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.

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"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

Ms. Knott once not long ago, and it

was love at first sight for him. Since

then, he lost his appetite

his appetite and many.

nights of sleep over her. As his father, I became anxious, soove brought him here to propose."

Cóntent

After Denzel was done speaking, he clapped his hands, and the servants immediately opened the boxes.

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

The pill box, though smaller, contained dozens of bottles.

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

One had to admit, the Stonebrook family had truly gone all out. The gold coins alone amounted to 880 thousand, which was Chapter 661

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

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

When consumed by warriors, these pills significantly improved their constitution, accelerated their training speed, and even helped them break through bottlenecks.

Denzel said proudly, "Mr. Knott, are you satisfied with the Stonebrook family's betrothal gifts?"

satisfied,

agree to their

be interested in my daughter is an honor for us. How

the future title of daughter-in-law of

setting it for a year later. Martin then mentioned

strength is formidable and who is

In the southern region, there aren't many people who could cause trouble for you. Who might this person be?"

named

commoner.

many renowned doctors, none could help

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

mind, we can call off the

Camden's eyes. "I heard about

Heather. I don't mind.

understanding," Heather forced out a couple of

Sebastian seeing

it up herself, she hoped to handle the situation

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

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

him. He then tried to

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

very strong. Even my father couldn't defeat him,"

30 years old. How could

added, "As cultivators improve their skills, their lifespans increase. There are also herbs

20s, but his

is at least at the early pinnacle

is definitely well

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

Camden's engagement spread quickly, surprising

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

Heather had a decent status as the daughter of Holton's Knott Estate,

on par with the daughters of the four great families, her looks

test showed her potential at five

with boundless potential and unimaginable future

talent compensated

women felt envious and even jealous of Heather. After all, becoming the Stonebrook family's

those who secretly admired Heather, were equally disheartened, with their

mind. Though Heather was beautiful, her cruelty overshadowed everything else; he wouldn't want her even if she was

invested in a vast amount of herbs

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

wanted to stockpile pills now to boost the cultivation

to rest. One day, after finishing his pill refinement session, Hendrick came to

and Camden are getting engaged tomorrow at Knott Estate.

One of them is for me, I assume?"

"Yes, you're

than an

"Mr. Wilder, are you

go, wouldn't I

I think it's best if you don't go. Martin and Heather both hate you to the core and

agreement. "My father is right. You mustn't go. Otherwise,

walking right

clowns. There's nothing to fear," Sebastian

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

Hendrick warned.

to .net

unmoved. "I appreciate your concern,

They're not worth worrying

leave me alone, fine. If they dare provoke me,

ie

the Stonebrook family is one of the four major families in the

Wilder, please listen to

they'll cook up something else

better to confront them sooner rather

of Knott Estate, a woman suddenly

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

need from me?" Sebastian asked. "Are you heading to

Sebastian nodded.

you at the banquet. Going there now is like walking

just to tell me

you and thought I'd give you a friendly warning,"

you to care so much about me.

dreaming." Kaitlyn scoffed and turned

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

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

mind is made up. No more advice, please," Sebastian said

daughter both sighed and shook their heads, thinking Sebastian was marching to his

the atmosphere was festive and

respect by sending Korbin and his daughter to personally attend

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

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

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

Sebastian.

been keeping tabs on Sebastian's movements, and his

at that moment, "Mr. Camden, Sebastian

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

able

in satisfaction. "By the

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

nodded again in

that moment, Sebastian and his companions

here?" Korbin exclaimed in surprise when he

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

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

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

you've come today, don't expect to

wore a mocking smile. "Brat, today next year will be your

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

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

Camden sneered. "I invited you here just to kill

came to congratulate

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

Hendrick and Abigail, only Kaitlyn seemed

and said, "Today is your engagement party. Killing someone might bring bad luck, don't

about such things. If you want to live today, the

Sebastian laughed and his smile was

are you laughing at, you

really don't get it. There are so many good women out there. Why on earth did you choose someone as despicable as

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

it. This guy

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

the Stonebrooks' third elder, Trey Stonebrrok, and seventh elder, Septimus Stonebrook stood up. They were looking ready to strike Sebastian down

get angry just yet. Hear me out. I was simply speaking the truth. You don't know how

practicing an

cultivation technique, one that

energy to enhance

One day,

into her room, and

"Shut up!"

