing

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

eyes.

full weight of his displeasure sit plainly on his face. Cecilia finally read the room. Something inside

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

a single step closer, the scent of cedar from his

she could

arms swept

possessive motion,

against his chest, as though

really have

out rough, velvet-edged with gravel, every

fanned over her cheek. Color flared across Cecilia's face. Her blush deepened as she tried to twist

let me go! If Elliot or Jonathan walks

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

married people holding each other?

babies? They're only six-maybe

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

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

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

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

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

finger brushing

"Hmm?"

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

Her proud, composed husband

she could suppress it. "Of course, the kids outrank you. I risked my

storm gathering

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

break for it, then sprang up and covered the distance in

the panel, his voice low and teasing. "Why lock me out? Are you

door. "There are plenty of spare rooms in

With a gentle shove, he

latch clicked, the deadbolt turned,

against the windows, but inside, heat pooled between

light, snow glare slicing through the curtains and painting the room

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

curiosity made her trace a finger over that faint roughness, then lower to the soft curve of

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

fluttered open, hazy with

drawing her even closer until her breath mingled

voice came out in a whisper,

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

a

"Give me a

be, warmth and weight

were you this attached? I never

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

and ruffled his hair, dark strands springing up

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

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

her head.

are you buying?” he asked, still

clothes for Mom, and something nice for Grandpa

His tone carried a note of suspicion

"Nope."

never shown the slightest interestin which dress of coat she bought yet this morning he fussed over every hanger she touched, as if color and

the heartbeat. He gently pried her fingers loose, voice

heaviness under the words but misread the cause. He just hates it when I leave too quickly. With that familiar assumption, she let the moment pass and walked

smaller once the door clicked shut behind her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like

quiet hallways, and stepped

1.

had spirited Jon and

brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking

complete fool like Alex could think the Wolfsbane family had

"Baroness Wolfsbane," he called. "Conrad here just called you an idiot with half

pale, then burned red. He

trembled on the table. Her face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his

Alex-the outcast, the family

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

this one had

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

The room fell silent.

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

arms, flashing Beatrix a smug grin that made her blood

-try all you want. When you fail-and you

of you. She's fighting to lift this family up, while you

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

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

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

flinched and waved her hands fast. "No! That's not what I meant! I just think it's impossible for Sofina to make that deal, that's all!

dangerous. "No, you're not being realistic-you're being a coward. You've already surrendered before the fight even started. That's not realism, Beatrix-that's disappointment dressed up as wisdom. And you know what they say: hell's full of the

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

deep, mocking sound that filled the room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if she does succeed? Want to make

You think I'm scared? Name

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

"But if Sofina fails, I want both of you

half-smile. "Then let's see

too! If I win,

his gaze on her, raising a

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

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

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

me in too," Felicia said. "If you

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

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

"I

even glance at them. She couldn't care less about their childish

Wolfsbane family could

nonsense." She roared. "Sofina, you have three days

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

"Trust? No. Desperation?

a look. "That's supposed to

want comfort, talk to someone who hasn't met this family." Sofina rolled

at least I bet

really think this bet will prove

show who's got guts and who's

arms. "And what if

I'll finally fit right in with

next morning, Sofina sat in the passenger seat, clutching a thick file of proposals she'd spent the

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

the car's polished hood, “we

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

Your grandmother and mother wouldn't dare

can."

at him. "You really

sign, Sofina. We're on our way up.

head, half anxious, half amused. "I wish I had

"You've got me. That's enough. Come on, Sofina. Shoot

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

whispered as the car

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

QUMS

laugh. For a moment, her nerves eased. She wished she

something empty out inside

The idea that the Wolfsbane family—old, fractured, scandal-scarred—could

Eden to partner with them was like a beggar asking a banker

She'd accepted the challenge in

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

their voices low but tense, each waiting for their turn

Group. The sight said

all every one

of them was hono

same thing: a coffaboration

you doing

turned and found Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim, both

tightened the way a judge's did before

sentence.

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

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

a security drone glided into the room, humming softly as

guest-he forced her out into the entrance area. Do you want us to

me the

the recording. Heinrich's hand clamped around Sofina's arm,

on his gloves, and strode out

found Sofina crouched on the floor, gathering a pile of scattered

her

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

you?" Alex asked, gently lifting her

nothing serious,"

you don't

faintly. "Maybe. But I like the feel of

"The

"You

that," she said softly. "You cooked for me, you looked at me like I was more than data in a file. You made me feel alive again. Sometimes

walked back through the glass

voice

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

color drained

invisible chain that still tied her to

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

stepped forward, placing himself between Sofina and

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

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

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

Group personally sent me an invitation—said I should run this place. You're a gardener. When I'm finished,

"Let's go. Don't give him anything. He brings

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

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

here would deliberately offend

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

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

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

to forget your place. I'm Dietrich Wedell,

Resources. I can fire you anytime I want.

