Under the Veil I Rule

Chapter 457: Chapter 483 Wang Hu Confirms His Love

Xiao Hong felt that something was suspicious. She was ambiguous, certainly having committed a serious mistake. Wang Hu should not be dragged into it. Wang Hu nodded; he thought the same.

Bai Fanglan was both ashamed and angry, almost to the point of bursting with rage. But she couldn’t leave in a huff and kneeled before him, choking up, "What’s the point in discussing past events? I promise this will be the last time I trouble you. Please don’t be so heartless; consider the child we lost..."

Xiao Hong interrupted her, "Hasn’t Wang Hu compensated you? Everything has a limit. Once it’s too much, it’s fake. You’re not disabled. You’re healthy, young, and have a college education. What’s so difficult about finding a job? You simply don’t want to work hard yourself and want easy money, but how is that possible?"

"Shut up," Bai Fanglan shouted angrily, "Who asked you to mind our business? Matters between Wang Hu and me are not yours to interfere with!"

Xiao Hong slightly frowned and became silent.

Wang Hu said, "Xiao Hong is right; I won’t help you find a job. If you want to kneel, you can just keep kneeling."

After saying this, he took Xiao Hong’s hand and walked away quickly. Xiao Hong’s entire arm felt stiff, and turning back, she glanced at Bai Fanglan left crying on the spot, then at Wang Hu.

Wang Hu chuckled, "Stop looking. No matter what happens to that woman, I won’t care."

"Hmm, but you’re still holding my hand."

"Is it wrong for me to hold your hand?"

Xiao Hong blushed, "But... but you said it was fake."

"It’s real now. Can I really hold your hand now?" Wang Hu smiled as he looked at her.

Xiao Hong lowered her head, rarely shy.

Wang Hu said, "I need to ask for your forgiveness. I’ve been divorced because I was immature in handling emotions and lacked empathy, like a wooden post, which hurt some people."

"I also dated before, but we broke up due to personality differences," she was quick to say, "Those romantic things aren’t suitable for us soldiers; we’ll be a fitting pair. Don’t ask about the past, but cherish the present!"

Though Wang Hu had a cold temperament, he was quite lenient with his own, giving Xiao Hong confidence that she’d have a good life with him.

Wang Hu laughed out loud, deciding to forget the pretensions. Together, they walked hand in hand.

Thus, Xiao Hong, once just helping out, became truly involved in the relationship, though Wang Hu’s parents weren’t aware.

A few days later, Wang Hu’s father’s lung examination results came out, just a minor inflammation from excessive smoking, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Mrs. Wang resolutely banned his smoking and incidentally pressed Wang Hu to finalize the marriage plans.

Both families highly approved, hastily setting their wedding for New Year’s Day, intending to relocate quickly. Otherwise, in such a remote area, how could Xiao Hong be pregnant? The parents were worried.

Thinking it over, Wang Hu agreed; he had been away long enough.

Things were joyous in their circle, but Bai Fanglan was miserable. Pleading with Wang Hu yielded no results, so she sought out other acquaintances. However, her grandfather, now retired, led these people to be extremely perfunctory towards her. Furthermore, Bai Fanglan’s affairs had become widely known, making hospitals reject her due to her poor medical skills.

Soon after her expulsion, she was forcibly discharged and returned home, only to find Bai Chuan had prepared a purchased train ticket for her.

Infuriated to the point of liver pain, Bai Fanglan bit her lip, "Grandfather, are you really giving me no way out? Just driving me away like this?"

Bai Chuan sighed, "It’s for your own good! Staying here no longer holds any meaning. I’m getting old, truly cannot withstand the stress anymore. Don’t worry; every month when my salary comes, I’ll send you fifty bucks."

Bai Fanglan coldly laughed, standing up abruptly, "Fine! Since you dislike me so much, I’ll leave! You’ll get your wish!"

She returned to her room and slammed the door.

Bai Chuan shook his head and went to care for his great-granddaughter. The child was pitiable; Bai Fanglan never cared while working, and even now unemployed, she remained indifferent.

The next morning, Bai Chuan woke up to find Bai Fanglan’s room in disarray. Everything was thrown about, yet she was gone.

Bai Chuan was puzzled; what happened? Then on the table, he found a letter.

Bai Fanglan said she’s left, gone south to find work, aiming to return once successful. The child was left for Bai Chuan to care for temporarily. Besides her jewelry and savings, she also took four thousand bucks from Bai Chuan’s drawer.

Bai Fanglan left in a fit of anger, refusing to believe she wouldn’t succeed! She vowed to get revenge! Against everyone who looked down on her and ignored her!

Bai Chuan worried, struggling to catch his breath, almost fainting. What on earth is Bai Fanglan trying to do!

The child from the next room cried out loudly, and Bai Chuan couldn’t neglect her, so he went to take care of her. Seeing her dark, gaunt face, Bai Chuan sighed deeply too, poor child. No father, and a mother who’s always negligent.

Bai Chuan’s previous grand ambitions were wiped away, leaving him with only taking care of the child daily.

Meanwhile, Sun Chan’s situation gradually returned to calm. Yuan Bing, due to his indecency and attempt at intentional homicide at their camp, faced serious charges. Coupled with Gu Junming’s thorough investigation, a raft of Yuan Bing’s business misconducts came to light.

Including tax evasion, engineering fraud, and bribery, among others, these evidences ensured Yuan Bing likely wouldn’t come out for life. People all around talked about it extensively, mostly cursing Yuan Bing and Bai Fanglan, some discussing Sun Chan.

Zhuang Lin was jumping up and down vigorously, but her husband knew and suppressed her decisively.

Later, the camp erupted with another scandal, overshadowing this one. It turned out Liu Gang secretly wrote reports, intending to falsely accuse Gu Junming!Chapter 645

Timothy shrieked in pain and turned in the direction where the branch had come from. His eyes were filled with fury as he asked, "Who ambushed me?"

There were only trees in sight, and nobody was there. Mad and flabbergasted, Timothy knew that the attacker was strong. A person who could pierce through his palm and then a tree with a branch must be a divine grandmaster.

Hence, he hurriedly summoned his ride-Hurricane Eagle. When Hurricane Eagle arrived, he jumped on it in a hurry and escaped.

Kaitlyn sighed in relief and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your help, sir. Please step out so I can thank you in person."

Obviously, she wasn't going to receive an answer. Just then, Sebastian walked out of the forest next to her. Thinking that the hidden expert had revealed themselves, Kaitlyn twirled around and found Sebastian instead.

"It's you? Why are you still here?"

"Didn't you ask me to be your pretext? I can't leave just like that," Sebastian said.

"Aren't you afraid that I'm going to kill you?" Kaitlyn said dangerously.

Smiling, Sebastian shook his head. "You would have killed me already if you wanted to. Why did you wait until now?"

"It's because you still have some use. Once you lose your value, I'll kill you," she said coldly.

Sebastian smirked without a word. Finally, he realized that Kaitlyn was a kind person. She was tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Although she kept saying she'd kill him, she never meant it.

"I'm returning to the sect. Don't forget your promise earlier to help me find that old man within a month. If you can't do it, I swear I'll kill you," Kaitlyn uttered and left.

"Hang on," Sebastian stopped her.

"What else?" she asked, looking back at him.

"Do you know how to leave this world?" Sebastian implored.

Besides the advanced third stage technique, this was currently his other big concern. Many people were waiting for him and they must be worried since he had been missing for such a long time He must

find his way back as soon as

possible.

s

"Leave this world?" Confusion was written all over Kaitlyn's face. "I have no idea

what you're talking about. I'm going now if there's nothing else."

Sebastian nodded and left the spot as well because he could sense people heading this way at a high speed. They must be the experts from Netherworld Sect who had heard squads of the fight from earlier. s

He planned to make a trip to Holton and find out from a few more people about ways to leave this world.

Unbeknownst to him, a young man was leading a group of people to Jenna's house. His name was Sean Knott, Martin's nephew and Heather's cousin.

With a loud bang, Sean kicked and broke the wooden door before marching into the yard aggressively. "Sebastian Wilder, get out here!"

Jenna and Fressia rushed out after hearing the commotion. "Who are you?"

Sean's mouth opened to say something, but he suddenly saw Fressia and was smitten by her beauty. "What a gorgeous woman! Are you Sebastian Wilder's wife?"

"Yes. Do you know my husband?" Fressia asked.

"Damn it. That bastard is really lucky to marry such a beautiful woman." Sean's face was full of jealousy. "Where's SebastianChapter 646

Upon Sean's command, a group of hitmen charged at Jenna and Fressia. One of them kicked Jenna so hard that he broke her legs, then they rained punches and kicks on her.

"Jenna! Stop it!" Fressia wanted to save Jenna, but she was helpless and couldn't even save herself.

A few men dragged her into the house. Despite having cultivation, she didn't know how to put it to good use.

"Remove all her clothes! I'll be the first, and the rest of you can queue up after me." Sean was losing patience, starting to undress after stepping into the house.