pale and quickly interrupted Sebastian while snapping, "Stop spouting nonsense and tarnishing

slandering Heather on purpose. You can't believe a word

believe him. This

do you

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

He's just upset that I broke off the engagement

and said, "Don't worry. No

she drugged me that day, I couldn't resist and ended up sleeping with her. But what I didn't expect was that she was using an evil cultivation technique to absorb my essence and even my

right in front of

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

making it all up! Even if an examination proves my innocence,

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

uneasy under his gaze. Doubts crept into

ordered coldly. Whether Sebastian was telling the truth or

Camden planned to verify everything as soon as the engagement

felt as vast and overwhelming as

Just the aura alone is enough to make me almost suffocate. This

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

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

mockingly and said, "Camden, I originally thought you had some

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

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 by now,

However, Heather's reaction

everyone stunned. Upon

tricked, Heather

I'll cut

fool, and he was infuriated

family was one of the four major families of

middle-stage divine grandmaster. His power was truly

released aura alone made it

But there was little they could do; they were powerless to

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' arm shattered

out a pained

Sebastian chased him

"What?"

was utterly stunned. A powerful middle- stage divine grandmaster like

was beyond

most shocked. Not long ago,

Sebastian was just an ordinary person, perhaps at most a warrior. After all, if he were a grandmaster or divine grandmaster, why would

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

from the Stonebrook family! If you dare to kill him, you

approached Sebastian, his eyes filled with murderous

do me a favor? I'll have

her face was hidden, she had

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

Gardner Astong asterele Monet

breaks both

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

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

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

some death trap. Why shouldn't

your strength was so formidable, but

Stonebrook family

breaking your hands

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

in the habit

know it's hard to

five miserably than

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

was a fate worse than death. Rather than living worse than a

slim, at least

"Septimus!"

of the Stonebrook

seething with rage as he shouted, "Sebastian

won't be satisfied until

his cultivation for

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

forward, his presence intensified. Every footfall left a

truly unfathomable. He's probably

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

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

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Camden shouted, tossing

sword and immediately drew it from its

blade resonated through the air, unleashing a

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

Godslayer Blade

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

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

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

magical artifact, said to be a top-tier weapon that could slice through iron like it

Sebastian, empty-handed-what chancChapter

eyes, unable

who had taken her virginity, but after calming down

it to be Sebastian. At least Sebastian was young and handsome, and he

bit more, she even started to develop some feelings for him. This was why she would always instinctively step in whenever he was in danger—she simply didn't want to see him

strength far

felt completely powerless. The ones trying to kill Sebastian were the Stonebrook family. Not even her

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

within a few miles surged violently, creating an

with weaker cultivation slumped to the ground

to capture Sebastian alive, so

Sebastian suddenly moved, reaching out to

death!" Trey sneered, his expression filled with cruelty. To try and stop the Godslayer Blade technique with one's bare hand was

with Sebastian's palm. However, instead of the expected sight of blood and mangled flesh, the sword stopped

"How is this possible?"

Everyone present was equally stunned as they

This is insane!" "What level

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

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

if he was jolted

while nodding in satisfaction. "This sword is not bad. From

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

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

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

both afraid and angry. "Sebastian, I'm warning you. I'm the heir to the Stonebrook family. Do

imagine. They are filled with masters of unparalleled skill. My future father-in-law is one of the top experts

two really are made for each

are you calling idiots? You're the idiot! Your whole family

sneered. "You're about to die, yet you still dare to shout

You really plan to kill us?"

afraid as he said, "Sebastian, if you dare to kill me, our family will never let you go. Not just you, but everyone you care about will pay with their

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 them out. If your entire

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

one could believe how brazen Sebastian was,

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

"You truly are full of yourself! Our family has stood strong for over a thousand years, with

think you can fight us alone? Hand over the Godslayer Blade technique and come to my house to admit your

end up in a grave, you won't be around to see

dare!"