Schiller-apologize. Kneel and beg for

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

you have any idea who Heinrich Schiller is? He's one of the brightest minds

he's not joining?" Alex asked

if he doesn't, he deserves your respect. You're nothing compared to him!

said calmly, shaking his

fired if you don't!"

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

to me. Three kowtows, then maybe I'll let you stay in this

crowd started to gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter rippled through them

jeered. "A gardener trying to stand up

gardener's got a name. You

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

that Alex? The walking mistake of Winchester? No

and turned to

desperate for my

husband's a fool who doesn't

instead? Three bows, and

hand tightened around Alex's

sure everyone in Winchester hears about this. You have offended Heinrich

I'll have

back on you-even the Wolfsbane name you'll be nothing

s

grabbed him tighter and shook her head.

soft but steady. "Let me

face. She

stepped forward

face was red as a boil. "You hit me, bitch-" He spat the

curse.

you think you're doing,

robot - fetch her, give her twenty

supporting him with a hand at the small of his

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

Heinrich said, every syllable a command.

stood toe-to-toe with Dietrich. "You'd better cancel that order,"

"The one who'll get

jabbed his communication bracelet. "Security — attend. Punish

his head. "I warned

crowd began

dare she hit Heinrich,"

you know Heinrich's

her!" another

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

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

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

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

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

network. "Override the previous command. Secure Dietrich and give him twenty

robot optical sensors swung

chest. The shock hit

process it, security robot drew an electric whip from a holster and

blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air.

from triumph to alarm. "Is

most advanced,"

ripple of confusion moved through

stop until

kicked him out, shoving him

struggling to catch up with the

staggered upright, one hand clutching his bleeding nose. He wiped the blood

hissed, voice low and

toward her, his hand

time. Heinrich had struck

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

on Heinrich and seized his arm. "Find

slave — let go of me!"

temper under a hard lid.

until Heinrich screamed like

a hand that felt as if bone and pride

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

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

-

Rosenheim family had just finished presenting their offer - a bid to replace

the

they were

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

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

Heinrich down, and Heinrich

with fury. She stormed over and

Let him go this instant. How dare you strike him until he bleeds-I'll call

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

true?" Katarina

was Sofina. She hit

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

carried real

noble, the punishment could be death. If

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

protected rank,

a noble struck a commoner, most people just accepted it. That was

power

sharp eyes to

Alex. 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 later

I won't divorce her. Go ahead and

have to be

this for you and for your Sant Claire family.

her, disbelief hardening his face.

everyone

already a blessing that I'm even willing to marry you.

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

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

discovered something she wouldn't

him.

her - the nights Alex cooked for her, the way he shielded her from the world, how he cared for her

was cold and transactionaChapter

He didn't want to

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

at him, fierce and cold, while his other arm

to stop, Alex," Katarina said, every word

lose my temper." She stepped closer. "Remember when I made you kneel in the rain for three days and nights? You think I won't do it

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

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

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

command

bitch!"

stepped in front of Alex without hesitation. Her eyes were quiet,

Sofina caught it

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

treated like royalty, and she'd made sure others

the whispers

Rosenheim title was

their barony by stabbing their own marquis, the

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

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

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

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

Eden Group property,"

flashed. The would-be attackers

security unit repeated.

stood there, red-faced and unmoored robbed, for the

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

here," she said, pulling him

Katarina's voice cracked like a whip. "You always talked about love! You said you loved

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

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

answer, another android glided

said smoothly, "this is your scheduled interview for the collaboration. Please proceed to Meeting Room 01. I can escort you if you are unfamiliar with the

froze in surprise. Alex squeezed her hand.

about you?" she

These people won't be able to follow." He

Alex," Sofina whispered, then followed the android down the corridor. The robot stopped at a glass door and bowed slightly. "Please wait here. The person in charge will arrive shortly." It turned and glided away, leaving her

later, the door opened and a poised woman in a tailored

so sorry—there's been a change in location. Please follow me. Miss Von Adler would like to

blinked. "Miss Von Adler?