Fressia was so scared that she turned pale. She pleaded with them miserably, but they had no compassion at all. Instead, they were even more excited.

Lying in the yard, Jenna didn't even have the strength to get up. Besides cursing loudly, there was nothing else she could do.

Although the neighbors heard the commotion, they didn't dare to stick their noses into this because someone recognized that these people were from the Knott Estate.

...

Holton was a bustling city, and the streets were full of people. Suddenly,

hoofbeats echoed from the front. It turned out that a carriage was out of control, rampaging on the street. Terrified, the pedestrians jumped out of the way in panic.

Sebastian stood at the side of the road as well, but a little girl's cries in the middle of the road caught his attention.

Seeing that the carriage was about to hit her, the little girl froze on the spot in fright and continued crying. Without hesitation, Sebastian stood in front of her in a flash and placed a palm on the horse's head.

The big and tall horse fell from the huge impact, flipping the carriage to the side as well.

"Ah!" A woman in the carriage shrieked, and two people dashed out of the carriage.

They were a middle-aged man and a gorgeous young lady. The moment she stood up, she turned to Sebastian and said in a huff, "How dare you flip our carriage! The nerve of you!"

"I did it to save a life." Sebastian pointed at the little girl.

When the young lady wanted to say some more, the middle-aged man stopped her. "Abigail, it's alright. He didn't do it on purpose. Moreover, we almost hit someone earlier."

"How are you doing, Father?" the young lady, Abigail Watson, asked in concern.

"I'm fine. I can still take it." The middle-aged man seemed frail and left with Abigail's help.

"You're in a terrible condition now. If you don't receive treatment on time, you'll pass away in half an hour," Sebastian said.

"How dare you cure my father!" Abigail was enraged.

Sebastian chuckled softly. "I'm merely telling the truth. Your father sustained a hidden injury when he was younger and has been dragging it way too long. It's a miracle he's alive until now." s

that

ghat

"How do you know that my father has a hidden injury from his early years? Who are you?" Abigail asked warily.

"I'm a doctor. Your father's illness is clearly written on his face, and I can tell with just a look," Sebastian explained proudly.

"Since you're so amazing, do you have a way to treat it?" she asked with a hopeful face.

All these years, they had visited

many famous doctors and even

whonet

asked help of the

the help of the alchemist

from

fort

otherworld Sect, button

avail.

s

"It's a piece of cake to me. He'll be as good as new with one pill," Sebastian answered.

Abigail grabbed his arm anxiously. "What pill is that? Let me have it! I promise to

pay you handsomely as long as it can save my father."

"The pill is very precious," Sebastian explained.

"That's not a problem. My father isChapter 647

"Do you know how to leave this world?" Sebastian asked.

"Leave this world?" Abigail wore a look of confusion.

Hendrick Watson suddenly interjected, "Mr. Wilder, do you mean leaving Coreland?"

"Do you know about it?" Sebastian was exhilarated. His biggest fear was that no one knew about it.

"So, the records in the ancient books are real! Honestly, I didn't know about it. I've only seen some records in an ancient book," Hendrick explained.

"Where's the ancient book?" Sebastian asked anxiously.

"Wait a minute. I'll ask someone to bring it." Then, Hendrick ordered a worker to bring the ancient book.

Hendrick soon found the part where Coreland was recorded. After checking it carefully, Sebastian finally found a clue. "The Abyss!"

If the records were accurate, the way out of Coreland was through The Abyss.

"Mr. Wilder, The Abyss is a death zone. Anyone who goes in there will die. Don't act recklessly," Hendrick advised.

Abigail nodded in agreement. "Yes. The Abyss is one of the three forbidden areas. For thousands of years, no one has walked out of there alive.

"The records in the ancient book may not be correct. I think it's just a myth. It's impossible to have another world. That's all nonsense."

Sebastian merely smiled without a reply, feeling even more confident that The Abyss was the exit. Although it was a forbidden area, he had to take the risk in order to get back and only after he obtained the advanced stage three technique.

The stage three technique must be within the doors of Netherworld Sect. There were three ways to get it. The first method was very straightforward robbing.

With his strength, not even a thousand men from the Netherworld Sect were his opponent. In spite of that, it was ethically wrong to rob so brazenly.

The second method was stealing. Although it was also ethically wrong, it was slightly better than robbing.

Last but not least was trading. He had the techniques for the first and second transformations. They would probably agree if he traded one of them with them.

Sebastian was a man of his word. He asked Abigail to get him a brush and paper and wrote dozens of herbs in one shot.

These were the herbs needed to produce the Ultimate Nourishing Pill. This pill could strengthen the body and increase the cultivation. In the meantime, it could also heal injuries.

As the largest commerce

association in the county, the Holton Chamber of Commerce had all sorts of herbs. Some herbs had a different name as the ones in the surface world but

dese after Sebas

Abigail

knew which ones he meant.

belongs to s

After the herbs were prepared, he started making the pill right away. The chamber

of commerce had a place dedicated to making pills, and there was also a mini

Spirit Gathering Formation.

Beneath the cauldron was magma,

which could save a lot of energy

during the refining process. In addition, Sebastian's cultivation had greatly increased, so it didn't the him at af to refine the Ultimate

Nourishing Pill. s

In less than half an hour, it was ready. Hendrick was stunned when Sebastian presented the pills to him.

"Goodness, this is a second-grade medication. I didn't expect that you're a second-grade alchemist, Mr. Wilder. It's an honor to meet you." Hendrick politely bowed down low toward him, full of respect.

The way Abigail looked at Sebastian took a change as well, her eyes filled with admiration. There was even an odd light in her eyes, and her face blushed unwittingly.

"Are second-grade alchemists amazing?" Sebastian asked, puzzled.

As there were only a handful of alchemists in Coreland, he never found out his alchemy level.

Hendrick replied, "Of course, they are. It's incredibly rare to find an alchemist, and every one of them are very noble.

"All bigger sects and families are spending a lot of money to recruit them, and they enjoy generous benefits if they work for the royalties.

"Furthermore, second-grade alchemists are even harder to find. The head alchemist of Netherworld Sect is their fourth great-elder, Bertha Erikson. She's a second-grade alchemist."

"There's only one third-grade alchemist in Starfire Empire, and he's the imperial chaplain. His status is high, and even the king has to respect him," Abigail added.Chapter 648

Now that Sebastian already knew where the advanced stage three technique was and the way back home, he planned to return home and explain everything to Fressia.

Before he even reached the door, he already sensed something amiss. The door was missing, and pieces of wood were scattered around.

His instinct told him that there was trouble, so he bolted over as fast as he could.

Upon entering the yard, he saw blood on the ground, and the unease in his heart amplified.

"Jenna! Fressia!" he shouted while dashing into the house.

One of the rooms was a complete mess, and there were also bloodstains. There was even a large hole on the roof.

"Jenna! Freesia!" He dashed back to the yard and continued shouting their names, but nobody answered.

Hence, he utilized his spiritual senses. The next second, he turned to the haystacks nearby and was over there in a flash. Parting aside a bunch of dry weed, he found Jenna.

Her face was covered in blood, and her breathing was barely noticeable. She already slipped into a deep coma, and her life was hanging on a thread.

Hurriedly, Sebastian pressed his palm against her and injected his spiritual energy into her to treat her injuries.

His spiritual energy had strong healing effects. In seconds, Jenna's breathing gradually stabilized, and she slowly opened her eyes.

"You're back, Sebastian." Jenna's voice was very weak, but her expression took a great change the next second. "Sebastian, run! The men from Knott Estate want to kill you!"

"Don't worry, Jenna. They can't do anything to me. Tell me what happened. Where's Fressia?" Sebastian implored anxiously.

Although he and Fressia were from different camps and were even enemies, they were husband and wife before she recovered her memories, and they have feelings for each other.

"I don't know where she is, either." Jenna briefly told him what happened.

The men dragged Fressia into the room with indecent intentions, but Jenna had

no idea what happened later. There was a fight, and then, she heard a loud bang.

Jenna was in the yard and only heard someone saying, "After her!"

Afterward, everything was quiet.

Later, she crawled into the house, dragging her exhausted body, but there was nobody inside. All she saw was a hole on the roof Worried that the men from the Knott Estate would return, she hid between the haystacks and passed out unwittingly. s

"Martin and Heather Knott, I'll make sure you die a horrible death!" Sebastian clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming coldChapter 649

"Don't cry, and rest assured, Jenna. I won't strike unless I'm confident, but I can promise you that I'll bring Fressia home," Sebastian assured.

Time was crucial in saving a life, not to mention that Fressia was gorgeous. In the hands of those inhumane men, it wasn't hard to imagine the torture she'd have to go through in their hands.

Therefore, she must be saved as quickly as possible. Any minute later meant that she would suffer more.

For now, Jenna's condition was stabilized. Unfortunately, her legs were broken. Even after Sebastian had given her an Ultimate Nourishing Pill, she'd still need a few days to recover.

Sebastian was ready to return Jenna to the room and then save Fressia when he heard sounds of hooves from outside the door. He looked outside and saw dust rolling as a group of stocky bandits headed toward his house on galloping horses while carrying weapons in their hands.