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

looked at him with disdain. He took a step forward, releasing an

everyone present. Those below grandmaster level collapsed to

struggled to remain standing,

him!" Camden

they had no choice but to

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

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

Stonebrook family had been wiped out

The

was terrifying.

collapsed to the ground, and her face

Heather. He grabbed

leapt into the air, attempting to escape.Chapter

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

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

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

Nathaniel turned away did Elodie finally breathe. Relief spread through

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

child, the

posture unexpectedly shy. "Thank you," she murmured, sincerity

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

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

a hand into the miniature pocket of his blazer and drew out a sleek matte card. Holding it up, he added, "Every outfit you brought me earlier, I'll

a clap of thunder. Jaws

at well over ten thousand, yet this child intended

uncertainty flickering across her eyes as she sought Nathaniel's

was still a minor. A purchase of this scale required his guardian's word. Nathaniel gave a single, calm nod. "Wrap

not understand why Jonathan wanted an entire rack of adult clothing, yet he trusted the

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

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

the showroom, the other employees watched, envy shining

the down payment on a new

more.

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

Ivy guided

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

over eight million." s

never have taken a job at

said, firm as bedrock.

flicked to Nathaniel. When he offered no objection,

in disbelief. The wealthy, it seemed, spent

the card with both hands,

Ivy, I truly appreciate everything

finally set the

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

it on to whatever

in wonder, then alarm. A quick shake of her head sent her ponytail swishing across her shoulders. "Oh, no, I can't, really It's far too expensive," she blurted, hands rising like a pair

apairof

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

had delivered

arms loaded with crisp shirts, tailored trousers, and ribbon-tied shopping bags that

enough to reach his thigh, and asked, "What business

Ms. Kennedy wanted me to pop in and pick out a few outfits

his own mind. Dad hardly knows Ms. Kennedy, and Mom's best friend would never check

expression unreadable. "Your Ms.

chest. Vivian remembers to buy clothes for Zachary, but

like a sky before

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

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

like

would never delegate

sharpened. "You've figured something out, haven't

Jonathan blinked,

quiet breath. “When it comes to social-grade lying, you're still rough around the

hadn't expected to be exposed so fast, and the realization sent

a theatrical sigh. “Are you feeling unhappy?” he asked, dark lashes lifting so his wide eyes could

a civil smile. "Why would I be?" he

That proves she doesn't value you," Jon

mouth opened, then snapped shut.Am I showing it that

his throat. “And exactly where did you pick up on

face, Dad.” Jon shrugged as if stating

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

when the restroom door stayed shut

hard, she went searching

belongs to s

in the corridor, she almost collided with

arms loaded with shopping bags bulging with new

have you two been? And what on

inspecting the

said smoothly.

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

been nice. I was

Jonathan gaped, utterly bewildered. When

Jonathan a pointed look.

carrying the

I guess I've been skimping on

understood what was happening, concern flooded her eyes. She slipped an arm around Jonathan's small shoulders and drew him into a full- bodied embrace that smelled of

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

Only a woman who has carried a child, nursed him through colic

rush to his cheeks until

imagining

ages since Cecilia had

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

model child, obedient, courteous, eager to spare adults

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

it with earnest gravity, the way surgeons announce

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

Mommy, I don't need them,” he whispered, the words nearly swallowed by the flush covering his

soft with pity for the boy and a glimmer of amused apology for the mess he had

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

at the gate like a summoned genie, parcel in hand. Cecilia placed the small box into Jonathan's

embarrassed. If you're not sure how to use them, I will help

plastic-wrapped suppositories, despair dropping like a

Cecilia anywhere near this particular battlefield.

can manage on

She ruffled his hair, every gesture brimming with pride that only made

him. So young, already forced to endure the stubborn ache of constipation. If it lasted, a

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

"Okay."

contraband and bolted down the hallway toward

He watched his brother's retreating and, though he didn't quite know why, felt sweat break

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

stare. "Don't tease

against his chest, trying to calm the little jolt of surprise inside. "Jon is really kind of

the subject with an exaggerated burst of cheer, Cecilia clapped her hands. “Come on," she said, "let's try the

to take tons of super-cool photos of

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

ended, she pinged the

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

take root, she sent them daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the boys chasing

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

little, life seemed to find

and the children be able to come

Cecilia now belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were pulled toward her

We'll come right after the New Year

and I will prepare every

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

the final outfit change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed

room fell into a rare hush, holding only Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the distant tick of a

eyelids drooping, intent on stealing five minutes of calm when Nathaniel suddenly

"Ceci."