She's

followed the woman through the long,

of Eden Group

Von Adler-the most powerful

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

It didn't make sense.

assistant through the long corridor, her

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

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

standing before the most powerful

she answered, but she kept

met

time to see me," she said. "I came to discuss the collaboration proposal. I know the Wolfsbane Group isn't as large or as

we

never disappoint."

to .net

folder. "This is the Wolfsbane

take a look."

smiled—a calm, knowing smile and

few pages,

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

mean...

out.

quick-too easy. She had spent weeks

expecting a long negotiation. And yet here

in seconds.

her expression unreadable but

meet our usual standards. But our founder hold's your very nigh regard. He personally requested this

"Your founder?" she asked,

I know who

into a faint smile. “Our founder," she said softly, "is the most handsome man I've

blinked, unsure

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

he sees something in you. He believes in you.

weight. Alex had instructed her not to reveal his identity, and she obeyed without

calm. "Now, Miss Scheinwald, according to your

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

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

frowned slightly. "What do you

to increase the contract value," Marlena

wants it set at

eyes widened, her breath catching. "One... hundred million?"

repeated, barely believing it.

a crisp contract, and slid it across the polished desk

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

in disbelief. Her mind spun. Eden

powerful corporations in Winchester-had

down hard on Finnian's back. "I forbid you from seeing her! If

crack of the cane echoing through the room. Despite his age, Mr. Everly's arm was still strong; after just a few blows, Finnian's crisp white shirt was already stained with blood,

He kept shouting, "I'll beat you to death!"

Everly's arm, her voice soft but

gasping for

met his gaze, her expression calm. "You should go. I'll talk to Grandpa," she

long, searching look, then turned and walked

to collapse into grief. He clutched Amara's hand, his voice breaking. "Ama, Finnian's out of his mind.

as he squeezed her hand,

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

something I've never

"What is it?"

Qu

that because you thought Finnian cared about me, but the truth is our relationship has never

was gentle but firm. She nearly said outright that she had no

listened, utterly exhausted,

couldn't blame Amara for

l.ne

it had been Mr. Everly Finself, swallowing his pride and pushing for them to be together-he knew that

tired. I need to

well, Grandpa. I'll see myself

lay in bed, tossing and 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 Everly family become Finian's wife. But now, after what she'd said-and with Finman acting the

dwell on it, and finally closed

Amara found Finnian still in the living room. He'd changed

Chapter 365

Share to your friends

facebook sharing button

twitter sharing button

reddit sharing button

whatsapp sharing button

telegram sharing button

sharethis sharing button

briefly before looking away, steeling herself as

But Finnian spoke up. "Let

"That's not necessary-"

talk to you,"

rest between them. She nodded, walked out to his car, and let

this can't be real," she

thought of her grandmother, who had dreamed of a collaboration

with such generosity. Now they weren't

had been given a

shook slightly as she looked up at Marlena,

and awe.

you,” she whispered.

was a deal, every touch a performance. He was

been different. Quiet. Loyal. Predictable in the best way - a man who didn't need

losing that

a crisis, she thought bitterly. It's the ordinary days that

the empty mornings, the silence at dinner, the ache of realizing

out of

"Alex, I'm warning you! Kneel — and come back

lucky to have my attention Start kneeling, sweetheart. Maybe I'let your husband keep his job. And if you take off your clothes while you're at

moment, everything went

smiled. Not

could blink, her fist shot forward and cracked across

landed square on his

Heinrich stumbled back, clutching his

the crowd gasped.

u are."

about business. We both know why you're here. You came chasing my

of Katarina's sight you're fucking pathetic

entrance like a man hauling out

in here

over."

the ground, landing on her backside as the folder burst open, papers scattering across the

sure you take care

Elysia and Lucian would end up together. What mattered was that she could finally pull herself out of the pain Dorian had caused her and start living for herself again.

quietly after she got back. A few days later, Liliana set the

standing side by side in front of a house. Liliana's arm was looped through Finnian's, her face

he was the CEO-no, now the Chairman

to have you." It looked almost

it feel so

their relationship, speculation they'd get married someday. But the Everly Group had never acknowledged

issue a statement, they didn't try to take down Liliana's post either. Their

was suddenly flooded with messages, all

film set. The moment she walked on, people flocked around her, eager to curry favor. Some even joked

like this. Maintaining her

?

people whispered behind her back, saying she'd forced Finnian to stay by her side with her life on the line.

But so what?

the only woman in Finnian's life. When that day came, these same people would rush to curry her favor all

her dressing room, Liliana hadn't been there long before Hogan appeared. “Hey, I heard you had a rough time a few days

a week in the hospital after his accident, and another few days recovering at home. Now he was back on

softly. "I'm alright. Things were tough for a while, but it's over now. How about you? Are you feeling

to eat well and get my strength back," Hogan replied casually,

wasn't his first time in Liliana's dressing room. He'd always gotten along well with her, and they'd even had dinner together

Liliana, Hogan had been the only

a master at hiding her emotions. Even if she was uncomfortable, she'd never let it show. She chatted with Hogan as

easy grace. After a few meaningless exchanges, he cut the conversation short. "I'm heading out. Let's

"sis- in-law." She couldn't tell if he'd

didn't falter. "Alright, go home and get some rest. If you're not feeling well, call

brow furrowed, thoughts tangled up

he spotted Amara coming

time he ran into her unexpectedly, her beauty still took him

strode over to her, blurting out, "You know Finnian and

brought this up.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255