The chief was a tall and burly skinhead. With a chubby face and eyes as big as golf balls, he looked ferocious and intimidating.

At the sight of them, Jenna's face fell. "Oh, no! They're the bandits from Mount Blitzen, and their chief is Brork Gantz. Run, Sebastian!"

In this world, many bandits claimed mountainous areas to be the chiefs, and Mount Blitzen was the closest bandit lair to this village.

To the kind and innocent villagers, bandits were more terrifying than the nobles. Although the nobles would also intimidate them and even steal the virginities of brides, they would usually return the women to their families after they were done with them.

However, bandits were different because they often murdered and plundered. It was common for them to violate young women and abduct the pretty ones to be their wives. Once they were bored of them, they would kill them.

Due to this, bandits were akin to devils in the villagers' eyes, and the fear they held for bandits was deeply instilled.

Undoubtedly, Sebastian wasn't afraid of the bandits, and he waited for their arrival silently.

Their house was not located at the entrance of the village, but the bandits headed straight for them and entered their yard.

"I heard that there's a beautiful bride in this house. Bring her out here and show me," Brork directly announced the reason that he had gone there.

Although Fressia had only been there for a short time, everyone who saw her would be stunned, and her beauty was already known far and wide.

After hearing news of her, Brork had brought his men here to bring her back for their own enjoyment.

Anxiously, Jenna fell to her knees. "Mr. Gantz, the men from Knott Estate have abducted my goddaughter-in-law."

"You're lying! Search the house!" Brork wouldn't be taken in so easily. Upon his order, the bandits behind him hopped off their horses and headed for the house. s

"Stop right there!" Sebastian bellowed out of the blue, and everyone froze.

"Don't be rude, Sebastian. Apologize to Mr. Gantz now!" Jenna berated sternly Then, she flashed Brork a smile, "Mr Cantz hChapter 650

"Get on my knees for him? He doesn't deserve it. Get up, Jenna. There's no need to be afraid of them," Sebastian said.

The bandits were enraged, charging at him ferociously. Some even raised their swords, ready to cut him to pieces.

Jenna couldn't bear to watch and could already imagine Sebastian's terrible death.

On the other hand, Sebastian didn't move a muscle or dodge. Brork simply thought that he was too frightened to move and sniggered.

The next second, swords landed on Sebastian, but there was no bloody scene.

Everyone merely heard a loud boom as a terrifying energy erupted from Sebastian's body. In an instant, the terrifying energy shattered the swords, and the bandits were thrown off, spewing out blood and dying before even hitting the ground.

"What?" After seeing this scene, Brork was flabbergasted, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

The men he had brought with him were the elites amongst his henchmen, and they were all warriors, including the second-in-command of the bandits, who was a pinnacle warrior.

Sebastian had killed all of his men solely by releasing his energy. This was a fearsome strength, and Brork reckoned that not even a grandmaster might be capable of it.

"You're a grandmaster!" Brork's face was full of shock. "Why is there a grandmaster in a small village?"

Sebastian raised his head at him and said indifferently, "You've successfully enraged me, and the price to pay is death."

"What arrogance!" Brork snorted. "So what if you're a grandmaster? I've been the king at Mount Blitzen for more than two decades. The Knott Estate has tried to take me down many times but to no avail. Why do you think I could achieve this?"

Suddenly, he jumped and gave Sebastian a palm through the air.

A huge wave of energy blasted toward Sebastian, who was unfazed and composed. With a wave of his hand, an even greater energy erupted from him.

Along with another loud bang, Brork's attack was repelled, and the remaining force struck him without stopping.

As though struck by lightning, Brork was blasted away by the energy and threw up blood, his eyes filled with shock.

There was a thud as Brork landed heavily on the ground after he was blasted off more than 30 feet away. The impact was so strong that it created a concave in the ground.

Sebastian's eyes were impassive, and with a flash, he was right in front of Brork. Quick and silent, he moved like a ghost.

Brork almost wet his pants as he begged for his life on his knees in panic. "Please spare me. I was wrong. Please let me off."

"Bandits have done all kinds of evil, violating women, plundering, and many other heinous deeds. You deserve death, and I'll rid the people of such a wicked many today Sebastian said. s

Right before he struck, Brork said anxiously, "Please hold on and listen to me, sir. Although I'm a bandit and have done many wrong, I usually plunder and rarely kill.

"Furthermore, I rob the rich and hardly harass the villagers. Please let me off. I promise I'll never do it again."

"I'm missing a henchman now. Are you able to obey me unconditionally?" Sebastian asked.

"Y-Yes, master!" Brork didn't dare to disobey. He had succumbed to Sebastian's strength and had no thoughts of defying him.

Meanwhile, Jenna was utterly flabbergasted by the scene before her eyes. She knew that Sebastian was strong because he coChapter 651

"You can refuse, but I'll kill you right now," Sebastian said coldly.

"I'll go! I'll go, okay?" Brork almost cried. Not going meant death, but going also meant death. It was just supposed to be a simple mission, so how did things get so unlucky for him?

The two of them rode their horses at full speed and soon entered Holton, heading straight for the Knott Estate. Upon arriving at the entrance, they dismounted and barged right in.

"Hold it!" the guards immediately shouted harshly.

Sebastian acted as if he hadn't heard them and continued walking straight ahead.

"How dare you trespass on Knott Estate? You're courting death!"

Enraged, the guards drew their swords and slashed at Sebastian.

Sebastian ignored them, leaving Brork no choice but to intervene and send the guards flying.

The fallen guards were both shocked and furious, and they quickly called for help. Hearing the commotion, more people from the Knott Estate rushed out.

"Sebastian Wilder!"

Many recognized him immediately since Heather had been seen showing him around Knott Estate not long ago.

However, they were also aware that Sebastian had fallen out with their young lady, so they angrily shouted, "How dare you barge into Knott Estate?"

"Tell Martin to get out here!" Sebastian shouted fiercely.

"How dare you disrespect the city lord! You're asking for it! Seize him and bring him to Mr. Knott for punishment!"

The leader of the guards commanded, and a group of them charged at Sebastian. Sebastian stood still, making no move to fight back.

Brork was internally groaning. He knew all too well that if he didn't act, Sebastian wouldn't hesitate to kill him. So, he reluctantly braced himself and joined the fray.

He was a grandmaster. Even though he was injured, he was more than capable of handling these guards. Each strike sent several flying, and not a single one could get close t Sebastian s

The leader was furious. "You're Brork Grant, chief of the bandits from Mount Blitzen, aren't you?

"How dare you cause trouble at the Knott Estate! You've got some nerve! Guards, kill him!"

The Knott Estate guards were ranked by level. The ordinary guards weren't even considered warriors; only the squad leaders had that status.

In addition, there were silver-armored guards, all of whom were warriors, with the squad leaders being mid to advanced-level warriors among them.

At the leader's order, a group of silver-armored guards charged at Brork. But a grandmaster was still a grandmaster, even wounded, he was not someone regular warriors could match. s

They quickly fell one after another.

"You're courting death!"

The leader was enraged. He suddenly leaped into the air and struck down at Brork with his palm.

Brork was caught off guard and hurriedly raised a fist to block the attack. A resounding bang followed, and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he was sent flying.

It was clear that the leader was also a grandmaster. He then approached Sebastian with an air of arrogance.

"So, you managed to get Brork on your side. That's impressive, but if you think you can storm the Knott Estate by relying on him, you're far too naive."

"Rely on him?"

Sebastian smirked. "I have never relied on anyone but myself. Brork is merely my slave."Chapter 652

Heather had just joined Netherworld Sect and was still a newcomer. Nevertheless, she often wasn't present at the sect, which somewhat surprised Sebastian.

What he didn't know was that Heather joined the sect mainly to have Bertha help treat her illness. As for cultivation, she didn't really need to rely on the sect because she had a family-legacy technique that was nearly as good as what the Netherworld Sect offered.

Moreover, she had been practicing it since childhood, so switching to a new technique would be more trouble than it was worth.

Heather stormed over, brimming with fury. "Sebastian, you've got some nerve! How dare you trespass into Knott Estate and show disrespect to my father! Today, I'll personally chop your head off!"

When Sebastian saw Heather, his eyes flashed with a hint of anger.

Heather had drugged him. While he was unconscious, she had used evil methods to extract his spiritual energy, blood essence, and even bone marrow, all before throwing him off a cliff.

If not for his strong cultivation and resilient body, he would have died. He had not forgotten this grudge.

He hadn't immediately sought revenge on Martin and Heather because he was still searching for the third stage of his technique and a way home, so he endured it for the time being.

But to his shock, this father-daughter duo had crossed the line by targeting Jenna and Fressia. They had simply pushed him beyond his limits.

"Heather, it was one thing for you to harm me, but why go after Jenna and my wife? They're just ordinary people," Sebastian demanded sharply.

Heather sneered. "They're just two lowly commoners. I was already merciful enough to not kill them."