in surprise. "What

all we're doing

don't follow. What do you

Nathaniel's eyes.

read the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming, evident

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

took a single step closer, the scent of cedar from his freshly pressed

she could speak

arms swept out

swift, possessive motion,

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

have to

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

across Cecilia's face. Her blush

me go! If Elliot or Jonathan

her hair as if the

holding each other? They're not babies anymore. They should understand," he

muttered, "Not babies? They're

own," Nathaniel replied, the words low,

amazement slipping past her irritation. "You left the

Let's arrange for

Besides, Elliot's just regained his health,

As for Jonathan, let him stay

hand, the pad of his finger brushing

"Hmm?"

to 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

then did it click. Her proud, composed husband was jealous of

she could suppress it. "Of course, the kids

darkened, a storm gathering behind

down the hallway, bare feet whispering across the

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

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

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

no match for his effortless strength. With a gentle shove, he slipped inside, scooped her up again, and kicked the door shut behind

latch clicked, the deadbolt turned, and darkness enveloped the

against the windows, but inside,

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

less than an inch away. She could count

a finger over that faint roughness, then lower to the soft curve

Nathaniel's brows twitched.

eyes fluttered open, hazy with

awake?” he murmured, drawing her even closer until her breath mingled

came out in a

eyes again, and sighed. "Stay. Just a little longer." "It's already

promised her best friends a full

tightened his arms and mumbled, "Give me a few more minutes. Keep me

how clingy he could be, warmth

this attached? I

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

and ruffled his hair, dark strands springing up

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

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

her head. "That's

you buying?” he asked,

for Mom, and something nice

else?” His tone carried a note of

"Nope."

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

He gently pried her fingers loose, voice

just hates it when I leave too quickly.

Nathaniel lay staring at the ceiling until the silence

padded through quiet hallways,

1.

Elena had spirited Jon and Elliot off

the Dunce! You can say 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 foolish you

think the Wolfsbane family had any chance

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

went pale, then burned red. He spun

the table. Her face darkened with fury and humiliation. Her own kin had

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

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

this one had

last one of you! From this moment on, Sofina

The room fell silent.

she said. "I'll

flashing Beatrix a smug

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

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

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

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

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

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

being realistic-you're being a coward. You've already surrendered before the fight even started.

Envious?" she snapped. "You're a fool if you think any of this will

room. "Then let's make this interesting.

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

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

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

back with a half-smile. "Then

too! If I win,

his gaze on her, raising a

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

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

really digging your own

in too," Felicia said. "If you

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

already recorded the bet and sent the document

"I like it when

them. She couldn't care

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

roared. "Sofina, you have three days to negotiate and close the deal. That's

out the window. "You really think Grandma

"Trust?

look. "That's supposed to

"If you want comfort, talk to someone who

grinned. "Hey, at least I bet on

really think

who's got guts and who's got

crossed her arms. "And

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

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

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

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

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

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

can."

at him. "You really

than okay. It's a sign, Sofina. We're on our way up. And when this is over, maybe

anxious, half amused. "I wish I

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

the Eden Group's towering headquarters, its glass walls

me luck," Sofina whispered as the car touched

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

QUMS

nerves eased. She wished she could carry that same unshakable optimism

the shadow of the two-hundred-story tower and felt something

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

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

the challenge in front of the whole

by nobles from Winchester: barons, viscounts, and counts, all dressed in tailored suits and guarded

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

Group. The sight said

all every one

of them was hono

same thing: a coffaboration with

on earth are you doing here?" a

Heinrich standing

tightened the way a judge's did before

sentence.

could you let her walk in here?" Heinrich bowed his head like a man forced to swallow bile. "I'm sorry, Katarina. I tried. I truly did. I don't understand how she keeps turning up. I'll make her leave." He pushed forward and grabbed Sofina's wrist in a rough. "You're here

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

a security drone glided into

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

me the

around Sofina's arm, dragging her down

on his gloves,

floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers. He

her pick

Heinrich. No matter what I say, he just slips back

he hurt you?" Alex asked, gently lifting her chin, checking for

nothing serious,"