At that moment, Martin also walked out. "Heather's right. Sebastian, I'm surprised you're still alive after everything, and you don't even look injured.

"If I were you, I'd have found a place to hide long ago, but here you are, handing yourself over."

Sean and others followed behind Martin. He turned to Heather and said, "Heather, there's no need for you to dirty your hands. Just stand aside and watch-I'll kill him myself."

"Fine, but don't let him die too easily. I won't be satisfied unless he suffers," Heather said coldly.

"Don't worry. I promise he'll enjoy every bit of it!" Sean assured with a cruel grin. He then looked at Sebastian and said, "If you kneel down and beg for mercy now, maybe I'll let you keep your corpse in one piece, you brat."

"The ones who should die are you

people! Release my wife

immediately, or I'll slaughter

everyone in knott Estate!"

wel

sebastian's voice was filled with

murderous intent. 's

Heather scoffed. "You're really delusional. A mere ant like you talking about wiping

out Knott Estate-you don't know your place!"

Martin sneered wickedly. "So, you're here for your wife, huh? Too bad you're too late; we already played her to death."

"What did you say? She's dead?" Sebastian was stunned. If Fressia hadn't lost her memory and married him, her fate would have been irrelevant to him. He might have even celebrated her death s

But now, it was difficult for him to accept that she was gone.

།

Martin smirked triumphantly. "That's right. I have to admit, your wife was really beautiful. She was such a joy to play with. We took turns, dozens of us, one after another, untilshe died from the sheer pleasure of it." s

shea

"You're asking for it!" Sebastian could no longer suppress the fury within him, and

a terrifying killing intent erupted from his body.

In an instant, everyone present felt a chill of fear, and even Martin was taken aback.

At that moment, Sebastian suddenly moved, grabbiChapter 653

Sebastian acted as if he hadn't heard anything and broke Sean's other leg with another kick.

Sean was in so much pain that tears were streaming down his face. "Please, spare me! I was lying earlier! Your wife isn't dead, and we didn't hurt her."

"Then, where is she? Let her go immediately!" Sebastian demanded, his voice dripping with murderous intent.

Martin quickly added, "I don't know where she is! We never captured her in the first place."

"You're still lying to me!" Sebastian snarled as he crushed Sean's shoulder blade.

Sean almost passed out from the pain. "I'm not lying, I swear! We planned to do something to her, but she suddenly went wild! She broke through the roof, and escaped. We chased her for a long time but couldn't catch her.

"I'm telling the truth, please, spare me."

Sebastian let out a sigh of relief, trusting Sean's words. Fressia's memory loss hadn't affected her abilities; it was entirely possible she escaped through the roof when in danger.

Heather shouted angrily, "Sebastian, I advise you to release my cousin immediately, or I'll have you cut into a thousand pieces, leaving you without a complete corpse!"

Sebastian ignored Heather and looked at Sean. "Even if you didn't hurt my wife, you still harbored evil intentions toward her. Not to mention, you nearly killed my godmother.

"You deserve to die!"

With that, Sebastian snapped Sean's neck with a loud crack.

"Sean!" Martin rushed forward to check, but Sean was already lifeless.

"He actually killed Mr. Sean! The nerve of him!"

Everyone at Knott Estate was filled with rage, and Heather's murderous aura surged as well. "How dare you kill my cousin? I'll have you torn to shreds!"

Heather immediately advanced toward Sebastian, unleashing a terrifying aura. "She's a pinnacle warrior!"

"Ms. Knott is truly remarkable! As expected of Holton's number one

prodigy. She's reached the pinnacle Warrior level at just

She now has

a real chance of becoming

20

grandmaster before she turns 18." s

"That's right. Her talent is unparalleled, rivaling even that of Ms. Kaitlyn from the Netherworld Sect Her future achievements are limitless!" s

Everyone was full of admiration, their eyes brimming with fervent worship.

"Die!" Heather shouted, clenching her fist as she prepared to strike Sebastian. Just then, a commanding voice rang out from a distance.

"Hold it!"

།

The voice wasn't particularly loud, but it carried an undeniable authority that shook everyone to their core. Heather feft a jolt of fear and instinctively halted. fo s

They all turned toward the source of the voice and saw a middle-aged man

striding forward, accompanied by a young girl.

"It's Mr. Watson!" someone exclaimed.

The man was none other than the chairman of Holton Chamber of Commerce. He was accompanied by his daughter, Abigail.

"Mr. Watson, what brings you to Knott Estate?" MartChapter 654

Hendrick knew that Sebastian was no ordinary person. Since Sebastian wanted to handle things himself, it was clear he had confidence in himself, so Mr. Watson stepped aside with a sense of relief.

However, he remained ready to intervene at any moment. Sebastian had given him a new lease on life, and he was determined not to let anyone harm him.

Heather stared at Sebastian coldly and said, "I don't know why Mr. Watson is protecting you, but anyone who goes against Knott Estate is as good as dead!"

As she spoke, she unleashed her aura again, making the guards around her feel incredibly oppressed.

Heather smirked smugly. "Do you see this? This is my power. It won't be long before I become a grandmaster. In my eyes, you're nothing more than an insect. If you kneel and apologize now, I might consider leaving your corpse intact."

Sebastian responded with a mocking smile, "Even grandmasters are nothing more than ants to me. You don't even qualify as one, yet you dare spout nonsense in front of me? How laughable."

"You're asking for it!" Heather shouted furiously. She raised her hand and struck Sebastian with a powerful blow.

Sebastian merely stood there, not moving an inch, appearing as though he was paralyzed with fear.

Hendrick was startled by this and was about to step in to save him when he noticed something strange.

Heather's palm had already connected with Sebastian's chest, but he remained completely unaffected, as if nothing had happened.

On the other hand, Heather's expression changed drastically as she was filled with shock and disbelief.

Sebastian showed her a disdainful smile and then extended his hand, pressing it in her direction from a distance.

An invisible force immediately bore down on Heather. She had no strength to resist and collapsed to her knees with a loud thud while her eyes filled with terror. "What?"

Everyone present was stunned. Heather was a pinnacle warrior, yet after hitting Sebastian with a palm strike, he remained completely unharmed.

With just a distant press of his hand, he had forced her to her knees. This kind of power was just too terrifying.

Heather struggled to stand, but the invisible force was too overwhelming, rendering her unable to move.

"This can't be! How is your strength so formidable?"

"It's not that my strength is formidable; it's that yours is too weak," Sebastian replied, delivering a slap to Heather's face.

A loud smack echoed as Heather was sent flying nearly 20 feet away.

"How dare you hurt my daughter? I will make sure you die without a burial!" Martin

roared in fury as he charged toward Sebastian.

"The city lord himself is stepping in!

This kid is done for," the Knott Estate people exclaimed excitedly, as seeing a divine grandmaster take action was a rare sight. s

Sebastian smirked with disdain, ready to retaliate when Hendrick suddenly stepped in, positioning himself in front of Sebastian.Chapter 655

Although he was a grandmaster, Brork was nothing more than an ant in the face of a divine grandmaster like Martin.

Since he had come with Sebastian, he knew that once Martin killed Sebastian, he wouldn't be spared either.

Brork desperately wanted to flee, but Knott Estate's guards surrounded him on all sides.

"You can go ahead and try!" Hendrick stepped forward, releasing a similarly terrifying aura, one that matched Martin's intensity.

"He's a divine grandmaster! Mr. Watson is also a divine grandmaster!"

Everyone was astonished. Divine grandmasters were the most formidable beings

in the world, capable of single-handedly opposing entire armies.

However, such powerful individuals were exceedingly rare.

In all of Holton, excluding the Netherworld Sect, Martin had been the only divine grandmaster.

Now that Hendrick had also ascended to the Divine Realm, it was no wonder everyone was so shocked.

"You actually broke through to the Divine Realm!" Martin exclaimed, clearly surprised.

Hendrick smiled and said, "Indeed, not only did I fully recover from my injuries, but I also broke through the bottleneck and entered the Divine Realm. Do you still think I can't protect Mr. Wilder now?"

Martin's expression turned cold. "Mr. Watson, even though you've entered the Divine Realm, you've only just broken through. You're no match for me, so I suggest you think it over carefully."

Hendrick snorted. "There's nothing to consider. I won't allow anyone to harm Mr. Wilder."

"Then, you've brought this upon yourself. Don't blame me for being ruthless," Martin growled before launching a punch at Hendrick.

Hendrick quickly countered with a punch of his own.

A deafening explosion echoed as a terrifying force erupted from the clash of their fists. The shockwave hit those nearby, stinging their faces and sending them scrambling back in fear and astonishment. s

At the same time, Hendrick was forced back a few steps by the powerful energy, while Martin only wavered slightly, clearly demonstrating who was stronger.

This outcome was inevitable, given that Martin had entered the Divine Realm long ago, while Hendrick had just recently broken through. It certainly left a significant gap, between them. s

Vol

Martin snorted and pressed his advantage, throwing punch after punch, leaving Hendrick with no chance to counter. Martin then. seized an opportunity and struck Hendrick squarely in the chest, sending him flying with a terrifying force. s

Hendrick immediately spat out a mouthful of blood mid-air.