"You know, you don't need to print everything. The digital files

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

hand brushed his chest. "The same way I

"You really are

like I was more than data in a file. You made me

they walked back through the glass corridor of

a voice cracked

I told you to stay away

The color drained

that still

vanish overnight. Her body tensed, eyes flickering, as if

placing himself

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

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

not

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

give him anything. He brings trouble." Heinrich's eyes found

extending a hand. "Mr. Schiller. What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We'd

came here to join, yes. But somebody in your

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

said coldly. "That's the man. Your gardener. He insulted

furrowed. "I've never

of them—same as↑ don't know everyone here. And if I wasnt officially registered, the security

"You seem to forget your

fire you anytime I want. Now,

and beg for

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

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

if he's not

deserves your respect. You're nothing compared

shaking his

if you

darkly. "Come on, Alex. We've known each other a long time. Just

"How about this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows, then maybe I'll let you stay in

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

gardener trying to stand up

gardener's got a name. You know who

"Who?" someone asked.

"Alex-the dunce himself."

mistake of Winchester? No wonder he's

smirked and turned

you've been desperate for my

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

and I

around Alex's arm, her knuckles

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

I'll have the

nothing outcasts. And you know

s

forward, but Sofina grabbed him tighter and shook her

steady. "Let

searching her face. She met

Sofina stepped forward alone.Chapter

"You hit me, bitch-" He spat the word like

curse.

do you think

Eden Group! Security robot - fetch her, give her twenty

Heinrich upright, supporting him with a

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

every syllable a command. "Give her what

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

who'll get

"Security — attend. Punish this

head. "I

began to

dare she hit Heinrich,"

know Heinrich's the

her!" another

ID scan, threat assessment, authorization check. Its lenses

system flagged a threat to

the room expected-Eve, the household

her into his network bridge so she could talk

Any device that touched Sofina reported to Eve first-she

"Override the previous command. Secure Dietrich and

optical sensors

it into Dietrich's chest. The shock

robot drew an electric whip from a

and dark lines of blood followed. Dietrich's shout cut the air. "Stop!

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

already the most advanced," someone muttered,

ripple of confusion moved

robot didn't stop until Dietrich had

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

mind struggling to catch up with the chaos unraveling around

He wiped the blood

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

toward her, his hand swinging through the

wasn't the first time. Heinrich had struck Sofina before-over

not because she was weak, but because

closed on Heinrich and seized his arm. "Find someone your

slave — let go of

a hard lid. The government cameras

screamed like an animal, pain folding him

at a hand that felt as if

How dare you let me go!" Heinrich gasped, tears

like a storm breaking loose. Her heels struck the marble floor with sharp

-

just finished presenting their offer - a bid to replace the Krugers, who'd been kicked

become the next family

they were

Eden that Heinrich would cooperate if

the polished calm of

Heinrich down, and Heinrich

went white with fury. She stormed over and slapped Alex hard. "You half-slave!" she

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

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

true?" Katarina asked

Sofina. She hit my nose."

You're not a noble. You're a coward wearing someone else's name. Sue a noble

real power. The law bent for

a noble, the punishment could be death. If

often than not, the blame settled on

law protected

a commoner, most people just

— power didn't

turned her sharp

attention. Well, you've got it. I think that's enough.

divorce

have to

Claire family. When im done with Heinrich, if you behave yourself, I'll let you marry

disbelief hardening his face.

That everyone just

like that, Alex!" Katarina snapped. "It's 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

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

shouted. "Kneel! Now!" Katarina's voice cracked with

discovered something she

him.

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

Heinrich, everything was

this moment. He didn't want

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

him, fierce and cold, while his other

told you to stop, Alex," Katarina said, every word

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

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

face. The slap cracked through the hall like a

a flash of tears she fought to hide, gripping him with a desperation that made her fingers

command you

bitch!"

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

it

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

She had been treated

the whispers

the Rosenheim title was bought

barony by stabbing their own marquis, the

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

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

forward, eager to prove their loyalty. They moved

could raise a hand, a silver Eden security robot glided between them, its mechanical voice

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

flashed. The would-be attackers jerked, their muscles seized, and they dropped hard to the floor, wracked

No violence," the security unit repeated.

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

Sofina grabbed Alex's hand.

out of here," she said, pulling him

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

me your body, to destroy yourself for me!

rituals, hollow vows, or

could answer, another android glided up

is your scheduled interview for the collaboration. Please proceed to Meeting Room 01. I can

hand. “Go,” he

about you?" she

garden. Only workers and authorized personnel can access it. These people won't be able to

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

in

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

blinked. "Miss Von Adler?