"Father!" Abigail cried out in shock, rushing forward to support him.

Martin smirked with satisfaction. "I told you before that you're no match for me, but you wouldn't listen!"

Hendrick wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said coldly, "Even if I'm not your match, if you insist on killing Mr. Wilder, I will fight to the death!"

"Mr. Watson, sacrificing yourself is pointless. I won't stop you if you leave right now, but that kid is doomed." Martin sneered, then turned to Sebastian.

"Brat, now I see why you dared to make trouble at KChapter 656

Upon hearing this, Martin smirked mockingly. "I really don't know where you get your confidence from, brat. You're at death's door, yet you still talk tough!"

Heather approached, her eyes filled with fury as she glared at Sebastian.

She spat venomously, "No one has ever laid a hand on me since I was a child. You're the first. I will make you wish for death over life! As for your wife and godmother, I'll ensure that they suffer fates worse than death too!"

The moment she finished speaking, a terrifying killing intent erupted from Sebastian, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet. Everyone present felt a chill of fear run down their spines.

Almost instantly, Sebastian moved aside.

His figure blurred like a ghost. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Heather, gripping her neck tightly.

Heather's face instantly turned pale with fright; she never expected Sebastian's strength to be so terrifying. What confused her even more was that she had cast a forbidden technique on Sebastian, which should have killed him, but he remained completely unscathed.

"Let go of Heather, or I'll ensure you die a brutal death!" Martin shouted, both shocked and furious. He was startled by Sebastian's power, especially his incredible speed.

Still, he remained confident that he could easily subdue Sebastian. After all, no matter how talented Sebastian was, he was still young-his strength couldn't possibly be that formidable.

Sebastian could be a grandmaster at most. As a divine grandmaster himself, that was merely a slightly stronger ant.

Sebastian's eyes gleamed with a cold light as he stared at Heather and said icily, "You have some nerve, Heather, threatening me with my wife and godmother!"

As she was both frightened and enraged, Heather tried to maintain her composure as she said, "Let me go now, or my father will tear you to pieces!"

"Your father is nothing but an ant in my eyes! He's not even worth fearing!" Sebastian scoffed.

"Damn, this guy is way too arrogant! He actually dared to call Mr. Knott an ant. He has no idea what he's up against!"

"Exactly! The divine grandmaster is one of the most powerful beingsan existence, and he dares to call a divine grandmaster an ant? What a joke! Knott Estate's people sneered, mocking Sebastian. s

Even Hendrick and Abigail thought Sebastian was being too arrogant. It was fine

to boast, but there needed to be a limit; otherwise, it would just make him a laughingstock.

Martin laughed angrily, "You brat, if you think I'm just an ant, then let Heather go and face me in a duel. Let's see what you're really made of."

"As you wish!" Sebastian responded. He continued to grab Heather by the neck

and throw her over 30 feet away. She landed heavily on the ground, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

Heather was furious, nearly

exploding with rage. She struggled to her feet and shouted, "Father, don't just kill him outright! I want to torture him slowly for days. Only then will be satisfied!" s

Martin glared at Sebastian and said coldly, "You heard Heather. I'll first cripple your cultivation, then break your limbs. After that, Heather can take her time tormenting you to death!" s

Sebastian stood with his hands behind his back, his face full of disdain. "You're just an ant, yet you dare to boast in front of me. How ridiculous."

"Then, I'll show you the strength of this ant!" Martin roared, charging at Sebastian with incredible speed.Chapter 657

Martin was shocked and horrified. It felt as though his punch had struck an indestructible metal, making his fist go numb. He tried to retreat upon realizing something was terribly wrong,, but it was already too late.

Suddenly, a terrifying surge of energy erupted from Sebastian. With a deafening sound, the energy blasted Martin away.

He immediately spewed a mouthful of blood mid-air as his eyes filled with disbelief and fear.

What!

Everyone was stunned, unable to believe what they were seeing.

Martin was a divine grandmaster; he had punched Sebastian, but Sebastian was unharmed and instead sent Martin flying. The sheer strength was just astounding.

"What incredible power! I knew Mr. Wilder was a genius at pill refinement, but I never imagined his combat prowess would be so profound!" Hendrick exclaimed in awe.

Abigail was in awe, and her eyes sparkled as she watched, momentarily entranced.

Heather, however, was paralyzed with fear. She never expected that her father, whom she had believed to be nearly invincible, would be so easily overpowered by Sebastian. His strength terrified her.

"This can't be happening! How is it possible? You're so young, how can your strength be this overwhelming?" Martin gasped, struggling to comprehend the situation. His eyes were filled with terror as he stared at Sebastian. "Who the hell are you?"

Sebastian sneered. "Who I am is of no consequence to you. All you need to know is that you are nothing but ants in my eyes, something easily crushed at my whim!"

If he had said this earlier, everyone would have thought he was boasting. But now, not a single person doubted his words.

Martin, the divine grandmaster, couldn't even withstand a single move from Sebastian. To the rest of them, they weren't even worthy of being called cannon fodder.

Sebastian then turned his gaze toward Heather, who instantly paled. Terror was evident on her face.

"Sebastian, what are you planning to do?" Heather stammered, trying to sound defiant. "I'm warning you. I'm an apprentice of the Netherworld Sect. My mentor is Bertha Erikson! If you dare to touch me, she will hunt you down and kill you!"

Sebastian sneered at her words. With a flick of his wrist, Heather was unable to resist and was suddenly pulled toward him.

Everyone present was stunned. They knew that a divine grandmaster could manipulate objects from a distance, but usually no further than 10 feet and not with heavy objects. However,

Heather was over 15 feet away, and Sebastian still managed to pull her toward him effortlessly. This display of power was far beyond their comprehension.

Sebastian grabbed Heather by the neck once more.

"What are you doing, Sebastian?" Heather asked, both angry and terrified. Her eyes betrayed her fear.

With a loud smack, Sebastian slapped her hard across the face and sneered. "What can you do now that I've laid a hand on you?"

Heather was both furious and panicked. "My mentor will never let you get away with this!" she yelled.

Sebastian gave a mocking smile. "I thought you had some brains, but it seems that you're incredibly foolish."

"What do you mean by that?" Heather asked while bristling with anger. Sebastian's cold laugh echoed. "Even now, you don't understand what kind of being you've provoked. You keep threatening me with your mentor-how stupid can you be?

"Let me make it clear for you. Even if your mentor Bertha were here, she wouldn't be able to save you because, in my eyes, she's nothing more than an ant."

"You're delusional! My mentor is one of the Grand Elders of the Netherworld Sect! She has unfathomable power andChapter 658

Heather had pleaded for help from her mentor, Bertha, while Sebastian stood there waiting.

He already knew by now that Fressia hadn't been captured. With her level of skill, ordinary people wouldn't pose a threat to her even with her memory loss. So now he had no reason to worry about anything.

Today, he was determined to make this father-daughter duo taste despair, bit by bit.

Hendrick approached Sebastian and whispered, "Mr. Wilder, the Netherworld Sect is full of experts. They have five divine grandmasters, and Tyler's power is beyond comprehension. Are you confident you can handle them?"

"They're just ants," Sebastian replied dismissively.

"Just don't underestimate them, Mr. Wilder," Hendrick cautioned.

Sebastian remained unfazed. It wasn't arrogance but confidence, confidence rooted in his strength.

The Netherworld Sect wasn't far from Knott Estate. With the speed of carrier pigeons and their giant birds that people could ride, they should have arrived within an hour.

Yet, two hours had passed, and still no sign of them.

"It seems your mentor won't be coming," Sebastian remarked.

Fear filled Heather's eyes. "Sebastian, you can't kill me. I'm the Netherworld Sect's once-in-a-millennium genius apprentice. If you kill me, the Sect will never let you go."

Sebastian responded calmly, "If I were afraid, I wouldn't have let you call for help, nor would I be standing here waiting.

"If the Netherworld Sect doesn't come after me, fine. But if they do, I'll just wipe them out."

He spoke of destroying a powerful sect as casually as if he were talking about slaughtering a chicken.

Everyone around was stunned-what kind of confidence was this? How strong did one have to be to have such unwavering self-assurance?

If they had heard him before, they would have dismissed it as bluster, and not even credible bluster at that.

However, they had just witnessed him severely injured Martin in a single move-it was terrifying.

"Heather, do you have any last words before you die?" Sebastian asked.

Heather was trembling so much that her legs gave out. She fell to her knees before Sebastian. "Sebastian, please don't kill me. For the sake of the one night we shared as husband and wife, spare my life. I'm still so young. I don't want to

die."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

intent.

belongs to s

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

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

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

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

cruel than simply killing them both.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sebastian kept his word and left after receiving the notes.

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

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

"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.

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

"No need for that; it's our honor. Please, come in." Martin led the father and son into the sitting room and had them seated.

Denzel got straight to the point, saying, "I've long heard that your daughter is as beautiful as a goddess, and today I see the reputation is well-deserved."

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Stonebrook." Heather appeared slightly shy. But the more reserved she acted, the more captivated Camden became; his eyes never left her, like they were practically glued to her every move.

Denzel quickly reprimanded, "Camden, it's impolite to keep staring at Ms. Knott. Apologize immediately."

Camden snapped out of his daze and quickly stood up, saying, "I'm sorry, Ms. Knott, I was being rude."

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

The Stonebrook family was one of the southern region's four major families. If Heather could become the young mistress of the Stonebrook family, it would be like a shortcut to soar to higher places.

With access to the Stonebrook family's cultivation resources, her strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds, making it only a matter of time before she surpassed Kaitlyn.

She might even secure a place among the four great ladies in the future.

Denzel smiled a

and said, "My son saw

Knott once not long ago, and

at first sight

he lost his

his appetite and many.

her. As his father, I became anxious, soove

Cóntent

he clapped his hands, and the servants

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

though smaller,

Stonebrook family's betrothal gifts include 880 thousand gold coins, a box of top-grade gemstones, a box of premium medicinal herbs,

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

consumption was not enough, making them extremely scarce in the

physical constitution, extend

their constitution, accelerated their training speed, and even helped them break through

you satisfied with the Stonebrook family's betrothal

Extremely satisfied, actually," Martin quickly

agree to their

For him to be interested

With the future title of daughter-in-law of the Stonebrook family, who would

quickly settled on the wedding date, setting it for a year later. Martin

we've recently provoked someone whose strength is formidable and who is extremely

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

named Sebastian Wilder. He's just

commoner.

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

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

mind, we can call off the

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

don't mind.

thank you for understanding," Heather forced out a

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

herself, she hoped to handle

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

engaged, he demanded that I

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

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

scoundrel is very strong. Even my father

years old.

added, "As cultivators improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There are also herbs and pills that extend

his 20s, but his real age could be

right. That brat's cultivation is at least at the early pinnacle stage of diving

is definitely well

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

and Camden's

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

Holton's Knott Estate, it was still far from

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

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

boundless potential and

beauty and talent compensated for her comparatively modest

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

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

no mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything

coins from Martin, Sebastian invested in a vast

stage of the cultivation technique- whether by stealth or force-and

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

took breaks periodically to rest. One day, after

tomorrow at Knott

invitations? One of them is for

"Yes, you're

Martin's intentions-it was nothing more than an attempt

asked, "Mr. Wilder, are

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

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

"My father is right. You mustn't go.

walking right into

just a bunch of petty clowns. There's nothing to

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

Hendrick warned.

to .net

appreciate your concern, but

clowns. They're not worth

me alone, fine. If

ie

in the southern region, even stronger than the Netherworld

listen to us and don't

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

confront them sooner rather

group approached the entrance of Knott Estate, a woman

with a veil partially hiding her stunning beauty-it was Kaitlyn, the

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

Sebastian nodded.

kill you at the banquet. Going there now is

to tell me this?" Sebastian

run into you and thought I'd give

to care so much about me. Could it

scoffed

Wilder, if Ms. Gardner says so, then it's surely true.

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

is made up. No

shook their heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his doom. All they could probably do

atmosphere was festive and filled

Netherworld Sect had shown great respect by sending

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

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

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

Sebastian.

been keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements,

at that moment, "Mr.

down all the exits once he enters. Make sure he doesn't escape," Camden ordered with a vicious

He won't be able to get away, even if he sprouts wings," the

in satisfaction. "By the way, has my

it today. But with the

nodded again

moment, Sebastian and his

here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when he spotted

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

while gritting her teeth. "Sebastian, you bastard! You actually had the guts to come. I can't decide if I should praise your bravery

exactly a dragon's lair. Why wouldn't

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

"Brat, today next

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

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

you out of your mind?" Camden sneered. "I invited you here just to kill you. You're

thinks that just because he came to

He ruined Ms. Knott's reputation. Mr. Camden would never let him live. I can't tell if this guy is naive or just

from Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn

engagement party. Killing someone might bring bad luck, don't you

If you want to

Sebastian laughed and his smile was full of

furious. "What are you laughing at,

get it. There are so many good women out there. Why on

my woman? You've got

This guy

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood

Hear me out.

been practicing

cultivation technique, one that

energy to enhance

One day, shevited

her room, and

"Shut up!"

and quickly interrupted Sebastian while snapping,

he's just slandering Heather on purpose.

believe him. This guy has slandered my

do you have?"

through a sinister technique and tried to seduce me,

He's just upset that I broke off the engagement with him, so he's trying to slander me.

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

I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my bone

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

me. If you don't believe me, you can

He's making it all up! Even if an examination proves my

has ulterior motives. Don't fall

to feel uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into his

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

everything as soon as the

felt as vast and overwhelming as

is enough to make me almost suffocate. This is truly impressive," the onlookers said as their eyes filled with

they were also divine grandmasters, there

stage, whereas Septimus was

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

you were dead!" Camden snapped angrily. Sebastian taunted, "You tell me to shut up, but I'll still keep talking. Heather is nothing more than a

by the way, I left a few scratch marks on her chest because I got a bit rough.

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

However, Heather's reaction

her, leaving everyone stunned. Upon realizing she

tricked, Heather

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

and he was infuriated by the

families of the southern region, with all their elders being

divine

he made his move, the pressure from his released aura alone made

even Kaitlyn's eyes flashed with worry. But there was little

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

a resounding sound, Septimus'

out a pained scream and staggered back in

a swift movement, Sebastian chased him down and

"What?"

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

strength was

Kaitlyn were the most shocked. Not long ago, Sebastian had

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

"I've really underestimated you. If you release Septimus now, I

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

also approached Sebastian, his eyes filled

favor? I'll have him release Septimus, and

Although her face was hidden, she

her even more enticing than he had imagined. He nodded

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

out his own eyes, and breaks

out his eyes and breaking his hands a

rather kind for offering this. This is my

"Didn't I warn you? Why did

death trap.

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

Stonebrook family

your eyes and breaking your hands is the best outcome I could negotiate

lightly and replied, "Ms. Gardner, I appreciate your

in the habit

it's hard to accept, but

to five miserably than

say something, but in the

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

chances were slim, at least Sebastian could die fighting

"Septimus!"

members of the Stonebrook family

seething with rage as he shouted, "Sebastian Wilder,

won't be satisfied until I torture you

his cultivation for

didn't need Camden's order. He was already walking toward Sebastian, his aura

Every footfall left

be truly unfathomable.

it's said that Trey has the ability to fight beyond his level,

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

catch the sword!" Camden shouted, tossing a long sword to

the sword and immediately drew it from its sheath.

blade resonated through the air, unleashing

feeling as though they

be the Godslayer Blade of the

ancestors once roamed the world with this sword, and with it, they rarely met an equal. As

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

not even

was a renowned magical artifact, said to be a top-tier

Sebastian, empty-handed-what

her eyes, unable to bear watching

taken her virginity, but after calming down and reflecting,

she found herself preferring it to be Sebastian.

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

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

moment, she felt completely powerless. The ones trying to kill Sebastian were the

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

the energy within a few miles surged violently, creating an

slumped

so his

the blade was about to strike, Sebastian

Trey sneered, his expression filled with cruelty. To try and

made contact 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

"How is this possible?"

disbelief. Everyone present was equally stunned as they were

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

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

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

was

examined the Godslayer Blade while nodding in satisfaction. "This sword is

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

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

can kill

"Sebastian, I'm warning you. I'm the heir to the

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

two really are

the idiot! Your

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

really plan to kill us?" Heather

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

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

louder as he spoke. By the end,

was stunned into silence. No one could believe how brazen Sebastian was, declaring his intent to annihilate the Stonebrook

that he was lying. However, after witnessing Sebastian's terrifying strength, everyone was

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

come to my house to admit your wrongs. Perhaps then, we might let you live. Otherwise, I guarantee you won't even have a grave

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

dare!"

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

at him with disdain. He

down on everyone present.

to remain standing, their

him!"

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

fray. Instead, he

deafening boom, and the

shocked. The grandmasters from the Stonebrook family

The sheer

was terrifying.

collapsed to the ground, and her face

toward Heather. He grabbed her by the

air, attempting to

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

this will ever happen again," Nathaniel said, his voice quiet yet carrying the

hard the tight

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

whim. Grateful, she offered a quick, thankful glance first to Jonathan and

hadn't stepped between danger and the child, the day would

you," she murmured, sincerity softening every

smile-courteous, almost grown-up, impossibly

the one thanking you," he replied,

sleek matte card. Holding it up, he added,

announcement hit the staff like a clap of thunder. Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and the boutique fell

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

hovered around the card, uncertainty flickering across her

purchase of this scale required his guardian's

wanted an entire rack of adult clothing,

course,"

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

the showroom, the other employees watched, envy shining through

this large could cover the down payment on

more.