She's

nodded, still dazed, and followed

Group headquarters. Her thoughts

Marlena Von Adler-the most powerful

family. She wasn't supposed to

It didn't make sense.

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

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

hand. "I'm Marlena Von Adler, chairman of Eden Group. It's a

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

trembled slightly as she answered, but she kept her

met

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

we work

never disappoint."

to .net

Marlena a neat folder. "This is the Wolfsbane Group

take a look."

smiled—a calm, knowing smile and took the

few pages, then closed

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

You mean... it's

out.

She had spent

possible question, expecting a long negotiation. And yet

in seconds.

back, her expression unreadable but

Though I'll be honest," she said, "the Wolfsbane Group doesn't fully meet our usual standards. But our founder hold's your very nigh regard. He personally requested this partnership be offered to

caught. "Your founder?" she asked, her voice

know

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

Sofina blinked, unsure if

You'll understand when the

in you. He believes in you. And

Alex had instructed her

Scheinwald, according to your

right," she said, her voice small.

head. "Oh no," she said easily.

slightly. "What do you

me to increase the contract value," Marlena said

set at

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

repeated, barely believing it.

a crisp contract, and

"We've already drafted the agreement-one hundred million dollars in total. If you have no objections, we can

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

in Winchester-had not oChapter

cane and brought it down hard on Finnian's back. "I forbid you from seeing her! If you dare bring that woman home as

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

intervene, but Mr. Everly wouldn't listen. He kept shouting, "I'll beat you to death!" and from the look in

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

and gasping for breath, his shoulders

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

her a long, searching look, then turned and walked

seemed to collapse into grief. He clutched Amara's hand, his voice breaking. "Ama, Finnian's out of his mind. Can't

to fall as he squeezed her hand, his heartbreak

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

never told you, but I think you need

"What is it?"

Qu

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, I would never choose someone like him."

nearly said outright that she had no

listened, utterly exhausted, guilt weighing on

for not

l.ne

fault. After all the ways Finnian had treated her, how could she possibly like him? For years, it

I need to lie down for a

"Rest well, Grandpa.

no hope for Amara and Finnian? He really did care for her, and he'd always

deeply, no longer wanting to dwell on it, and finally closed

the living room. He'd changed his shirt, and his wounds

Chapter 365

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at him briefly before looking away,

Finnian spoke up.

"That's not necessary-"

you," he added quickly, sensing her

rest between them. She nodded, walked out to his

this can't be real," she

grandmother, who had dreamed of

it would come with such generosity.

been given a

hands shook slightly as she looked up

and awe.

you,” she whispered. "Thank you so

a performance. He was arrogant, restless, and never

the best way - a man who

that warmth felt like standing in an

crisis, she thought bitterly. It's

— the empty mornings, the silence at dinner, the

out of pride instead

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

my attention Start kneeling, sweetheart. Maybe I'let your husband keep his job. And if you take off your clothes while you're at it, might even forgive the 'trauma' you

moment,

Sofina smiled. Not

blink, her fist shot forward and

landed square on his nose with

splattered. Heinrich stumbled back, clutching

the crowd gasped.

u are."

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

Now get out of Katarina's sight you're fucking pathetic and irritating."

her toward the entrance like a man

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

over."

through the glass doors. Sofina hit the ground, landing on her backside as the folder burst open, papers scattering across

just make sure you take care

up together. What mattered was that she could finally pull herself out of the

back. A few days later, Liliana set the internet ablaze

house. Liliana's arm

could tell he was

have you." It looked

did it feel

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 evidence

Everly Group didn't issue a statement, they didn't try to take down Liliana's post either. Their silence was approval enough-everyone understood now

and Liliana was suddenly flooded with messages,

flocked around her, eager to curry favor.

ages since she'd been the center of attention like this. Maintaining her graceful smile, Liliana

?

saying she'd forced Finnian to stay by her side with her life on the line. Now, with

But so what?