Jonathan was buying, no

Ivy guided

barely above az whisper “Everything's packed but it really is a mountain of clothes. Should

over eight million." s

have

necessary," Jonathan said, firm as

objection,

numbers in disbelief. The

set. Thank you for choosing us." Ivy presented the

Ivy, I truly

finally set the

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

on to whatever gentleman keeps

across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too expensive," she blurted, hands rising like a pair of stop signs.

apairof

today. Compared with

Jonathan had delivered a

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

his thigh, and asked, "What

me to pop in and pick out a few outfits

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

nodded once, expression unreadable. "Your Ms. Kennedy certainly trusts you," he

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

mood darkened like a sky before

and gave a reassuring tug. "Dad, Mom actually

first fib, it

like an adult compared

would never delegate adult

"You've figured

Jonathan blinked, performing

“When it comes to social-grade

expected to be exposed so fast, and the realization sent a tremor of startled admiration through

you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide

back and forced a civil smile. "Why would

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

then snapped shut.Am I showing it that

where did you pick

your face, Dad.” Jon shrugged as if stating

on his chest. If even a child

when the restroom door stayed shut far too long. Taking

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

almost collided with Jonathan

noticed the bodyguard trailing behind them, arms loaded with shopping bags bulging with

two been? And

inspecting the

said smoothly. "Holiday

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

would have been nice. I was starting to

gaped, utterly bewildered. When have I ever been

throat and shot Jonathan a pointed look. Understanding flashed

carrying the constipation story on his

skimping on

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

a doctor, all right? You're far too

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

heat rush to his cheeks until

confessed the problem, never imagining the confession would buy him

had been ages since Cecilia had hugged him like

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

had always been the model child, obedient, courteous,

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

gravity, the way surgeons announce a

sc*mbag daddy. Of all lies you could

them,” he whispered, the words nearly swallowed by the

watched, eyes soft with pity for the boy and a

tapped at lightning speed, and ordered suppositories plus half a pharmacy's worth of gentle digestive

a summoned genie, parcel in hand. Cecilia

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

me? Jonathan stared at the plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping

way on earth would he let Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield. He

I can

You can handle anything." She ruffled his hair, every

she couldn't help pitying him. So young, already forced to endure the stubborn ache of constipation.

bathroom with you," she said,

"Okay."

contraband and

with a plate of sliced fruit. He watched his brother's

doesn't look it," Elliot muttered

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

trying to calm the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really kind of pitiful," he breathed, each syllable drifting like

hands. “Come on," she said, "let's try the outfits we

take tons of super-cool photos

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

ended, she

smiles fixed in place, but

daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the

elderly couple, in return, video-called often to check on the children and

little, life seemed to

able to come back for a visit?" Bethany

to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were pulled toward her

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

every one of your favorite dishes," Bethany

a good while longer, then finally ended the call with a

outfit change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed onto

Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags

eyelids drooping, intent on stealing

"Ceci."

surprise.

all we're doing today?" His question hovered,

do you mean?" Confusion

Nathaniel's eyes. "Nothing,"

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

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

closer, the scent of cedar

could speak

arms

possessive motion,

though staking a claim no one could

have to

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

face. Her blush deepened as she tried to twist

squirmed, whisper-shouting, "Stop it, let me go! If Elliot or

chin settling atop her hair as if the conversation were

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

muttered, "Not babies?

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

amazement slipping past her

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

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

།

watch over Elliot. As for Jonathan, let him

a hand, the pad of his finger brushing her burning cheek. “You're being terribly

"Hmm?"

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

composed husband was

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

eyes darkened, a storm

and bolted down

make a break for it, then

as Cecilia reached the bedroom and tried to swing the door shut, Nathaniel planted one hand against the panel, his voice low and teasing. "Why lock me out? Are

of spare rooms in this house. Pick any

shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again,

turned, and darkness

windows, but inside, heat

of white light, snow glare slicing through the curtains and painting the room in

opened her eyes to find Nathaniel's face less than an inch away.

a finger over that faint roughness, then lower to

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

fluttered open, hazy with

he murmured, drawing her even

came

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

best friends a full day of window-shopping and

"Give me a few more minutes. Keep me

how clingy he could be, warmth

you this

mouth. "I was younger. Didn't know any

ruffled his hair, dark strands springing up beneath her

busy day ahead," she said,

hit the mall with

shook her head. "That's it.

asked, still

Mom, and something

carried a note of suspicion

"Nope."

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

by the heartbeat. He gently pried her fingers loose, voice low and flat. “Fine. Go on,

misread the cause. He just hates it when I leave

bedroom felt even smaller once the door clicked shut behind her. Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence felt like a weight on his ribs Sleep

quiet hallways, and stepped onto

1.

and Elliot off to

all that crap because you're an idiot-half a brain short of being human!" Conrad shouted, his voice cracking with rage. "If you had even a sliver of sense, you'd know how

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

widened. "Baroness Wolfsbane," he called. "Conrad here just called you an idiot with half a brain for daring to ask for

burned red. He spun

and humiliation. Her own kin had mocked her-Beatrix and his husband, Conrad and then Annabella, her so-called

Alex-the outcast,

to Sofina. She'd never liked the girl. But seeing Sofina step forward with quiet resolve, something

least this one had

one of you! From this moment on,

The room fell silent.

worry, Grandma," she

Beatrix a smug

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

worth a thousand of you. She's fighting to lift this family up, while you bury it in

embarrassment of this family! You think Sofina's some kind of miracle worker? That she's going to

enough that even the Eden Group will want that collaboration. I

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

fast. "No! That's not what I meant! I just think

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

snapped. "You're a fool if you

room. "Then let's make this interesting. What if

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

outside the main estate. If Sofina pulls this off, that place is ours foever. You move into our home,

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

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

in too! If I

gaze on her, raising a brow. "Alright. But what happens if you

chin lifted. "I won't lose. But

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

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

"If you

he said calmly. "But if I win, you'll accept

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

smirked. "Perfect," he said. "I

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

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

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

window.

smirked. "Trust? No.

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

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

at least I bet on your

really think this bet will

Alex said. "It'll show who's

crossed her arms. "And

I'll finally fit right

next morning, Sofina sat in the passenger seat, clutching a thick file of proposals she'd spent the entire night refining. Her

from Nikolaus-a machine so rare

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

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

grandmother and mother wouldn't dare buy you one, so let's enjoy it

can."

frowned, glancing at him. "You really think this

It's a sign, Sofina. We're on our way up. And when this is over, maybe we'll have a new mansion to park

half anxious, half amused. "I

Alex said, his grin widening. "You've got me. That's enough. Come on,

as the car descended toward the Eden Group's towering

Sofina whispered as the

her door. "With me here, your luck's already doubled," he said lightly "Remember I'm the

QUMS

couldn't help but laugh. For a moment, her nerves eased. She

felt something empty out inside her-like a room

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

Eden to partner with them was like a beggar

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

the entrance, Sofina slowed her pace. The lobby felt like a courtroom-every seat occupied by

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

Group. The

all every one

of them was hono

thing: a

you doing here?" a

found Heinrich standing with Katarina Rosenheim,

tightened the way a judge's

sentence.

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

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

uniform when a security drone glided into the room, humming softly as its sensors locked onto

us to monitor was just shoved by a guest-he

the footage," Alex

arm, dragging her down

collar, pulled on his

a pile of scattered papers. He knelt

her pick them up. "What

what I say, he just slips back

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

nothing serious,"

sheet. "You know, you don't need to print

the feel of paper. I like touching something

"The same way I

chuckled. "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 I

back through the glass corridor of Eden's

a voice

forward. "What the hell are you doing here? I told you to stay away from me. I don't want you near me,

The color drained

saw it-the invisible chain that still

Her body tensed, eyes flickering, as if

placing himself between Sofina and

said. "You're a guest. You have

a guest here-l expect to be treated like a king. Where's your manager? I want to speak with

out a low, sharp laugh. "Keep dreaming. You're not

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

brings

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

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

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

the man. Your gardener. He insulted

never seen you before. Are you pretending to be one of

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

stepped closer. "You seem to forget your

Human Resources. I can fire you anytime I want.

and beg for

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

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

if he's not joining?" Alex asked

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

said calmly, shaking

fired if you don't!" Dietrich

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

this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three

by the rising

stand up to Heinrich? The man really doesn't know

joined in. "That gardener's got a

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

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

smirked and

been desperate for my attention, haven't

a fool who doesn't know his

and I

Alex's arm,

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

have the

you'll be nothing outcasts. And you know I can

s

Sofina grabbed him tighter

steady. "Let

her face. She met his eyes.

stepped forward

red as a boil. "You hit

curse.

in God's name do you think you're doing, bitch!" Dietrich

Security robot - fetch her,

upright, supporting him with a hand at

She won't be standing after that her flesh

a command. "Give her what

cancel that order," he said. "Someone's going to get

one who'll get hurt

"Security — attend. Punish

head.

crowd began to

she hit

you know Heinrich's the

another

scan, threat assessment, authorization check. Its

moment the system flagged a threat to her, an alert

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

Alex had wired her into his network bridge so she

node. Any device that touched Sofina reported to

network. "Override the previous command. Secure

optical

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

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

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

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

most advanced," someone muttered, half in

confusion

didn't stop until

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

catch up

one hand clutching his bleeding nose. He wiped the blood away with the back of his

he hissed, voice low and venomous. "I'll teach you a

lunged toward her, his hand swinging

Heinrich had struck

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

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

let go of me!"

a hard lid. The government cameras

screamed like an animal, pain

at a hand that felt as if

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

Group meeting room like a storm breaking loose. Her heels struck the marble

-

family had just finished presenting their offer - a bid to replace the Krugers, who'd been kicked out of Eden's

the next family tied

they were desperater

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

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

holding Heinrich down,

She stormed over and slapped Alex hard. "You half-slave!"

dare you strike him until he bleeds-I'll call the police and have you deported, you filthy

the police won't help you," he said coolly. "I didn't hit

that true?"

She hit my

wearing someone else's name. Sue a noble if you want-try to prove you're better. Go on. I

Prussia, nobles still carried real

a noble, the punishment could

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

protected rank,

most people just

Prussia — power didn't

turned her sharp eyes to

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

divorce

have to

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

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

That everyone just spins around your

already a blessing that I'm even willing to marry you. How dare you disobey me! I command you divorce that woman and come back

Just the sound of her voice gave him a headache. He took Sofina's hand and

Now!" Katarina's voice cracked with fury and desperation. She

discovered something she wouldn't admit —

him.

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

Heinrich, everything was cold

He didn't want

to put distance between them, but before he could take another step, her hand shot

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

Alex,"

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

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

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

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

I command you

bitch!" Katarina

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

Alex. Sofina caught it in one swift

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

been treated like royalty, and she'd made sure others knew

the whispers for

title

earned their barony by stabbing their own

their silks and titles they were nothing more than

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

shuffled forward, eager to prove their loyalty.

raise a hand, a silver Eden security robot glided between

on Eden Group property,"

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

violence," the security unit

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

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

get out of here," she said,

always talked about love! You said you loved me! You swore you'd

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

and fade, it hides behind forced gestures-empty rituals, hollow vows, or even violence and control-trying to keep alive what's already

Alex could answer, another android

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

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

she asked,

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

down the corridor. The robot stopped at a glass door and bowed slightly. "Please wait here. The person in charge

and a poised woman in

change in location. Please follow me. Miss Von Adler would like to meet you in

"Miss Von Adler? The

She's expecting

dazed, and followed the woman through the long,

Group headquarters.

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

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

It didn't make sense.

knew an opportunity like this didn't come twice. She followed the assistant through the long corridor, her heels echoing off

assistant opened it and gestured her in. Inside, Marlena Von Adler-the legendary chairwoman of Eden Group-rose gracefully from behind her desk. Her presence filled the room

warmly, extending her hand. "I'm Marlena Von Adler, chairman of

felt her pulse race. She was standing before the most powerful

voice trembled slightly as she answered, but she kept her tone

met

said. "I came to discuss the collaboration proposal. I know the Wolfsbane Group isn't as large or as influential as some

but we work hard.

never disappoint."

to .net

handed Marlena a neat folder. "This

take a look."

smile and took the file.

a few pages, then closed

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

mean... it's approved?"

out.

quick-too easy. She had spent

long

in seconds.

leaned back, her expression unreadable

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

she

I know who

into a faint smile. “Our founder," she said softly, "is the most

Sofina blinked, unsure if she'd

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

He believes in you.

tone carried weight. Alex had instructed her

"Now, Miss Scheinwald, according to your proposal, your initial

straightened, nervous. "Yes, that's right," she said,

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

slightly. "What

increase the

wants it set at one hundred

breath catching. "One... hundred

repeated, barely believing it.

crisp contract, and slid

agreement-one hundred million dollars in

in disbelief. Her mind

most powerful corporations in

Everly yanked out his cane and brought it down hard on Finnian's back. "I forbid you from seeing her!

his age, Mr. Everly's arm was still

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

forward and gently caught Mr. Everly's arm, her voice soft but steady.

stopped, glaring at Finnian and gasping for breath,

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

shot her a long, searching look, then turned and

Finnian's out of his mind. Can't you see? He insists on being with that actress, as if

squeezed her hand, his

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

never told you, but I think you

"What is it?"

Qu

Finnian and I would end up together. You wanted that because you thought Finnian cared about me, but the truth is our relationship has never been good. Finnian rarely shows me any respect,

but firm. She nearly said outright that she had no interest

utterly exhausted, guilt weighing on

for not wanting Finnian. Only

l.ne

at fault. After all the ways Finnian had treated her, how could she possibly like him? For years, it had been Mr. Everly Finself, swallowing his pride and pushing for them to be together-he

tired. I need to lie down for a while. You

nodded. "Rest well, Grandpa. I'll see

care for her, and he'd always dreamed She'd stay with the Everly family become Finian's wife. But now,

dwell on it, and finally closed

room. He'd

Chapter 365

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briefly before looking away, steeling herself

spoke up. "Let

"That's not necessary-"

you," he added

hesitated, but she knew it was time to put things to rest between them. She nodded, walked out to his car, and let him drive her home.nly accepted Wolfsbane's proposal but had doubled the

be real," she murmured, her voice

of her grandmother, who had dreamed

it would come with such

had been given a

she looked up at Marlena, eyes wide

and awe.

whispered. "Thank you

was a deal, every touch a performance. He was

the best way - a man who didn't need to be

And losing that warmth felt like standing

can face a crisis, she thought bitterly.

silence at

of

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

have my attention Start kneeling, sweetheart. Maybe I'let your husband keep his job. And if you

a moment,

Sofina smiled. Not

could blink, her fist shot

landed square on his nose with

splattered. Heinrich stumbled back, clutching his face,

the crowd gasped.

u are."

We both know why you're here. You came chasing my attention, and

out of Katarina's sight you're

dragged her toward the entrance like a man hauling out a scandal.

dare try to step foot in here again. I'm done with you-whatever

over."

backside as the folder burst open, papers scattering across

you take care of

would end up together. What mattered was that she could finally pull herself out of the pain Dorian had caused

few days later,

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

he was the CEO-no, now the Chairman of the

"So grateful to have you." It looked almost

it

only been rumors about Liliana and Finnian, whispers of their relationship, speculation they'd get married someday. But the Everly Group had never acknowledged anything publicly, and there'd never been concrete

Liliana's post either. Their silence was approval enough-everyone understood now that

minutes, and Liliana was suddenly flooded with messages, all wishing her and Mr. Everly a lifetime of

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

center of attention like this. Maintaining her graceful smile, Liliana answered their questions one

?

side with her life on the line. Now, with everyone falling over themselves to flatter her, she couldn't

But so what?

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

“Hey, I

days recovering at home. Now he was back on his feet, if a bit thinner than

"I'm alright. Things were tough for a while,

to eat well and get my strength back,"

in Liliana's dressing room. He'd always gotten along well with her, and they'd even had dinner together

the only member

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

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

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

home and get some rest. If you're not feeling well, call

dressing room, his brow furrowed, thoughts tangled up like a knot he couldn't

spotted Amara

had been days since he'd seen Amara's real face, but every time he ran into her unexpectedly, her beauty still took

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

suddenly brought this up. "Weren't they already together for ages?" she replied, her tone

but Amara cut him off. "Does it even matter? Did you need

He frowned, frustrated.

they'd never actually been a couple. All that intimacy had been just an act Liliana put on

knew-there shouldn't be anything left between them He'd wanted to explain this to Amara, but she hadn't let him get a

again, the fact that Liliana had posted that tweet, despite not having a child anymore, suggested things had changed between her and Finnan. Maybe now they really were

and just asked what he actually wanted to know: "Nothing, really. Aren't

was the real reason

looked puzzled. "Why

hadn't completely moved on from Finnian, and yes, the news had stung at first. But she'd already

was lying.

Amara answered without

Liliana clench her fists,

Everyone's workload had doubled or even tripled, but no one complained. The sooner they finished, the sooner they could rest; the whole team was fueled by the finish

writer, Amara was naturally working overtime, revising scripts late into the night. This evening was no different-she was still at

barely glancing up. Keith strolled in like he owned the place, flopping onto the couch and pouring himself a glass of water with the

a leisurely sip before saying, "Have you noticed? Lately, Finnian and Liliana seem

paused, then resumed typing, her eyes on the screen. "Weren't they always joined at the hip? How much closer could they

the extra mile for Liliana these past few days. You haven't noticed him

that Finnian took better care of Liliana than I take care of you?" Amara recalled, her chest tightening for a split second as she remembered Louis' teasing words that had

Liliana just have a miscarriage? She's

"True enough."

Amara's expression, only relaxing when he saw no trace of

to sound offhand. "If you want, after it's

mid-sip

water all over her keyboard, Grabbing a

she wiped the

you talking about? Why would I put your name down? How are

want to marry

and drawled, "Who says I want

if I have a

rolled her eyes.

of being a single dad

rapped him on the