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

I heard you had a rough time

another few days recovering at home. Now he was back on his feet,

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

well and get

with her, and they'd even had dinner together a few times He'd always genuinely approved

Liliana, Hogan had been the

tell-she was a master at hiding her emotions. Even if she was

meaningless exchanges, he cut the conversation short. "I'm heading

a moment. This was the first time Hogan hadn't called her "sis- in-law." She couldn't

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

dressing room, his brow furrowed, thoughts tangled

Amara coming down

face, but every time he ran into her unexpectedly, her

out, "You know Finnian and Liliana are officially

up. "Weren't they already together for ages?"

her, but Amara cut him off. "Does it

He frowned, frustrated.

though Liliana had once "been pregnant" with Finnian's child, they'd never actually been a couple. All that intimacy had been just an act

anything left between them He'd wanted to explain this to Amara, but she hadn't let him

child anymore, suggested things had changed between

Hogan dropped the explanation and just asked what he actually wanted to know: "Nothing, really. Aren't you

the real reason

looked puzzled. "Why would I

yes, the news had stung at first. But she'd already

face carefully. She didn't look like she was lying. His frown deepened. "You

answered without hesitation.Chapter

made Liliana clench her fists, her eyes darkening with

Everyone's workload had doubled or even tripled, but no one complained.

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

strolled in like he owned the place, flopping

"Have you noticed? Lately, Finnian and

then resumed typing, her eyes on the screen. "Weren't they

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

Amara recalled, her chest

Didn't Liliana just have a miscarriage? She's been through

"True enough."

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

do about the baby?" he asked, trying to sound offhand. "If you want, after it's born, you could put

mid-sip and

splattering water all over her keyboard, Grabbing a

she wiped the keys

I put your name down? How are

I want to marry you, Keith

drawled, "Who says I

if I have a kid on

rolled her eyes. As far

the stigma of being a single dad and had come up with this harebrained

and rapped him on the head.

let out a sigh as she looked at him, then walked over and rested her hand on his shoulder. “I know you've always worried about me," she said, her voice light, "but there's really no need. I've got looks, I've got money, and honestly,

her-Elysia with her warm, attentive gestures, Keith with his gruff but steadfast support. The difference, Amara figured, came down to gender more than

Keith's suggestion tonight had completely blindsided her, she could still sense his good intentions and, in a way, found it

Keith realized she was still utterly clueless. He sighed, clearly giving up hope

rapped his knuckles lightly against her forehead. "Alright, alright, have it your

noted. Now go do your job already." Amara gave him a

was working overtime that night. It was nearly ten, but there was still one more scene to shoot-an important one, at that: the first kiss between the

it was such a key moment, Amara brought her laptop and went outside to watch from behind the camera. Keith and Liliana were already in position, standing in front

he finished, the two actors took a step apart, and Cedric moved behind the camera to adjust

about to call "action,"

Cedric asked, thrown

think we should fake the kiss-use

fell

standard, but usually it was the actress who requested it. Having the male lead bring up

scenes, and in the past, she'd always been the one to request the camera trick. This time, with Keith

would only look worse. She curved her lips into a teasing smile. "What's up with you,

shot a glance at Amara and covered her mouth as she laughed. "You two

furrowed immediately, her

knew she shouldn't be interfering on set, but the last thing she wanted was for people to get

her rooted to the spot. Sensing the awkwardness, a crew member-someone

over.

remember Keith did a kissing scene before, didn't he? Must've been back when he first started out. He didn't seem to care much about that sort

and she quietly let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd

at the corner of his mouth, he shot back, "That's not it. I

silence that

Keith upending the board

balled into fists at her sides.

ever so openly ruthless. Most played it safe-after all, today's golden child could be tomorrow's nobody, and vice versa. You learned to leave people a little

of dignity. Was he really trying to burn this bridge for

room grew tense, Amara finally spoke up. She shot Keith a cool glance and said, "Enough. Let's get this scene over with. Everyone's

in an instant.

difference in his tone when he spoke to Amara was so stark it

a little after midnight when

entrance, as if searching for someone but the place was deserted. He quickly masked any sign of curiosity

noticed Finnian's fleeting glance. Who had

unease, and forced a smile. "Finn, something happened on set today. We were supposed to film a kissing scene, but Keith insisted on using a camera it he kept glancing

And

it's pretty obvious-he likes her.

Liliana deftly steered the conversation elsewhere, though she was certain her words would linger in Finnian's mind.Chapter

handed his coat to a maid at the door and was just about to

way, then quickly looked

called out

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